The Specifics on Car Titles

 The car buying process is one that seems intimidating but we're sure we've explained well into death. So, hopefully you've learned a thing or two to make the process a little less intimidating. But, something we probably haven't touched on is the car title. Buying a car means plenty of paperwork and paper trails, and one of the most important documents (other than the bill of sale, registration info, and so on), the title contains pertinent information regarding your vehicle that you can't drive without. 

If you have no idea what this document is or you still have questions, Toyota of Orlando is here with a little explainer. 

What Exactly is a Car Title?

An Orlando car title is a document/set of information that's specific to the state in which the vehicle was purchased. On this document you can find things like:

• Identifying characteristics of your Orlando Toyota car like the make, model, model year, VIN number, and more. 
• The current license plate number on your vehicle. 
• Your vehicle's technical specifications like curb weight, engine type, body type, and so on. 
• And the owner's (your) information where the vehicle is registered. 

If you didn't pay for your vehicle using straight cash, aka you financed it, the car title will also carry the lienholder's name and information. Typically this is a bank or other financial entity from where you borrowed the money. This information is on there to make sure that the debt owed on the vehicle will be paid to the lienholder before it's sold to someone else. 

What are the Different Types of Car Titles?

Orlando car titles often carry various designations to tell would-be purchasers a general summary of the car's journey. For factory issued new vehicles you won't need to mind the designation so much. But, for pre-owned purchases it's essential you check these titles. 

1) Clean

A clean title is what you always want to shoot for when shopping for a vehicle. It means that the vehicle you're interested in is certified to be structurally sound and without major issues. New cars will have this title and well-kept pre-owned rides as well. 

2) Clear

Clear car titles refer to the amount of money owed on the particular vehicle. This Orlando title means that the owner of the vehicle doesn't owe anything on the vehicle and owns it outright. 

3) Salvage

Salvage titles should be avoided at all costs. They mean that the car they're attached to was damaged in an accident badly and was deemed totaled and/or unsafe to drive. Car insurance companies likely won't insure a salvage vehicle and therefor making it illegal to drive. In summation, stay away from these. 

4) Rebuilt/Reconstructed

Typically cars with this title start out as salvage but can change to rebuilt if the owner repairs the vehicle and makes it driveable again. While these Orlando cars might be safe to drive, insurance companies might be hesitant to insure due to their history. If they do insure they might charge exorbitant fees. 

Some titles can have a different designation as "Lemon." This is in accordance to "Lemon Laws" which allow the purchaser to return the vehicle to wherever they purchased it from because the vehicle doesn't meet quality and safety standards. Since this is no fault to the driver/purchaser, the vehicle is able to be returned and the Orlando car title will read Lemon. 

Your physical car title is actually not given to you until the vehicle actually belongs to you. Financing a vehicle means that the lienholder (bank/other entity) technically owns the vehicle while you're paying it off. Once the vehicle is paid off in full you can then be given a title. If you lose your current title, don't panic! You can actually request a new one from the state your vehicle is registered or was purchased from. 

Still have questions? Give Toyota of Orlando a call at (407) 391 - 6217 or visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today!