véhicule de récupération
The English phrase 'salvage vehicle' is translated into French as véhicule de récupération.
This term refers to a vehicle that has been damaged and is sold for its parts or for repair.
Which one should you use?
You may use véhicule pour pièces if the vehicle is being sold specifically to be stripped for parts rather than repaired.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebecois French, the term Véhicule sinistré is used to refer to a 'salvage vehicle'.
Did you know?
- While véhicule de récupération is standard, French speakers often use the slang word épave for a vehicle beyond repair, which literally means 'shipwreck'.
- The word sinistré used in Quebec shares its root with the English word 'sinister', both coming from the Latin word for 'left hand'.
- In French, the word récupération is used not only for salvaging car parts but also to describe the act of recovering after a nap or an illness.
Examples in context
- L'achat d'un véhicule accidenté peut être moins coûteux, mais nécessite souvent plus de réparations.Buying a salvage vehicle can be less expensive, but it often requires more repairs.
- Suite à l'accident, le véhicule a été vendu comme véhicule de récupération.Following the accident, the vehicle was sold as a salvage vehicle.
- J'ai acheté une voiture accidentée pour pouvoir la réparer et économiser de l'argent.I bought a salvage vehicle to be able to repair it and save money.
- Les véhicules sinistrés peuvent être achetés à bas prix lors des enchères.Salvage vehicles can be bought at a low price during auctions.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a car for sale.
- LucasRegarde cette voiture, elle est vraiment moins chère.Look at this car, it is really cheaper.
- LéaC'est parce que c'est un véhicule de récupération, Lucas.It's because it's a salvage vehicle, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce qu'elle peut encore rouler ?Can it still drive?
- LéaNon, elle est vendue pour les pièces.No, it is sold for parts.
