Actually, in NJ it only says “salvage title” until it is fixed to state specifications. Unless it has changed recently, once it is fixed, NJ issues a clean title. There is no coding that I am aware of. You can tell how many owners the vehicle has had by the digit BEFORE the VIN starts. A is first owner, B is second, etc. Your best bet is to do a carfax check to see if any serious claims have been paid out on the vehicle. There is a charge but this is the only way you will find out for sure if the car has ever had bad damage.

It says “Salvage Title” in red, across the front.

If the title doesn’t say salvage on it you could double check at your DMV. You could also run the VIN number through carfax.com. I would go to the DMV it might be free or cheaper than carfax.

I know in MA, the title must say salvage on it. It’s a law to
protect the consumer.