Ok, so what's a 'reconstructed title" mean? They wrote this in after I signed all the papers for my car. :-(

Unfortunately this is not a good thing as you suspected. See the definition below for R-Titled cars from CARFAX: Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title — A Rebuilt/Reconstructed vehicle is a salvage vehicle that has been repaired and restored to operation. These vehicles are often severely damaged before they are rebuilt and refurbished parts are typically used during reconstruction. In most states, an inspection of the vehicle is required before the vehicle is allowed to return to the road. In most states the car has to be inspected before being given and R-title. If this is a dealership they are obligated to tell you it was an R titled vehicle becasue it is worth less than the blue book states and the bank won't give regular auto loans on R-titled cars usually. finally if you figured out that you paid too much you probably have 3 business days to change you mind on this deal (that is the law in most states on lany contract.). So huury back to the dealership and demand an explanation and if you don't get a satisfactory one, demand your money back and return the vehicle. Tell them you are calling the better business bureau also. If things get really ugly drop the name of your attorney and they should comply quickly.

It is a salvage/rebuilt car, it means it has been totalled by an insurance company and repairs have been made to make the car roadworthy. The value of the car is greatly reduced because of the damage that the car incurred. Most states total a car when 60% or more of it's value is lost, due to an accident, flooding, fire, or some other occurance. This info should have been disclosed to you, prior to you signing any documents. You claim they wrote it in, after you signed the documents, it will be very difficult to prove they didn't disclose prior to your signing, but I would contact the Dealer's Division through the DMV to file a complaint regarding this practice. It is commonly done, and not an easy fix. You can also get information from the DMV regarding the damage that was done, and the records showing the repairs that were made. It will also tell you when the incident happened, and what happended. These could help you in the future, if you find yourself making repairs.

It means that the vehicle was determined to be a total loss then salvaged. It was repaired, reinspected, and then resold. When a vehicle is totaled the title is either retained by the owner, or taken by the insurance company. Sometimes depending upon the condition it is sold at auction and then repaired. Or in some cases repaired first, then sold. It's not uncommon for some car dealerships to pick up vehicles at auctions. If the vehicle is kept or resold by anyone anywhere, then it is given a 'salvage' title. (This also varies by state as different states often have more than one type of 'salvage' title.) In some states a reconstruct means that the vehicle was not given a salvage title due to the total loss of the vehicle because it is over a certain amount of years old. (Usually around 7 or 10 years. Again this varies by state.) A reconstruct/salvage title greatly diminishes the value of the vehicle. Which will affect you if the vehicle is totaled again or involved in an accident. You might not get enough to repair damages to the vehicle based on it's title. Many states have lemon laws. Research your state and see if you can take it back.

Usually these are wreck rebuilds. then the rebuilder still gets Blue book value for the car when in actuality its worth much less. You can still get liability insurance for it, Not sure if you can get more than that. I made a scooter with all free parts, it had a "reconstructed " title! http://ratbike.org/docs/515.php

It means they didn't tell you about it before hand, and it's probably a good reason to break the deal and walk away from it. It means in the case of a claim after an accident, you will get practically nothing. It means it will be very hard to insure.

After the vehicle has passed the Salvage inspection, you may obtain a Reconstructed or Recovered Theft Title. A Salvage Repairable Theft will be branded Recovered Theft. All other Salvage Repairable brands will be branded Reconstructed. Fees $50.00 fee, payable by cash, check or money order. P>S> If it has not been registered yet you can bring it back with no questions asked

Means it is a salvage vehicle. What state are you from?

A reconstructed title is for a vehicle that was paid off in an insurance claim. Usually it means the vehicle was either stolen and recovered, or damaged beyond what the insurance company would pay. It is the same as a "salvage" title here in Arizona. It does mean the vehicle has been inspected and considered roadworthy, but it's value is much much less. I'd personally avoid it like a hot potato.