Everything You Need to Know About Salvage Title Cars

Regardless of what many say, salvage vehicles can be a worthy investment, provided you do adequate homework and bid right. You can easily buy cars, motorcycles, and even heavy duty trucks from reputable auctions. There are several aspects about salvage vehicles that first timers aren’t aware of, which may cause problem post-purchase. The blog post will primarily focus on a few basic procedures related to salvage vehicle, which you should know before initiating the buying process.

State Regulation

Auto licensing regulations may vary from one state to another, and that’s why you need to check the rules for vehicle title and registration before purchase. Some states don’t allow driving a salvage vehicle even after the removal of the title. If your state permits driving salvage vehicle after title removal, go ahead with the purchase. You need to change the salvage title to ‘reconditioned’ or ‘rebuilt’ title.

Rebuilt Title Issuing Authority

The Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV has the authority to issue a rebuilt title. As mentioned earlier, every state has different title regulations. If you live in a different state than the state where the vehicle is titled, you have to get a rebuilt title and later transfer it to your state of residence.

Vehicle History Report (VHR)

Reconfirmation of the current title status of the vehicle is important, and you can do this by obtaining a Vehicle History Report that is available online. What you need is the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to enter the information and get the report. You will find the following information on the report:

• Current title of the vehicle
• Any record of vehicle theft
• If there’s any lien on the vehicle

Besides the pointers above, a vehicle history report also provides key information about a vehicle’s past including the damage it sustained, defects, or repairs that have been carried out.

Repair and Inspection

You need to repair the vehicle to get the rebuilt title. If you add a part or replace something in the car, keep the receipts to prove that none of the parts in the car is stolen. After the car is repaired, you need to fill in the salvage title inspection report and rebuilt title form, which is available on the state website of DMV. The next step is to get in touch with an inspector after submitting the report and schedule an inspection date to figure out the vehicle’s roadworthiness.

Application

Fill out the rebuilt title application and submit it to the state DMV office with supporting documents. The documents you need to submit include your photo ID, inspection report, and repair receipts. Hope this brief guide will make your salvage vehicle purchase a seamless process.

Last Few Words

If you are planning to buy a salvage title vehicle, knowing these aspects helps in understanding the process. Subsequently, you can make an informed decision before going ahead for inspection and repair. You need to submit rebuilt title application to the state DMV office along with supporting documents including inspection report, photo ID, and repair receipts. If you, for instance, looking to participate in a car or heavy duty truck auction, learning about these procedures beforehand will help for sure.

Pontiac Solstice: A Glance at the GM’s Gem

The Pontiacs were some of the fascinating entries in the world of sports cars, and the Solstice has taken auto enthusiasm to another level. Designed by Vicki Vlachakis, this car has already secured its place in the ‘Automotive Hall of Fame,’ and is perceived as a modern collectible. As far as buyers are concerned, this four-wheeled wonder is worth your money, whether you buy it from a salvage auto auction portal or a conventional dealer. It’s a fun-to-drive car, with stunning looks, and a long list of standard features that tick all the boxes of desirability quotient. Here’s what you need to learn about the vehicle if you are planning own it. 

Versions

GXP (2007 - 2009)

General Motors introduced the GXP version of the Solstice at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January of 2006. It boasted a new 2.0 L (121.9 cu in) I4 Ecotec engine - over the base model - with a dual-scroll turbocharger that produced 260 hp (193 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m). It was the first instance when an American auto manufacturer had installed a gasoline direct injection engine in their car. The GXP Pontiac can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) under 5.5 seconds. 

Solstice Coupe (2008)

Solstice Coupe came up in 2008, a year later after GM introduced the first GXP version. The targa coupe version was launched at the New York Auto Show. This car features the same engine configurations that are found in the GXP. One of the pioneering features, which makes the overall package intriguing is that you can remove the hard roof, although it won’t fit in the trunk. Only a total of 1,266 Solstice Coupes were produced in total; however, you can own a rare roadster, if you are lucky. Perhaps, a salvage auto auction portal will be the right place to search, if you don’t find it elsewhere. 

