I wouldn’t trust any rebuilt car. They never feel the same after major repairs.
Dallas said:
I wouldn’t trust any rebuilt car. They never feel the same after major repairs.
Yeah, once a car’s structure is damaged, even with repairs, it’s hard to feel confident in it.
Dallas said:
I wouldn’t trust any rebuilt car. They never feel the same after major repairs.
I think it depends on the details of the damage.
If the airbags deployed or there’s structural damage, it’s usually a bad idea—both for safety reasons and resale value. But minor damage? That’s a different story.
My first car was a rebuilt 2018 Mazda3 with hail damage. The title initially showed as rebuilt due to a mistake but was later cleared. It had no structural or engine issues, just some dents and a cracked windshield. I got it cheap and had no issues driving it for over 3 years, even after putting a lot of miles on it.
I eventually traded it in for more than I paid, even after an accident while I owned it. So, it really depends on the extent of the damage and the price you’re paying.
Dallas said:
I wouldn’t trust any rebuilt car. They never feel the same after major repairs.
I bought a rebuilt Honda Fit and haven’t regretted it. Aside from regular maintenance, it’s been solid. The key is knowing what kind of damage was fixed.
Can you get a detailed list of what repairs were done? Were original parts used, or were they aftermarket? Also, how many airbags were replaced?
Unless it’s at least 75% cheaper than a similar clean title car, I wouldn’t bother with a rebuilt one.
What exactly was rebuilt? Does the seller offer a warranty or guarantee on the work? If they’re not confident enough to provide that, why should you trust it?
For $13k, you could put that money toward a down payment on a certified used car from a dealership and have some peace of mind.
There are tons of rebuilt cars on the road right now, even parked next to your clean title car. My family has been driving rebuilt cars for decades, and we’ve saved thousands doing it.
If the work is done properly, a rebuilt car can be as reliable as any other. But if the repairs were sloppy, you could run into problems down the road. For us, the savings are worth it since we know what to look for and handle some of the repairs ourselves. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a smart choice if you do your homework.
The hood doesn’t even line up properly. That’s a red flag for me.
Rebuilt cars can be great deals if you’re careful. People saying ‘never touch them’ are being extreme. Cars get rebuilt all the time and can last for years. The damage here doesn’t look too bad.
Just make sure to take it to a trusted mechanic to check for frame or alignment issues. Insurance can be tricky, but I’ve never had trouble getting full coverage on rebuilt cars. Resale value will be lower, but if you’re planning to keep it long-term, it might be a smart buy.
@Amani
Exactly. Most people assume all rebuilt cars are junk, but it depends on the situation. Take it for an inspection, and if it’s done right, you’ll save a lot of money. Just don’t expect to resell it for much later.
If you know how to inspect a car or trust someone who does, rebuilt cars can be a good deal. I’m more comfortable with rebuilding one myself, but if you get it checked out and the price is right, it’s worth considering.
It’s funny how many people here trash rebuilt cars. I bet most haven’t even dealt with one before.
The insurance company decided it wasn’t worth fixing. That says a lot.
Just avoid it. Not worth the hassle.
Doesn’t look like a major accident. If the repairs are solid, rebuilt cars can be a great option. Check out auctions like Copart if you’re considering rebuilding.
Are you sure the repaired car is the same one in the accident photos?
Drew said:
Are you sure the repaired car is the same one in the accident photos?
Yes, it’s the same car.
If you really want it, get it inspected by a mechanic you trust. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what parts were used. The dashboard lights being on would make me hesitate, though. For me, I’d rather spend a bit more on a used car with no red flags.
There’s a difference between rebuilding a car for yourself and buying one someone else fixed to flip. Always approach rebuilt cars with caution.