Nov 09 2008
How do I know if a car has been title-washed?
In some cases, you may not be able to know for sure —but here are some measures you can take:
- Check the title to see if the car is an out-of-state vehicle. Does it say “salvaged“? If the title doesn’t say the car is salvaged then:
- Check to see if the paint on the outside of the car matches the paint inside the door frame.
- Make sure that the parts of the car line up with each other—and that the gaps between the doors and around the hood and trunk are straight and even.
- Have a mechanic check underneath for evidence of welding of the frame or unibody.
- Look for evidence of flood damage. Check under the mat for mud or dirt. Look for watermarks on the inside of the doors, and for moisture inside the trunk and under the seats.
