Many times you can get an auto with a rebuilt title for much cheaper than you would be able to buy a similar one with a clear title, but before you buy you need to find out the history of the vehicle. Ask the seller how it got a rebuilt title because obviously it had some sort of damage, enough that the insurance company decided it would cost more to repair than it was worth. The insurance company would’ve then given it a salvage title. After the car (or truck) received its salvage title someone came along – possibly the original car owner, car dealer or a mechanic who then bought it and repaired it. In order for it to have gotten from a salvage title to a rebuilt title they would’ve had to have the vehicle inspected by the DMV or highway patrol.

The important thing is to find out what kind of damage the car originally had. You can ask the seller but you should also go to Carfax.com or the DMV and they will run a search on the VIN number of the vehicle for you. Usually if the damage isn’t too severe or it was just body damage then it could be a good buy. However, If the vehicle had water damage it will probably be more trouble in the long run then it’s worth.

Also find out who did the repairs on the vehicle to make sure a qualified person(s) did the work properly.

A rebuilt motor (aka remanufactured motor) typically consists of new gaskets, piston rings, bearings, camshaft, lifters, connection rod bearings, valve train, timing belt, gears and rod.
Usually the crankshaft, connecting rods, valves and valve seats are all remachined. Also the remanufactured motor will have all new fuel filter, thermostat, anti-freeze, oil filter, oil change, motor mounts, spark plugs, air filter, hoses and belts and water pump.

When buying a car with a rebuilt motor ask the seller for documentation on what was rebuilt and who rebuilt it.