Man Calls Out Customers Who List Their Car As a 'Clean Title' On Sites Like CarMax, Autotrader. So, What's That Actually Mean?

A TikTok user's frustration with car listings has sparked a conversation about what "clean title" actually means when buying a used vehicle. However, automotive experts say the creator's understanding of the term is fundamentally flawed, creating a teachable moment for car buyers navigating online marketplaces.

Evan (@evanm4_) posted a 22-second video from his living room that has garnered 815 views as of this writing, calling out sellers who advertise their vehicles with "clean title" status despite having accident history. His message was direct: "If your car has an accident, it is not a clean title," he stated emphatically.

"I have looked at so many cars that say, 'Oh, it's a clean title, clean title, clean title,' and you open the CarFax, two accidents. That does not—it means it's dirty. It's not clean," Evan argued in his video.

While the frustration is understandable, automotive professionals say he's conflating two entirely different concepts in the used car market.

Why Is He Wrong About What 'Clean Title' Means

Commenters on Evan's video were quick to correct his misconceptions, with several users explaining the actual definition of a clean title.

Their objections lined up with information provided by industry experts and insurers. 

"Unless the accident turned it into a salvage title then you're right, but if you have a minor and it's not salvaged, then it's still a clean title. Maybe a bad CarFax but still a clean title," wrote user Waipa, receiving five likes for the clarification.

Evan pushed back against the correction, responding, "Na[h,] idc. Bad CarFax means not clean."

User Biggie_Smalls_ offered the correct definition: "I thought clean title meant it wasn't a salvaged vehicle/salvage title," prompting Evan to acknowledge, "It does but like bro clean title should mean no accidents."

A detailed explanation came from user1234543212345678901: "It ABSOLUTELY means it is a clean title. SALVAGE title means the car has been in an accident AND it was deemed more costly to repair than to fix it."

User Men Have Lupus expanded the definition: "clean title also means it does not have lean on it or salvage title," highlighting that clean titles also indicate the absence of liens or financial encumbrances.

Milo'sDaddy offered additional context about CarFax limitations: "And if you have a clean CarFax, it doesn't mean a car has never been in an accident and repaired it just means it wasn't reported to CarFax. Hundreds of thousands of cars on the road with a clean CarFax that have been damaged, repaired."

Despite multiple users attempting to educate him, Evan remained steadfast in his incorrect interpretation: "U might be right but idc. If i see clean title it should mean spotless. No accidents or bs."

What Do Vehicle Title Categories Mean?

The confusion demonstrates why buyers need to understand different title categories.

A clean title means that the vehicle has not been declared a total loss by an insurance company and has no liens or legal issues. This is the most desirable title status.

A salvage title means that the vehicle was at some point declared a total loss by an insurance company. Different states have varying thresholds, with most requiring damage to exceed 70-75% of the vehicle's value, though some states use percentages ranging from 75% to as high as 100%.

A vehicle that has been repaired to the point where it can pass state-mandated safety and anti-theft inspections can transition to a rebuilt title. After passing inspection, the vehicle receives a rebuilt title and can be registered for use on public roads, though it permanently retains the "rebuilt" brand.

A flood title indicates that the vehicle has been submerged in water deep enough to fill the engine compartment. Only a few states issue specific "flood" titles, with most flood-damaged vehicles receiving salvage or rebuilt title designations instead.

A lemon title, also known as a manufacturer buyback title, means that the vehicle has been repurchased by the manufacturer due to warranty defects that could not be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. These vehicles must be branded as "Lemon Law Buyback" on the title to alert subsequent buyers.

Best Practices for Used Car Buyers

Automotive experts recommend that buyers always obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report, regardless of title status. These reports can reveal accident history and severity, service records, previous ownership information, odometer readings, and flood or fire damage.

Smart buyers should also have any used vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase, especially when buying from private sellers or smaller dealerships.

The key takeaway is that "clean title" is a legal designation about the vehicle's official status, not a guarantee about its condition or accident history. Buyers who understand this distinction are better equipped to make informed purchasing decisions.

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The Importance of Accurate Information

While Evan's frustration with misleading listings is valid, his solution—redefining established automotive terminology—would create more confusion in the marketplace. Sellers using "clean title" correctly are not being deceptive; they're using industry-standard language that has specific legal meaning.

The real issue isn't with how sellers describe clean titles, but rather with buyers who don't understand the term's actual definition or fail to conduct proper due diligence through vehicle history reports and inspections.

This video serves as a reminder that social media confidence doesn't always equal accuracy, particularly when discussing technical topics like automotive titles and vehicle history.

Motor1 reached out to Evan via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We'll be sure to update this if he responds.

Source: Man Calls Out Customers Who List Their Car As a 'Clean Title' On Sites Like CarMax, Autotrader. So, What's That Actually Mean?