Can a salvage-title vehicle ever be fully repaired and legally returned to the road?

Yes, this is one of the most common reasons buyers purchase salvage vehicles at auction. The general path is: repair the vehicle, get it inspected by your state's DMV or a state-approved inspection station, and apply for a rebuilt title. Insurance, financing, and resale can all be more limited on a rebuilt title compared to a clean one, so it's worth factoring that into your purchase decision, not just the repair cost.