Is It Worth Buying a Car with a Branded Title?

We’re going to come right out of the gate on this one and tell you, no, it’s not worth it to buy a car with a branded title. We know how appealing a cheap car with a branded title can be, especially if someone restored the vehicle themselves. Regardless of the cost and how well the work was done, you’re always taking a shot in the dark with a branded car title. Read on to learn more about why that low price tag might be a money pit in disguise.

What Is a Branded Title?

A branded title essentially means that a vehicle has sustained a substantial amount of damage. For this reason, most vehicles with branded titles come in at lower prices and tend to be more of a gamble. In fact, even if the vehicle was fully restored with all-new parts, the branded title remains. While it might be exciting to see a vehicle come in at a fraction of the price compared to similar vehicles, it’s often not worth the savings. This is because most vehicles get a branded title due to:
  • Being involved in major accidents
  • Flooding
  • Changes to an odometer
  • The insurance company declared it a total loss
  • The vehicle is a lemon
Unfortunately, this is only the tip of the iceberg and branded titles can have a lot of additional problems.

Potential Hidden Problems with a Branded Title

Branded titles may seem like a good buy at the time, but this is rarely the case, especially if the vehicles haven’t been properly inspected. Let’s use flooding as an example. If a vehicle has been through a saltwater flood, it doesn’t matter if parts were replaced because salt water corrodes parts five times faster than freshwater; this is horrible for rust, body panels, brake lines, and electrical components. Branded titles that have been involved in major accidents might not have a proper inspection or they may have sustained frame or engine block damages. In both cases, you’re in a world of hurt when it comes to repairs. Even subtle things, like changing the mileage of an odometer, can result in expensive repairs down the line. After all, the last thing you want is an odometer that says 100,000 when the vehicle’s true mileage is 200,000+.

Shop with Confidence at Jay Wolfe Auto Outlet

A branded car title might seem like the right move, but it rarely is. We only recommend shopping for vehicles that have been through a comprehensive inspection, especially if you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. At Jay Wolfe Auto Outlet, we thoroughly inspect every vehicle before it hits the lot, so you can rest assured that every vehicle is road-ready.