Well, you know that someone obeyed that old adage of, "drive it like you stole it." The vehicle needs a very careful checking over, with particular emphasis on damage to the transmission and engine and differential. Lots of folks have trouble managing a stick shift, let alone a very narrow gate 6 speed one. Check also for bullet holes. Perhaps you can get that Marg Helgenberger babe and friends from "CSI" to check for important forensic evidence, e.g., blood and other body fluids.

 

if you can check it out first, and have it checked by a technician, then why not?

most auto auctions wont let you drive before you buy.

 

Insurance companies will sell full coverage on salvage cars as long as you don't bring it up that its salvage (they don't check, until it gets totalled out again). Salvage cars are a great deal as long as you have access to the parts a good price and do the work yourself. I have purchased 4 Theft recoveries in the last 2 months and haven't had any issues with (kept 2 of them for daily drivers). Pull the trigger and get one as long as you are ready to put the time and effort into repairing. I wouldn't buy one that has already been fixed unless you trust the person that did the repair simply because most people repair them for a profit and cut corners.

Good Luck!