What does it mean when you see "branded title". Is that the same thing as a salvaged title? If not, what are the differences?

I'm not sure if there is some technical difference, but essentially it is the same thing. It is "branded" salvage or rebuilt.

So either way worthless? If you plan to sell it I mean?

I wouldn't say worthless, branded/totalled can mean lots of things. Everything from total rebuild of the car to a simple interior theft. All depends on the value of the car vs. the value of the "damage".

A branded title will hurt resale value one way or another. If you plan on keeping the car for a while, a branded title can save you money - if you're comfortable with the repairs done to the car.

also keep in mind most insurance companies will not put full coverage on a car with a "rebuilt/salvaged/branded" title.

there can even be title brands for dealer buy backs. the audi a4 i oened was bought back by a dealership in CA becasue they lady that bought it origonaly decided she didnt like the color and threw a fit until they bought it back.

(i called her, her registration was still in owners manual)

also, its much harder to get a loan for a title brand car

A "Branded Title" is a passenger motor vehicle ownership or registration document issued by any of the 50 states of the U.S. (or the District of Columbia) or a passenger motor vehicle registration document issued by any province of Canada which was issued with words or symbols signifying that the vehicle was: junked or salvaged; dismantled, rebuilt or reconstructed; flood damaged; fire damaged; hail damaged; bought back by its manufacturer ("Lemon Law" vehicle); odometer exceeds mechanical limits; odometer was not actual mileage; declared a total loss (Canada only); or which was issued with any other symbol or word signifying a similar Brand.
Specifically excluded from the definition of "Branded Title" are: titles originally issued without a Brand but later stamped with a Brand without being reissued; salvage titles issued due to theft; damage disclosure documents; and Branded Titles issued in error and later corrected.




Source: Carfax Definitions.

buybacks are the shit!