They depreciate so much after they're wrecked because, if they are totaled, they are worth basically their salvage value.

I suppose if you're a body repair shop, a minimally totaled S2000 could be made whole and sold at a profit. That's what repair shops do. A lot of money is made in the used car resale and repair markets.

A nice job if you can get it!

 

I suspect you are correct. But...the body shop told me the S (what was left of it) would probably fetch $10000+ at an auction (the engine alone is worth 5-10 grand they say). So...if you bought it for $10000 and fixed it (estimate was around $20000) how could you possibly make a proffit? By the way, it was MY2000 #4242...beware if anyone out there see's it for sale somewhere.

 

If you get $5-$10k for the engine, then you may be right. Sell the engine and break up the car for parts. But, after the accident you have to buy the car back from your insurance company, usually easy to do at salvage value. The insurance company gives you the value of your car. If you deduct the salvage value, they'll let you keep the remains. That might be smart, especially if you're buying a new S2000 with the proceeds. Drive-On!!