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I saw this thread was recently active and wanted to get some opinions.
My neighbors sold me their rebuilt salvage 2004 SC430 w/88000 miles for $1800. It has some sun damage/fading on the paint and black leather because they left it sitting out with not much use for a few years. But runs great. Engine, transmission, fluids, lights are all solid.
I figured it seemed like a pretty solid deal, despite the salvage title, because my insurance on it is only $30/month.
But I just started noticing a few issues. The VSC lights are always on, and the TPMS sensors don’t seem to be working (maybe related?). Also, I don’t think the AC works…
and the antenna is broken but the radio works fine. The drop top works great, which was the main reason I bought it.
It looks like I’ll have to put several thousand into it between paint, AC, maybe replacing TPMS sensors, and within the next few years new tires (and rims).
Did I screw up on buying this? A dealership offered me $2500, so I could make my money back. But I do like the car, just not too familiar with them.
Any thoughts/opinions would be great!
Kai
(I’ll start a new thread too if easier)
Last edited by Kburns91; Mar 7, 2023 at 03:09 PM.
Reason: Add info
The salvage title means nothing unless you plan on selling it. 88k miles is very low for an 04. A lot of people switch to a stubby antenna but I am a purist and kept the original. Its probably just the mast which can be easy to replace or not. It's cheap though.
The VSC light could also be nothing. Lots of info on this forum on the how and why it gets lit up and how to reset it with either a wire or paperclip. Paint is paint. For about $400 you should be able to find someone to buff it out. All in all, its entirely up to you on if she is worth $1,800. Personally I think you got a fantastic deal. Nowadays, you pop an airbag and the insurance company will total it. If the accident was none structural related and just panels, you should be very happy with her for a long time. This forum has information going all the way back to 2002 if I remember correctly. There is so much information that it will take weeks to read them all. Enjoy the ride. Read the past messages and any questions you could possibly have, have already been answered many times. Welcome to the forum. The best source for your new baby.😉
Also new owner
