Why does my pink slip say "junk"? CA

Read this, I'm sorry, but, your car has previously been in an accident and declared a total loss. I hope you purchased this car for a lower price. http://www.ehow.com/facts_7584925_do-say-salvage-pink-slip.html

It doesn't necessarily mean that your car is bad, however, it really depends upon how well it was fixed. If your frame is damaged, the car will never be the same as an undamaged vehicle. Plus, cars like this are generally hard to sell, so, its best to drive this to the end of its useful life.

I presume that you had your mechanic check this out in advance of purchase?

The owner was very clear that the car had been in an accident before he purchased it, but that it was repaired professionally. I did buy it at a great price and yes, my mechanic checked it as well as my uncle. It's a great car, and I'm confident the repairs were thorough. But my question is: why doesn't it say salvage on the title?

Inquire with the DMV or go talk with the people at the AAA, they're pretty smart and can figure that out.

I suggest you keep all the paperwork for how and where that car was repaired. A salvage vehicle is not the same as an ordinary car that's been in an accident. A lot of people including me would never consider purchasing a salvage vehicle.

I suspect that the terminology of "junk" vs. salvage was replaced to make it easy for people to understand. Basically, it's the same thing, so, that's probably your answer. But, go ahead and check that out.