Have you bought/would you ever buy a "salvage" vehicle?

[imported_Tomato]

Would you ever purchase a salvage/"reconditioned" car? If so, under what conditions, and how much would you pay for it?

If you've purchased one in the past, how has it worked out for you?

Peace,
Dezign

 

[ScrapSilicon]

to part it out to fix something less valuable but more solid

 

[BAMAVOO]

My bro in law bought one and had it fixed. Not a good idea is what the result of his project says. Can't say for all but looks like his turned out to be a lemon that was already squeezed.

 

[ElFenix]

don't do it unless you get some amazing discount on it and everything works absolutely perfectly... those cars are really hard to get rid of... just ask RossMAN.

 

[flot]

Don't do it. Even if it turns out to be a good deal for you, imagine how hard it is going to be to sell to someone else later down the road.

Unless it is an absolutely amazing bargain, or you wanted it for parts - I'd steer clear.

 

[bmacd]

unless you're using it for a parts car or intend on driving the car into the ground, pass on it. There's little to no resale value on an even-meticulous salvaged car.

-=bmacd=-

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: bmacd
unless you're using it for a parts car or intend on driving the car into the ground, pass on it. There's little to no resale value on an even-meticulous salvaged car.

-=bmacd=-

 

[eshtog]

I bought a salvaged 1996 Ford Escort LX 2DR very light damage total cost was 2,500 blue book is 4,500 because the car only has 34,000 miles

 

[rufruf44]

When the prize is a superb bargain and I plan to drive it a long time, can't see why not.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Should've come back to ATOT earlier, or at least had someone help me buy a car. I know little to nothing about them and had a week to buy one here in California.

I bought a salvaged 2001 Honda Civic LX 2DR... apparently it was in an accident where the entire driver's side door had to be replaced. Private seller fixed it up himself and it looked like new. I did take it to two mechanics before purchasing, and they said it was perfect mechanically. 6,000 miles when I bought it, I paid $10,300. *sigh* I was screwed, wasn't I?

It hasn't given me any major problems, though... the engine light refuses to turn off, but that was discussed in another thread. I'm still worried though.

Peace,
Dezign

 

[SCSIfreek]

salvage = serious damage to have a title like that.

If you plan on driving it to the ground then Yes why not. make sure you know exactly what damage were casued on the car.

things you don't want:

Alignment <----never buy a car with alignment problem as it will never be fixed.
engine <--------Lots and lots of leaks.....you'll go nuts trying to fix this car.


If none of the above apply then buy it and drive it to the ground.!!!!



Edit: Eeeek!!!! $10,300 for a salvage titled Honda civic? DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should have came to ATOT and ask Rossman for help. I don't want to turn corners so I'll tell ya up front. you got screwed.

a brand new 2002 Honda civic LX only cost $13,698 thats with 3 years warranty.


--Scsi

 

[Spencer278]

My salvage car, 1990 mazada 326 with 100K miles, worked out great I payed 350 dollars for the car. Bought a new fender and pulled the door out. After driving it for 2 years and 20k miles, the only problem I had is it leaked some oil, and the fan belt broke. Then I sold the car for 1500 dollar.

If you are looking for a cheaper older car a salvage car is a better deal. The damage to the car will be minor and it is less likely to have mechanical problems. And of course you will get a discount.

 

[iamwiz82]

you got racked over the coals. I wouldnt touch a salvage unless it was for a offroad vehicle and then i'd fix it myself. I'm suprised you got a loan for it. My CU will not even grant loans to salvage title vehicles. Your insurance will also be higher because of the title.

 

[mellocj]

I got an old 88 Honda Civic that was pretty damaged. The front hood was crumpled after he ran into the back of a Lincoln.

I am in the process of fixing it. So far I have pulled the front end back out closer to how it was originally. I fabricated a new mount/latch mechanism for the new hood I put on (from a junkyard). New radiator in, and now I'm waiting for lights to come in the mail.

I wouldn't have gotten it if it had other problems, but, the interior is in good condition and it seems to drive fine. I got it for free, wouldn't have paid more than $100 for it. Horrible resale value and 215k miles on the clock.

 

[dirtboy]

Just remember, the car was given a salvage title for a reason. If the seller really thought the car was that great, they'd probably be keeping it.

In Russia, salvage is new!

 

[Scarpozzi]

I think it depends on the car and what you want it for. You can almost always dump a salvaged vehicle on a dealer in a trade and get a little more out of it than just selling it. If it were an old truck or jeep or something, it could easily be salvaged, if you were trying to restore a luxury sedan, it'd be a different story.

 

[imported_Tomato]

I wish I'd come here earlier. Could you estimate the resale value of the car?

a brand new 2002 Honda civic LX only cost $13,698 thats with 3 years warranty.

Fvck. I suck.

Peace,
Dezign

 

[NutBucket]

Well, depends on major the damage is. General rule of thumb is no. However, these days insurance companies are quick to total a car even if its not that badly damaged. I know my friend made a big mistake buying a salvage 94 Integra. That car is turning to sh*t. Hell, they didn't even put airbags back in it. The paint is also fading badly. Its a mess. According to my mom, it doesn't even drive straight (I never noticed since I'm usually in the car).

 

[SCSIfreek]

Originally posted by: Dezign
I wish I'd come here earlier. Could you estimate the resale value of the car?

a brand new 2002 Honda civic LX only cost $13,698 thats with 3 years warranty.

Fvck. I suck.

Peace,
Dezign

Hmm... this is hard but I won't pay more than $7000 for that car. Are you sure the damage was only on the doors? If the owner could fix the door himself then I don't think he'll get a salvage title just for that. also why is he selling its pretty much new (2001 no?)

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Dezign
I wish I'd come here earlier. Could you estimate the resale value of the car?

a brand new 2002 Honda civic LX only cost $13,698 thats with 3 years warranty.

Fvck. I suck.

Peace,
Dezign

If the car is mechanically fine, just drive it forever and get your money's worth. Don't try to sell it and take a massive loss on an otherwise fine car.

Where is the engine light thread? The search engine is freaking gimpy for non subscribers.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Check engine light thread.

I guess I would lose a lot of money on the deal... thanks for the somewhat consoling words. I guess I'll go ahead and drive "Mandy" (yes, I named my car) into the ground. Hopefully she'll last a good 100k+ miles. If I ever get a big bump in my meager starting salary, I'll invest in a non-salvage.

Peace,
Dezign

 

[OS]

BTW, are you sure the car has a salvage title? A car that has body work/repair is not the same thing as a salvage title. You have to check the VIN to know for sure.

Did you ask the owner for pictures of the car before the repair?

I'll ask my dad about that engine light thing sometime, he owns two 2001 civic LXs. Damage to the door shouldn't affect the ECU/engine wiring and stuff.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Thanks OS.

I'm positive the car has a salvage title because of the paperwork and VIN. The owner didn't have pictures of the car before the repair, unfortunately.

Peace,
Dezign

 

[SCSIfreek]

Dezign,

Best advice had already been given to you. drive car to the ground.... good luck.

--Scsi

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: OSThe search engine is freaking gimpy for non subscribers.

Then its time for your cheap @ss to subscribe already