9000revs

Looking into a car and carfax says branded title due to mileage and 5 owners and Autocheck says not branded but 4 owners! Dealer says it is a 2 owner car and discrepancies at these agencies. What would you do in this situation? Run like hell?

Have not done a pre-purchase inspection yet. If I decided to sell the car in the future, I anticipate lots of problems.

Thanks.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

sounds like a problem already but i am unsure what branded means? if you feel uncomfortable right now, then what more when you own it. do you like the car? have you seen it already? what year and price point?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Maybe Autocheck is not up to date and missing that last owner which filed that insurance claim which made the title branded. Either way unless you plan on keeping this car I would pass.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

look at the length of ownership. Carfax and autocheck are a bit retarded in the way they calculate owners as a car with titles issued to different (and occasionally the same) dealerships (during auctions and such) as separate owners. Generally speaking, if the length of ownership is <a few weeks, and it was offered for sale in the intervening time, it's not a true "owner".

the "branded" label -means nothing, the title status is all that matters, in case of salvage, rebuilt, theft recovery, flooded, or odometer discrepency.

9000revs

Dealer says title does not have branded/salvage on it. Let me see if he can send me a pic of the title.

9000revs

Further checking on Autocheck, says "NOT ACTUAL MILES, REMOVED ON LATER TITLE", so if I see that the actual title is clean, this may be a go.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Well if you like it and it checks out that is totally up to you.

Jul

This site http://vincheck.expert Carfax car history, but cheaper. The full report, and it really is true.

AandSC

Also check Mylexus.com. Might give you some good info on that car.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

Branded titles will include language such as totaled, rebuilt, lemon law buyback, flood, etc.

But, a title will not be "branded" for mileage. You may have a title that is "exempt" which means the mileage may, or may not, be "actual mileage".

dicer

I think the word Branded does not always mean it had damage.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

in california where odometer readings are required a mileage discrepancy makes cars very hard to sell, and is nearly as bad as a "branded" title.

in a way it is branded, because the title will literally say "Not actual mileage" or "Mileage Discrepancy".

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

In Florida, "exempt" means it is "in excess of its mechanical limits".

tradosauru

A year old thread. I wonder how 9000revs made out?

9000revs

Made out well, bought the car a year ago and has been great so far

A thorough PIP helped set my mind at ease.