A total loss should be a salvage or rebuilt title, yes.

I've owned two such cars, and I'm actually driving one around right now. Got a 1 year old Kia Soul with 13k miles for less than half of what it cost brand new (it's loaded, full sun roof, even has AC in the seats, costs about 30k brand new). No issues in the 2+ years I've owned it.

The salesman doesn't know the real answer and was making it up on the spot, me thinks. Or his version of "clean" is different.

That's how it works in Florida. I can't imagine being different in other states.

Could be a situation where the title was "washed" (branded in one state, but lost the branding in a different state).

VERY good point. This trick however is usually only used on high end vehicles but certainly possible.

I wrecked my jeep once and the insurance company considered it a total loss. I "bought it back" from the insurance company and nothing ever changed with my title. Basically they were going to scrap it or sell it at auction or whatever since it was a total loss, but I told them I wanted to keep it so I payed like 600 bucks or whatever small amount it was and it stayed in my possession. Fixed it up with the rest of the insurance payout and drove it for a long time after that.

call your dept of motor vehicles and ask for the title status,If you tell them you may purchase but need to know this fact.You will need a license plate or vin number.

I just went through the same thing. I'm stuck buying a car in Salt Lake city. They have branded cars everywhere. The problem is when it has a rebuilt title there it is branded for the life of the car. So if you want to sell it there its expected to have 30% took off the price of a "clean" title car.

I just went through the same thing looking for a car for my kids. Prices are just crazy. Something you think is a fair deal turns out where the car has issues like this. Anything decent seems to go real fast. Bad time to buy a car I guess. Everyone has extra money from covid and govt checks. I eventually bought a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Paid more than I really wanted but it was fairly clean and low miles.

Technically clean title means title does not have salvage, rebuilt, or other tags on it. Car could still be involved in accidents but if totalled, I would think that would brand the title. Title laws vary between states so maybe your state does things different. I think you did the right thing walking away. You might be able to find a good deal on something like this but I wouldn't want my own daughter driving something sketchy just to save a few bucks. My boys, maybe lol.

Based on your previous quote...

....looks like you ARE savvy enough to spot poor repairs. Good job on avoiding what would have most likely been a problem child down the road.

Later,
EV