Title

[damaxima]

Just received my title from dealer to find out that my 98 740il was reincarnated from salvage is there anything I can do or is this legal , I paid for a clean title at top dollar , any input ?

[redpicker]

Title requirements and legal issues vary from state to state. You need to talk to a lawyer who is familar with the laws in your state to find out what is legal and what recourse, if any, you have.

rp

[2000bmwe38]

Did you check the carfax before you bought?

Did the previous owner ever state to you if it was a clean title?

If both those questions are NO then you might be screwed since its a used car, only new cars have warranties and even then some cars have been wrecked but you would never know if it didn't go through an insurance company

Good luck, but its gonna be your word against the previous owner unless he signed paperwork that stated it was a clean title

[damaxima]

No I didn't check , don't get me wrong I've had no issues with the car and everything runs great and the car is solid inside and out I just hate the fact of being betrayed

[Drake]

I think you would have a case. I think it can be expected that you will get a clean title from a dealer unless they state otherwise. I would talk to the dealer, and if you don't get anywhere talk to your attorney.

[darkstarmedia]

Many states have specific disclosure rules. I'd consult an atty first. it'd be worth the $100.

Richard

[2000bmwe38]

Oddly enough I was watching court tv a week ago and this was the case, the buyer lost because by law a used car comes with no gaurantees about anything unless its stated

[TxDarth]

I believe the one exception is they must disclose flood damage if car was in the water.......

[damaxima]

Thanks guys

[2000bmwe38]

good luck and let us know what happens

[redpicker]

Just popped in to add that even the definition of a "salvage title" can vary from state to state. For these cars, needing a new transmission can result in a "salvage title" in some states, depending on why the transmission needs replacing.

At the very least, you should get a CarFax report on the vehicle. It may give an indication why the vehicle was given a salvage title. I think you can get one for $25.

Then, if you paid anything close to Kelly Blue Book "good" condition price for the vehicle, I'd check the bill of sale to be sure it did not indicate the vehicle had a salvage title. If there is nothing on the BOS, a phone call to the DVM in your county may be able to tell you what recourse you may have.

Any insurance claim made on the vehicle, should it be involved in an accident, other damage, or theft, will be reduced because of the salvage title, so just because the car drives great and you don't see any problems does not mean there isn't any issues.

Now, I am not a lawyer, I am not your lawyer, I am not licensed to practice law in your state (or any state) and this is not legal advice. If you are concerned, you need to consult a lawyer familiar with the laws in your state in order for you to make an informed decision.

rp

[En3D]

I bought a used Lexus from a dealership (not a Lexus one). During the transaction, I asked about accident history, title, etc. Dealer said no accident, clean title, etc.

Later I find that the car was in a major accident (wasn't salvaged). I called the dealership and they basically said too bad. I got a lawyer, it took awhile but I got all my money back minus the attorney fees. I still was out money (attorney fee) but I wasn't stuck with a car that I didn't buy.

Good luck.

[Mayorchuck]

In SC, car must be damaged 75% of vehicle value via accident, fire, flood, etc. Most state require disclosure at the time of sale UNLESS the title is present for you to sign at the time of the sale. If the title is present, the buyer is responsible to look over the title before signing it. If they took your money without having the title or having you sign a statement of disclosure, then you have leverage.

Personally, if I like the car, I would talk to the dealer first to see about getting back the difference between what you paid and what the 'salvage' value is. If they will not cooperate, pay a lawyer $100 to send a letter. Sometimes that's all it takes.

[amschnellsten]

It probably depends on the state but a rebuilt title is still a clean title.