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An astonishing number of "salvage" vehicles -- which have been declared a total loss -- are glued together and resold without disclosure to unknowing buyers. Significant mechanical problems with the car, bent frames, indications of body damage, unusually high repair bills, or tires wearing out early may indicate a consumer was sold a rebuilt wreck. To be sure about your vehicle, ask a consumer attorney to run a title check.
Persistent mechanical problems could also indicate a "laundered lemon." These are vehicles which a previous owner returned to the manufacturer pursuant to a state lemon law. California requires the title of a returned lemon to be forever branded "Lemon Buyback", and requires that any subsequent buyer be informed in writing of the car's lemon status. Dealers and manufacturers sometimes skirt both of these requirements in order to rid themselves of a lemon.
Sale of a car without disclosing prior wrecks may entitle you to rescind the contract for fraud and seek damages. Sale of a laundered lemon may entitle you to sue for a refund, or a replacement vehicle under California's lemon law.
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