carFax shows Title Issued 3 times?

[CyberFyber]

Hello all. I've been checking out a CarFax report on this one car I've my heart set on.

The car's year is 1995, with the first title issued on '97.

BUT, it then shows the title again being issued twice in 2002. Is this what is mean't by rebuilding a title?

Also, apart from the possibility of having been in an accident or something, could it simply be that the owner lost the title that year and had to get a replacement?

Any suggestions?

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by CyberFyber

Hello all. I've been checking out a CarFax report on this one car I've my heart set on.

The car's year is 1995, with the first title issued on '97.

BUT, it then shows the title again being issued twice in 2002. Is this what is mean't by rebuilding a title?

Also, apart from the possibility of having been in an accident or something, could it simply be that the owner lost the title that year and had to get a replacement?

Any suggestions?

A rebuilt title is after a car is concidered a total value loss (the car is totaled). When insurence totals a car and the owner agrees to it, the insurence gives the owner money and takes the car. They then auction it at the insurence auction. The new person buys the totaled car, and fixes it up (some these fixed car be shoddy, just enough to make it look good). After it is fixed, they get a niew titled issues for it from DMV. This is a "rebuilt" title, since the first car title and the car where "totaled." The vehicle was "rebuilt" so to speak.

I don't know, this is just a possiblity. I read in big consumer reports magazine about "title washing." After a car has been totaled and has a rebuilt title issued, different states have different marking on the title to show it's "rebuit." Some have a different boarder, some say rebuilt, others simply add an "r" at the end of the title number. Title washing is wear they take the car after it has a rebuilt title and get a title in a state with less stringent identification marking on the title.

For an example, maybe let's say their state has a red boarder on all rebuilt titles. The person takes the car and the rebuilt title, gets a title for it in a state that only adds an "r" to the end as an identifying mark. When they bring it back then to their home state, this little idenifying mark, the only one and only way to tell, might be missed by the DMV when issuing the new title. They may mistakably issue a clean title to the vehicle. The title has now been "washed." For this to be the case, the 2 titles would be issued in seperate states. I doubt this is the case, but you never know.

I am not saying this occured, but that is a reason sometimes titles are issued close like that. Maybe it was sold as a trade in to a dealership (the title changes to then), then when they sold it, the title changes a second time in that year to the new onwer.

[CyberFyber]

Thanks for the reply. I Will then ask the owner about this.

Everything on the CarFax report seems to indicate it all as being squeaky clean with most likely one single owner and with a mere 54k mileage (all records in the same state).

I'd ridden it w/the owner this morning and I'm in love. It actually looks new. Something his wife just never made much use of, according to him.

Tomorrow, will take it for another spin and lookover with a relative who's also a do-it yourself mechanic with many years of experience.

'wish me luck, & thanks again!

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by CyberFyber

Thanks for the reply. I Will then ask the owner about this.

Everything on the CarFax report seems to indicate it all as being squeaky clean with most likely one single owner and with a mere 54k mileage (all records in the same state).

I'd ridden it w/the owner this morning and I'm in love. It actually looks new. Something his wife just never made much use of, according to him.

Tomorrow, will take it for another spin and lookover with a relative who's also a do-it yourself mechanic with many years of experience.

'wish me luck, & thanks again!

Good luck with whatever you do. If you know any good autobody people, you coul dhave him look it over. They might be able to see and catch small things with the body that we would probably miss. Anyways, good luck with buying the car.

[MunG35]

jus for my curiosity.. what car is it?

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by MunG35

jus for my curiosity.. what car is it?

You know, now that you mention it, I forgot to ask what car it was.I too am curious as to what it is.

[MunG35]

*crickets chirp*

[YogsVR4]

My curiosity is piqued as well.

[CyberFyber]

hehehe....actually I've been waiting for my paranoia to pass before mentioning anything. That is, being sure that all is fine despite how sure everything seems. ya know?

Anyhow, I purchased the car yesterday and am so tuckered out from running around since yesterday morning (DMV= 4hours, Insurance= 2 hours, purchasing car and all other things) and yet my adrenaline keeps me from sleeping. Didn't realise how much of a responsibility this is 'till I was broke and tired as of today. 'and yet there's still so much more to do.

The car I got is a '95 Suzuki sidekick. Will post a pic eventually. I'm quite pleased with it and everyone I know who knows anything about cars says that it was a once in a lifetime buy.

Thanks again to all who've advised me as well as those I've PM'd for added advice who've tried their best with info.

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by CyberFyber

hehehe....actually I've been waiting for my paranoia to pass before mentioning anything. That is, being sure that all is fine despite how sure everything seems. ya know?

Anyhow, I purchased the car yesterday and am so tuckered out from running around since yesterday morning (DMV= 4hours, Insurance= 2 hours, purchasing car and all other things) and yet my adrenaline keeps me from sleeping. Didn't realise how much of a responsibility this is 'till I was broke and tired as of today. 'and yet there's still so much more to do.

The car I got is a '95 Suzuki sidekick. Will post a pic eventually. I'm quite pleased with it and everyone I know who knows anything about cars says that it was a once in a lifetime buy.

Thanks again to all who've advised me as well as those I've PM'd for added advice who've tried their best with info.

Well, I hope the car works out well for you.