Backstory:
My Mazda is currently for sale. Have interest here and there. Enter a kid with an 02 Lexus IS300. He is interested in trading for the Mazda. He says it has a "California Rebuilt Title".
What scares me is getting it thru the titling process here in Texas. Texas requires a log of what was repaired and a certified shop that carried out the repair. The kid says all he has is the California Title.
Would I have to take it to a shop to get the car checked out before I get it registered?
It is worth checking with your dmv but I believe all you do is handle the title as normal.
The effort and issues are in getting the rebuilt titled approved and generated by the state.
Once done it will always carry the branded title but is otherwise no different than anything else you would buy.
I think you are blending two steps.
1) Salvage title.
This means improvents and repairs must be made before going back on the road. Once these improvements are done documentation and inspection needs to be done by the state. Once these hurdles are overcome you will get a Title stating Rebuilt.
2) Rebuilt Title.
In this case the approvals were done by California. The state a California deems that this car was "correctly" repaired. Still somewhat unsure if it is really correct, the state requires that it always be disclosed that it was once rebuilt.
A rebuilt title should transfer just like any other title they just keep the notice on there for your protection and to alert you to inspect the car.
In your case, the "proof and inspection" is complete. It will never need to be proved and inspected again in regards to the rebuild.
well, I just spoke with title lady here at the dealership, she can handle everything! She got the VIN off the Lexus, said in total, it would be $240, title transfer, registration, everything. I even don't have to go to the DMV. She can do it from her desk! All I need to do is have one of the techs do the State Inspection and she'll take care of the rest!
Rebuilt title is always a "pass" unless you plan on keeping the car till it dies or you are getting it for 30% or less of what the clean title version goes for.
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