
Buying a used car can feel like a gamble. You want a good deal, but you also want a car that’s safe and reliable. That’s why the topic of “cleaned” salvage titles matters. Some dealerships make thousands by selling cars that look fine on paper but have a hidden past. These cars often have a salvage title that’s been “cleaned” or “washed” to hide serious damage. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a car that’s worth much less than you paid—or worse, one that’s unsafe. Here’s how dealerships pull it off, and what you can do to protect yourself.