Standard Features

The makers of the Pontiac Solstice loaded it with a wide range of features to attract buyers. Depending on the model type, you may find everything from cruise control, power windows, a Monsoon audio system, leather seats, and, of course, keyless entry. The Solstices launched in 2009 were also equipped with tire-pressure monitors, besides a new MP3-compatible AM/FM/CD radio with an auxiliary jack.

Concepts

Weekend Club Racer Concept

Can you recall the fictional character Jazz from the 2007 hit movie Transformers? Well, that character is none other than the Pontiac’s Club Racer Solstice. This speedster emulates the Dodge Viper to a large extent, especially its removable hardtop. It boasts an aggressive body, an unusually large spoiler, and an engine that delivers 325 hp. 

Solstice GXP Coupe Concept

The Solstice GXP Coupe was first introduced at the 2008 SEMA auto show. Initially launched in metallic orange, it offers 290 hp (216 KW). Like the Club Racer, it has the cat-back exhaust system, besides GM Performance Parts and race-ready suspension kit. 

SD-290 Race Concept

The SD-290 is a racer with rare looks that comes with a single seat option. Featuring a 290 hp engine, this retro racer weighs less than the above Solstice versions, thanks to the elimination of the hardware, HVAC system, and door glass/hardware, and convertible top.

Conclusion 

The Pontiac Solstice came out in several interesting versions -- coupe and convertibles. While most of them were purely designed for racing, others like the SD-290 caught attention due to their awe-inspiring looks. All in all, the Solstice, despite being discontinued is a fun ride that you’d love to display in your home’s front yard. To buy these cars, you can either try your luck at pre-owned dealerships or salvage auto auctions that offer bank repo and salvage cars for sale with low carbon footprints. 

4 Pontiac GTOs that Still Command Attention

Pontiac stopped manufacturing cars in 2010; however, the world will never forget the brand. From the Aztek and Transport to Torpedo and the De-Lux, Pontiac offered myriad car packages over the years. Talk about looks, power, or stability, it intrigued its consumers with different traits in its cars. Although the brand is officially dead now, it's charisma isn’t. That explains why people in search of unique cars often look for the Pontiacs, whether in auctions offering salvage vehicles for sale or some other place. To give tribute to the brand, we have a look at four Pontiac GTOs that we feel still command your attention. 

1. 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
The 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 was the final F-Body muscle car. Propelled by a 325 HP LS1 V8, six-speed manual, the 2002 Pontiac Trans Am boasted the new, but the last version of the “Ram Air” hood. In addition, some of the added standard features include power antenna and mirrors. The car was available in special yellow and black livery later, which you may be lucky to find in salvage vehicle auctions. 

2. 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
Though the Fiero GT didn’t really receive the attention as expected; however, it moved on to become a maverick invention of its time, given its eye-catching styling. General Motors also gave it a new suspension, as the earlier one was sluggish. The vehicle also made improvements in the four-cylinder and V6 engines. 

3. 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Those who dreamt of the Lamborghini Countach but could not afford it went for the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am around that time. After all, the car still has some unique countenance to fascinate many - especially the black and gold "Bandit" livery ones with flaming chicken vinyl on the hood. The Pontiac Firebird came with a crosshatch pattern grille with multiple trims, from the 2 door base 6- & 8-cylinder to the 2 door Trans Am w/400ci L78 8-cylinder Gold Special Edition. The vehicle was also powered with a top-line V8 that delivered a stout 220 hp. 

4. 1969 Pontiac GTO "Judge"
The “Judge” ended the first generation of the Pontiac GTOs with better styling and a powerful 400 cubic inch V8's that churns out 370 hp. The model was out with a number of matching decals, spoilers, a T-handle Hurst shifter, and wild color options, which made it one of the coolest Ponchos. Introduced against the mid-size Plymouth Road Runner, the “Judge” was more stylish than its older kindreds. 

And, there’s More!
The Pontiac is known for many other stylish and powerful machines, including some of the muscle cars in history. These cars are not only a good match for people looking to make their car collection unique but also ideal for people who need a decent preowned vehicle. As far as purchasing these cars is concerned, you have the secondhand dealerships. If you are looking for a cheaper place, try auctions that offer salvage cars for sale.