from a private party, what steps should I take so as not to get screwed?

also is it hard to title a salvage titled car in VA? I know some states wont let you register it (like west va)

 

What are you looking at?

 

Step 1, find a mechanic/tech to look at it or somebody who looks cars over well.

A Salvage title can be an invitation to problems. Then again, its not as hard to "total" a car as it used to be.

Buying a New Orleans car? heh

 

My buddy thinks he got screwed buying a car off of private seller for this reason:



He went and bought a car, Dude gave him 2 keys with it. He think's the dude used another spare key to steal it back.

Change locks, or just make a security switch or something. You can do that by wiring a toggle switch to your fuel pump. Some people I know have done the Cut off switch to the ecu's too. Just hide it real nice.

Always car fax that shit.

I've heard nothing but bad things about salvaged vehicles. Good Luck on your search.