The title is the product; the car is an accessory to it. Practical notes from this year's reader mail:
- Salvage certificates convert to rebuilt titles only after your state's inspection — budget the fee and the queue time.
- “Title mailed separately” is normal at auctions; two to four weeks is typical, longer across state lines.
- Check the VIN on the title against the dash and door jamb at pickup. Mismatches are rare and catastrophic.