What Kind of Cars Are Considered Salvage Vehicles?
2 Answers
A car is referred to as a salvage vehicle if its body frame has been damaged due to an accident. The car body consists of the body frame and exterior panels. After removing all the exterior panels, what remains is the body frame. The exterior panels include the front fenders, engine hood, front and rear bumpers, doors, and trunk lid. Since the roof and rear fenders are welded to the body frame, they are also considered part of the body frame. The body frame serves as the foundation for installing all components of a car and plays a crucial role in protecting passengers during an accident. Therefore, cars with damaged body frames should not be purchased. If only the exterior panels of the car are damaged due to an accident, it is not classified as a salvage vehicle. This is because exterior panels do not affect safety; they primarily serve aesthetic purposes and help direct airflow. Exterior panels are attached to the body frame with screws, meaning they can be individually removed and replaced if damaged.
As a seasoned car enthusiast who has driven many vehicles, I can tell you that a salvage title car refers to one that has been involved in major collisions, rollovers, or other severe accidents. Though they may look pristine after repairs, their structural integrity could be compromised. If critical components like the frame or pillars are deformed, it can significantly impact the overall rigidity and safety of the car. For instance, once when helping a friend inspect a used car, the exterior paint appeared flawless, but the frame alignment was off. A check of the vehicle history report revealed it was an insurance-totaled salvage vehicle—cosmetically repaired but structurally unsound. At high speeds, such hidden damage could lead to airbag or brake system failures. Always request maintenance records from the seller or run a CARFAX report before purchasing. Don’t judge by appearances alone; investing extra time in inspections can prevent major headaches down the road. Salvage cars also depreciate rapidly, are harder to resell, and offer poor investment returns.
