Branded Title: What Does It Mean?
Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009. He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships. Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.
Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.
Are you looking to get a great deal on a used vehicle? Then you may have already come across lower-priced options with a label of "branded title".
But what's the catch? Should I buy a car with this type of title?
We've researched all the important considerations that come with a branded title vehicle purchase.
- Get a fair price for your car no matter the condition (totaled, flooded, scrap, etc.)
- Instant cash offer, good for 7 days
- Free towing and you'll avoid typical junk removal fees
- Sell your vehicle without leaving your home.
Table of Contents
What is a Branded Title Car?
A branded title refers to a car that has had extensive damage. For instance, a vehicle that has had issues with its odometers, or has had a defect that led to its return to the manufacturer will likely have a branded title.
While a branded title can lead to an excellent bargain, it is a good idea to carefully examine the vehicle before making an offer.
Types of Branded Titles
A branded title can refer to many title types of vehicles in various conditions. In fact, branded title vehicles have their own subcategories. Here are some of the major categories that fall under the branded title
Salvage Title
A salvage title will refer to a vehicle that has had extensive damage. For instance, a vehicle that was in a major accident will have a salvage title. There are no real criteria for a salvage title other than the fact that the vehicle has had major damage.
For instance, a salvage title can refer to a vehicle that has had only body panel damage. In other cases, a salvage title can refer to a vehicle that has engine damage issues or a vehicle that has been in a fire.
Lemon Title
A lemon title refers to a vehicle that has been brought back to the manufacturer due to extensive defects. In most states, there are Lemon Laws where a dealership is obligated to repurchase a vehicle if the vehicle’s defects have not been rectified after three repairs.
Rebuilt or Reconstructed Title
A rebuilt or reconstructed title will refer to a vehicle that has been repaired or rebuilt after extensive damage. In order for a vehicle to get what is known as an “R” title, it will need to pass a state inspection.
In some cases, a rebuilt or reconstructed title refers to a vehicle that previously carried a salvage title.
Odometer Rollback Title
An odometer rollback title refers to a vehicle that has had its odometer tampered with. Because of the tampering, it may be impossible to know the actual mileage of the vehicle.
However, it is possible that the vehicle is in otherwise perfect condition.
Water Damage Title
A water damage title refers to a vehicle that has been sitting for an extended period of time to the point that the engine is flooded.
For instance, cars that are caught in a flood or a major storm can end up with a water-damage title.
Hail Damage Title
A hail damage title refers to a vehicle that has received damage due to a hail storm. In some cases, the damage to the vehicle will not extend beyond the glass and the exterior body panels.
Junk Title
A junk title refers to a vehicle that is not drivable, and its value can only be derived from its parts.
Should I Get a Branded Title Car?
You may be wondering if a branded car is right for you. Here we will look at the pros and cons of branded cars.
Pros: Why You Should
1). May provide excellent value - Some people will not consider a vehicle with a branded title. However, there are some situations where a branded title offers excellent value. This is especially true if the vehicle only has superficial damage.
2). Lower price - A branded title vehicle is generally at a lower price than a vehicle with a clean title.
3). Excellent for parts - You can purchase a junk title vehicle at a low price and the value of the parts may exceed what you paid for the vehicle.
Cons: Why You Shouldn’t
1). Repair costs - A branded title vehicle may be more expensive to repair than it is worth.
2). Hard to know what exactly is wrong with the vehicle - Some branded title vehicles may have damage that will be hard to access until after you have purchased it.
3). May not be street legal - Some branded title cars may not be eligible for street use.
How to Find Out If a Car Has a Branded Title
One of the easiest ways to find out if a vehicle has a branded title is to get a vehicle history report. All you need is the VIN number, and you can use CarFax [Guide] for the title information on the vehicle.
