How to assess the value of a car with a rebuilt title..

jwells777

Senior member
Feb 18, 2001
346
0
71
So I have found a 2000 BMW M convertible which has been restored to excellent condition and issued a rebuilt title. Vehicle damage which caused the salvage title was a front end collision which required the following repair

1) Hood
2) 2 front quarter panels
3) Repair of front passenger rail where bumper mounts to unibody
4) OEM replacement of both airbags
5) Replacement of radiator/radiator fan
6) likely a few other minor things at front of vehicle (e.g., Head lamps, etc...)
7) Engine mounting was not affected

I would like to purchase the vehicle and believe that the current owner has restored the car to good working order (though there are a few small scratches in the paint). Two questions to the anandtech gurus...

1) What is a fair market price for this vehicle with 45,000 miles?
2) In general, how does one determine fair market price for a vehicle with a rebuilt title?

Thanks,

J
 

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
15,488
5
81
2) In general, how does one determine fair market price for a vehicle with a rebuilt title?

Thanks,

J


In all seriousness, avoid a car with a salvage title, unless you plan on owning it forever, nobody will ever want to buy it from you.

To actually answer your question, I wouldn't give more than about 40% of the value of a non rebuilt title car.
 

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
I wouldn't buy it. And when the time comes to sell it, you'll probably be in a pickle.
 

woodie1

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2000
5,947
0
0
As posted above, you will have to plan on keeping it forever. I might, if properly restored, pay 50% of the value if it was a car that I had to have.
 

MiataNC

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2007
2,215
1
81
Originally posted by: woodie1
As posted above, you will have to plan on keeping it forever. I might, if properly restored, pay 50% of the value if it was a car that I had to have.

QFT!!!!

The damage you listed would NOT total a 2000 model year with 45K on the odometer. There has to be more to the story than that.