OT Salvage title

[Anonymous-0]

I recently came across a bargin I couldn't pass up. 98 mini-van, low milage, excelent condition, all the bells and whistles. Everything works good. Needless to say at the price I got it for (booked at 4000, paid 200, from police impound) I could double my money just selling the engine alone. I drove it home and couldn't beleive how nice it drives. Anyway I am considering keeping it for a family van but do not know if it is possible. I checked with the DMV and they say it needs to be inspected to get plates. I contacted the inspection station and explained how and where I got it from and they say just bring it in. No big deal. But I should get under it and make sure there are no obivous leaks / broken items. OK I did that and found a bad spot in the exgaust pipe and it would be about 140 bucks to repair (a fancy joint needs replaced). But I do not know how an@l they are going to be on the inspection. There is a very minor drip at the bell housing and some rusting on the brake lines and a pin size stone chip in the windshield. I really don't want to invest the money in the exgaust pipe if they are not going to pass it. Anyone ever take a salvage vechile for inspection before? Have any do's or don'ts or can tell me what to expect. I am in central Ohio. Thanks

 

[CJ3b_jeep]

I did this a few years ago with a truck I had rebuilt, I live in Ohio. Mostly what they were checking for was numbers matching to make sure no stolen parts were used in the rebuilding of it. They may also do a safety check, but I would not worry about the muffler or anything else.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

I have had a couple salvage title inspections here in AZ. They double checked the VIN number on several body parts, made sure the safety equipment (lights, brakes, horn, etc.) were all working properly and passed me.

How much does the inspection cost? You can always take it as-is and see if it passes. If it doesn"t ask why it didn"t pass, fix whatever is wrong and come back another day.

For your own (and others") personal safety, I would recommend fixing the rusty brake line. Depending on where the exhaust leak is, you could get fumes into the cabin and be poisoned... another safety issue.

 

[Leon R]

you should be able to get a copy of their inspection form that they complete so you can see what they are going to check. You may be able to find it on line.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Source of vehicle was police impound? That takes care of the concern about you stole it- but could need a bit more history to make sure there isn't a finance company or other insurance company with a claim, it has happened. Got a R50/2 from Chicago police after wreck, fixed with parts from various spare parts piles, got a plate, put on about 50,000 miles. Iowa recent plated moped with no previous instate title- got a couple years possible protest time for other claiment noted on title and small bond for couple years but is plated after basic safety inspection. Wisconsin had a year possible other claim noted on title on '66 Ford with '72 engine swap- passed pollution inspection and basic safety, number checks. Get the paperwork done, run your own first inspect and fix obvious, then let state inspect and title- drive it for a year or two before selling and keep track of maintenance. Maybe keep it until?? RN

 

[Anonymous-0]

You shouldn't have any problem passing inspection with the minor things you stated.

Primarily these kind of inspections are aimed at wrecked/salvage rebuilds to make certain the vehicle is structurally sound and roadworthy so that a title in the owners name can be issued.

Along the same lines they must also inspect theft recoverys, impound sales, abandoned vehicles, etc. all for the purpose of issuing a title in the new owners name.

 

[omahagreg]

Have you checked with your insurance man? I almost bought a nice salvage title Suburban this spring, but called my insurance man first-they would take my money as if it was perfect, but only pay out 25% if a claim was made against the insurance. In Nebraska at least, it appears you need to be 'self' insured (besides liability) to ever make that work. Greg

 

[Lanse]

Dang it, if only I could get that lucky with a tractor!!!

 

[Hobo,NC]

I brought a 74 Harley from the "police impound" (Cincinnati police) Took the title to the NC DMV and was issued a NC title. After I rebuild it like I wanted it I got to look'n at the title the title did not look right, vin # on the engine modified so I called the DMV, it was hotter than a firecracker. The police never ran the numbers, all they were interested in was MONEY. I spec if I had not known the DMV inspector personally are the fact that NC had issued a title for it from a OHIO title I would have been up sheet creek with out a paddle. It took a year to git it settled. After all that I got a call from OHIO DMV and Allstate want'n to know were they could pick it up. At that time i had owned the bike for 2 years with a NC custom title (bonded of course Best $50 I have ever spent). I told'em to call the Cincinnati Police department may-B they could help them figger out why they sold a Hot scooter. I also spec they would have a hard time git'n enny one from the NC DMV to admit to the screw'up.

 

[ToddLevi]

I believe someone is fibbing to you. I have been insuring previous salvage titles in Nebraska with SF for years and they don"t care once they are repaired. Alot of the theft recovery salvage titles actually bring near NADA book on IAAI and COPART auctions. The only time they are hard to insure is before they are repaired. To get the title changed to previous salvage take it to the sherrif and get it inspected just like an out of state vehicle.