Trust starts with the title: How KSL Cars helps buyers shop smarter

Shopping for a used car takes a leap of faith. “Does the car have hidden issues?” you wonder. “Is the seller being honest?” KSL Cars understands your fear of the unknown. That’s why we’ve made some upgrades to improve transparency on our site.

KSL users said title transparency was the No. 1 data gap on our marketplace. Previously, you may have scoured listings in an attempt to determine whether the vehicle had a clean or branded title, which influences the value of the vehicle.

Now every listing, whether from a dealer or private seller, must include the vehicle title type. In addition, KSL Cars will cross-check the seller’s selected title type with trusted third-party records. These improvements mean you can search with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Search used cars for sale with clean titles

What is KSL Cars’ title check?

Title status is an important, first layer of information when shopping for a used car. Today, KSL Cars works with a third-party data provider to run a title check on every listing, both from dealer inventory and private sellers.

Our data check looks at whether the title type provided by the seller matches records from the third-party provider, giving you another layer of fraud protection when shopping on KSL Cars.

Why car title type matters

Buying a used car with confidence starts with knowing what to expect, even before you reach out to a seller. Knowing the car’s title type is essential because it can influence the value of the car. Title status may influence other factors as well, such as insurance rates and financing options.

With title type included on every listing on KSL Cars, you’ll now get a better picture of the car’s history.

What are the car title types in Utah?

In Utah, vehicles may have either a clean or branded title. 

A clean title means an insurance company has never declared the car a total loss due to a major collision or natural disaster. A car may still have a clean title after it’s been damaged, providing the repair work cost less than the vehicle’s current market value.

When a vehicle is heavily damaged and repairs would exceed its market value, it receives the branded title “salvage.” Some salvage vehicles can be repaired. When this happens, the title can be changed to one of several branded designations.

Regardless of repairs or ownership, once a vehicle has a branded title, it always will.

What are branded title types?

There are several branded title types, depending on the type and extent of a vehicle’s damage. When you filter by Title Type on KSL Cars you see:

• Branded - Flood/Water: The engine was once submerged in water.

• Branded - Manufacturer Buyback: The vehicle was sent back to the manufacturer for unfixable defects. Commonly referred to as a lemon.

• Branded - Other: The car doesn’t fit other branded categories. This could include a vehicle with inconsistent odometer readings, a car made from a kit or an import. 

• Dismantled Title: The car may be used for parts, but it is not drivable.

• Rebuilt/Reconstructed: Once a salvage title, the vehicle has been repaired to make it roadworthy again.

• Salvage: An insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss.

Cars with no ownership history do not have a title status. On KSL Cars, new vehicles are included in the clean title listings.

See title status on every listing

Get more details from a Carfax report

KSL’s title check gives you a valuable starting point. Before committing to a purchase, it’s wise to get the full car history from a Carfax report. You can purchase a report right from the listing on KSL Cars.

Every car has a VIN, which is linked to its permanent record. Carfax matches the VIN to records, giving you a comprehensive look at the vehicle’s past. This snapshot includes details such as odometer readings, all reported accidents, service visits and the number of owners.

KSL Cars helps you shop safer

Buying a used car shouldn’t be scary. KSL is working to protect our marketplace by requiring a title type on every listing. No more guessing what an “unspecified title” might mean. 

With our new title check feature, you can feel more confident, even before you message or meet with a seller. When you shop used cars, filter your search by Title Type so you can find the vehicle you really want.

Search used cars on KSL

FAQs

How is KSL Cars making used car buying more transparent?

Some car sellers either don’t know or don’t want to include their car’s title status when listing on KSL. Now, the VIN and title type are required on all vehicle listings so you get a better picture of what you’re looking at.

Why is a car title check important?

The title type is a key piece of information every used car buyer should review before purchasing, as it affects the vehicle's price and cost of ownership. Now, KSL Cars checks that the title type listed matches data from a third-party provider, so you can find what you want faster.

Does car title status really matter?

Car title status affects the value of the vehicle. While a car with a clean title will typically cost more than a similar vehicle with a branded title, insurance rates for the latter may be higher. It may also be more difficult to secure financing on a branded title vehicle.