Rebuild Title?

[mikemc53]

I'm pretty sure I know where this will go because I have asked this of others but, out of curiosity, has anyone ever bought a coach that had a rebuild title?

I know that rebuilds in pull-behinds are not totally uncommon but a rebuild in a class A has me wondering because to scrap out a class A would mean some considerable damage, I would assume. Just curious because I saw an ad for a really nice '99 Southwind that was loaded with decent miles and the V-10 gas engine. The price was lower than expected but not really by too much. I asked the dealer, over the phone, why and he said it had a rebuild title. Now, if it was in an accident and was totaled out it would need to have had an inspection (in Michigan anyway) to get a rebuild title. For a car it is not always a terrible way to go but a coach has a bit more to be concerned with and I doubt that any inspection takes into account the RV portion itself. I believe the inspection is much more chassis focused.

Also, I would assume that any resale down the road would meet with some real issues as might insurance coverage.

Just looking to see if anyone has ever been involved with a rebuild title coach.

Thanks gang.

[Waiter21]

Insurance shouldn't be a problem.. Resale will be more of a challenge because of the "unknown" issues a potential buyer will face, hence the lower price.


States usually require some type of VIN # verification and a safety inspection (lights and brakes) not a big deal, but another hoop to jump through.

I've bought salvage title cars before, Buyer beware.. Yo can get some good deals but you need to do homework and know exactly what your buying. I like to see photos and reports of prior damage when I'm looking.

When was the salvage title issued?? What year??

[Shawn6596]

it really wouldn't take much damage to total out a 99'. one blow out could cause enough to total it. Personally I would want detailed before and after pictures, a police report from the incident, and invoices from whoever did the repairs. with those 3 things in hand I would pay no more than 60% of book. It would have to be a smoking deal on a nice coach for me to buy a rebuild unit because you will have a hell of a time selling it. also for the next 5 years the market it going to be filled with coaches that were totaled from floods from hurricanes. Be cautious, and look for excessive rust/corrosion on the frame, bolts, and angine.

[rowekmr]

I have converted salvage titles to rebuilt ones through a state licensed rebuilder and the reason for salvage can be anything. Me personally I deal with salvage from recovered stolen vehicle (no damage) to light accident damage. Yes my body shop man scratches his head when he sees salvage title cars with less damage than the clean title cars his customers bring in but those are what I pick. This doesn't say that it can't be from extreme damage though. As one said earlier try to find reason why it was salvaged. It is was flood or water most states have that notation on the title and it doesn't go away. Try doing a google search of the VIN and you might see the listing for it at the insurance auction it might have been sold through.

[vito.a]

You will not be able to finance it and cannot purchase comprehensive insurance for it.
Bluebook says deduct 50% from wholesale value.

[Dav L]

At least in Michigan, the Salvage vehicle inspection that is required to convert a salvage title to rebuilt title is conducted by the Sheriff's department.
My friend is the Sheriff and stated that this is because the one of the major reasons that there is an inspection is to look for stolen parts used in the rebuild process. It's really not a safety inspection primarily.

So, keep your receipts of the major parts used in the rebuild process. ie: bumpers, hoods, fenders etc. The inspection will look for the VIN number in the secret locations on the frame, the transmission serial number, the engine serial number etc.