hey, im fairly new at buying cars and stuff but i was wondering who here has bought a car with a salvage title and was it worth it?
I know not to buy one but i was looking around and saw many cars that were salvaged and was wondering if people buy them or what happens to them.

 

the only time i would buy a salvage title car, is if i bought the car wrecked. This way i knew the damage to the vehicle and i can make sure its safe, and all proper parts were replaced. I also would only do this if i planned on keeping the vehicle for a while. The resale value is alot lower, and alot harder to sell.
I did this once, i bought a 97 toyota celica (i was 18 at the time), it needed some body work, but no frame damage. I had everything replaced, all work done in the Bronx (so the labor was cheap). I kept it for 2 years and sold it for what i paid.

Usually its not worth the head ach, If your looking to build a project car, then it might not be that bad. You would probably replace most of the parts on the car anyways.

-J

 

It depends on why the vehicle was salvaged & what condition you are purchasing it in. Like J Rok mentioned, it is always best to purchased it in a pre-restored condition, otherwise you have no idea what gremlins are lurking. Definitely STAY AWAY from any flood or fire vehicles. Those are electrical nightmares. Total theft recoveries are a good source, as it's jsut a matter of replacing what was taken, usually little to no body damage, just some missing panels sometimes. Vehicles that were involved in a collision, that have sustained no frame damage, are good. They require some more work, and all of these need to be gone over thoroughly so that you know exactly what you are getting into. You definitley need to have the know-how, or be connected to someone that does if you are going to undertake rebuilding a salvaged vehicle. If you have the right connections, then even a vehicle with frame damage is fairly easily redone. Also be wary of the fact that NOT EVERY VECHICLE THAT HAS BEEN TOTALLED IS DESIGNATED SALVAGE. Also, not every incident the vehicle is involved in is reported. Definitely be careful and do your homework.