You guys who are saying there is NO way he should buy the car are just flat wrong. A car can be salvaged for anything, right down to theft. There have been reports on this site of people who had their top slashed, seats, stereo, wheels, ect stolen and the car declared a total loss. I'm also not sure what it takes to have a clean title assigned to a car after a salvage... can someone clarify?

Basically, if the guy DIDN'T tell you it was salvaged, there is probably a good reason why. If he DID tell you, ask him what happened to the car. Only then can you make a valid judgement on the car's condition.

At any rate, I wouldn't pay anywhere near book value, but you might end up using the salvage as a great bargin chip and talk him down.

 

[QUOTE=chriseric23,May 27 2007, 04:58 PM] I really like the car and am willing to buy it for the right price.

 

I'd just stay away from it in general. You can't put a price on your safety.

 

i'm currently in the process of rebuilding a salvage title, yes the car was in an accident, but that doesn't mean the car isn't safe. if the work to rebuild the vehicle was done properly, there shouldn't be problems, BUT, don't expect to get anything as far as resale value, i don't plan on selling my car, so the thought of a salvage title was perfect for me.

 

Listen to the guys above who tell you to do research on the history of the car. Ask the guy if he has before/after pictures from the repairs. If he doesn't I would definately look away.

About the car being worth only $4000, that's rediculous. Drivetrain if it's in good shape is probably worth that. Probably closer to 10K the car may be worth, but like they said, be wary.

 

A year ago there was a guy selling an 02 with only 15k miles on the clock. Had minor frame damage and he sold it for 12.5k.