Vehicle Glossary
A
Actual mileage (Kilometraje real)
The vehicle's true mileage, verified through official inspection and service records.
Why it matters: Knowing the actual mileage lets you evaluate the vehicle's true wear before buying.
Airbag deployment (Bolsas de aire desplegadas)
Indicates the vehicle's airbags were activated during an accident, meaning a significant impact occurred.
Why it matters: Airbag deployment indicates a severe accident. Replaced airbags may not function correctly.
Auction (Subasta)
Public sale where vehicles are sold to the highest bidder. In the U.S., auctions like Copart and IAAI sell salvage vehicles.
Why it matters: Many vehicles imported to Honduras come from salvage auctions in the U.S.
B
Branded title (Título con marca)
A vehicle title with an official brand indicating some issue in its history, such as salvage, rebuilt, or flood.
Why it matters: Any brand on the title significantly reduces the vehicle's value and may indicate safety issues.
C
Carfax (Carfax)
Commercial vehicle history report service in the U.S. It's the most well-known but also the most expensive.
Why it matters: Carfax is a market reference, but CarroClave offers similar reports at an accessible price for Honduras.
Clean title (Título limpio)
A vehicle title with no damage, salvage, or rebuilt brands. Indicates the vehicle has not suffered major damage according to official records.
Why it matters: A clean title is the best sign that the vehicle has a trouble-free history.
D
Damage report (Reporte de daños)
A document detailing the damage suffered by a vehicle, including location, severity, and estimated repair cost.
Why it matters: A damage report lets you know exactly which areas of the vehicle were affected.
F
Flood damage (Daño por inundación)
Damage caused when water rises above the vehicle's floor, affecting electrical, mechanical, and interior components.
Why it matters: Flood damage may look repaired visually but cause electrical failures and corrosion over time.
Flood title (Título de inundación)
A title issued when a vehicle has suffered flood damage. Water can damage electrical systems and cause internal corrosion.
Why it matters: Flood damage can cause unpredictable electrical and mechanical problems long-term.
G
Gray import (Importación gris)
A vehicle imported through unofficial manufacturer channels, typically purchased at U.S. auctions and shipped to another country.
Why it matters: Most used cars imported to Honduras are gray imports. It's essential to verify their history.
J
Junk title (Título de chatarra)
A title indicating the vehicle is not roadworthy and can only be used for parts or recycling.
Why it matters: A vehicle with a junk title legally cannot be driven in the U.S. and generally should not be imported.
L
Lemon (Lemon)
A vehicle with repeated factory defects that the manufacturer has been unable to repair. Protected by 'Lemon Law' statutes in the U.S.
Why it matters: A vehicle classified as a lemon has recurring problems that can be costly and dangerous.
M
Market value (Valor de mercado)
The estimated price of a vehicle based on its year, make, model, condition, and mileage in the current market.
Why it matters: Knowing the market value helps you negotiate a fair price and avoid overpaying.
N
NHTSA (NHTSA)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. U.S. government agency that regulates vehicle safety.
Why it matters: NHTSA is the official, free source of vehicle safety data that CarroClave uses.
NMVTIS (NMVTIS)
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. A federal database that records title information and brands.
Why it matters: NMVTIS helps prevent title fraud by consolidating records from all U.S. states.
O
Odometer fraud (Fraude de odómetro)
Illegal alteration of the odometer to show fewer miles than actual, making the vehicle appear less used.
Why it matters: Odometer fraud hides the real wear on the vehicle, which can result in costly unexpected repairs.
R
Rebuilt title (Título reconstruido)
A title issued after a salvage vehicle has been repaired and passed a state safety inspection.
Why it matters: Although repaired, a rebuilt title indicates significant prior damage that may affect value and safety.
Recall (Retiro del mercado)
An official notice from the manufacturer or NHTSA about a safety defect requiring free repair.
Why it matters: Unattended recalls can pose a serious safety risk to occupants.
S
Salvage title (Título de salvamento)
A title issued when an insurance company declares the vehicle a total loss due to damage exceeding a percentage of the vehicle's value.
Why it matters: A vehicle with a salvage title may have serious structural damage that compromises safety.
Stolen vehicle (Vehículo robado)
A vehicle that has been reported stolen to the authorities. It may be recovered but maintains the record in its history.
Why it matters: Buying a stolen vehicle can result in its seizure without compensation to the buyer.
Structural damage (Daño estructural)
Damage to the chassis or main structure of the vehicle, usually resulting from a severe accident.
Why it matters: Structural damage compromises the vehicle's integrity and its ability to protect occupants in a crash.
T
Total loss (Pérdida total)
When the cost of repairing a vehicle exceeds its market value, the insurer declares it a total loss.
Why it matters: A total loss history means the vehicle had damage so severe the insurer deemed it not worth repairing.
V
Vehicle history (Historial vehicular)
Complete record of important events in a vehicle's life: accidents, ownership changes, repairs, and more.
Why it matters: The vehicle history gives you the complete information to make an informed purchase decision.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Vehicle Identification Number. A unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured.
Why it matters: The VIN is the key to accessing the complete history of any vehicle.
VIN check (Verificación de VIN)
The process of looking up a vehicle's history using its VIN number through official databases.
Why it matters: A VIN check is the most important step before buying an imported vehicle.