Would you buy a car with a Salvage title?

[Gary94Formula]

There is a car locally that has a Salvage title and it's from a fresh water flood. It has been fixed and everything works, except it needs a little body work. It has been inspected by the State Police and it's a pretty good deal. The owner has put 3500 miles on it since it was inspected.

It's like 40% less than a clean title vehicle. I've seen it and drove it once. I might go back and look at it again tomorrow. I usually keep my cars for 10 years or so, so resale value isn't super important.

Let me know your thoughts.. I've never bought one before and I don't need a headache.. Thanks Gary94Formula

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Not no but hell no.

[Steel2686]

It all depends on what kind of deal we're taslking here. Me and a friend bought a salvage titled truck a few years back for work. He still drives it every day, with only a distributor replacement ever needed. We bought it for $2,000 when others just like it were selling for $5,000 and $6,000.

Of course, ours was a theft salvage. It was in a bad wreck, and totaled. All was fixed and we used it as a work truck only. He bought my half from me a year later.

I'd be leary about any flood car.

[Joe 1320]

Maybe we're using different terminology, but in Florida a salvage title means the car is to be used to parts only (or strip use) and cannot be registered for street use. A Rebuilt title means the car was trashed but was within the guidelines to allow reconstruction. That can be licensed and driven on the street.

[Gary94Formula]

In New York, you can have a salvage title for various reasons. It just means that at one time the vehicle was totaled for some reason. Like an accident or a flood. It's a 2005 GTO with a 6 spd and has under 10k miles on it. It needs the front lower grill and the rear valance. It also has some minor dents and scratches. Nothing big at all. The PCM and the Anti-lock electronics have been replaced. Is it worth the hassle to save the 8-9K off a good title car?

Thanks

[96FirebirdFormula]

There is a car locally that has a Salvage title and it's from a fresh water flood. It has been fixed and everything works, except it needs a little body work. It has been inspected by the State Police and it's a pretty good deal. The owner has put 3500 miles on it since it was inspected.

It's like 40% less than a clean title vehicle. I've seen it and drove it once. I might go back and look at it again tomorrow. I usually keep my cars for 10 years or so, so resale value isn't super important.

Let me know your thoughts.. I've never bought one before and I don't need a headache.. Thanks Gary94Formula

What has the guy replaced new carpet ect.?

[JUICEDSS]

In New York, you can have a salvage title for various reasons. It just means that at one time the vehicle was totaled for some reason. Like an accident or a flood. It's a 2005 GTO with a 6 spd and has under 10k miles on it. It needs the front lower grill and the rear valance. It also has some minor dents and scratches. Nothing big at all. The PCM and the Anti-lock electronics have been replaced. Is it worth the hassle to save the 8-9K off a good title car?

Thanks

You can have mine for $25,500. lol That's what I owe...

And I'm local.

[Gary94Formula]

You can have mine for $25,500. lol That's what I owe...

And I'm local.

Thanks, but if I'm spending that much money I am going to get a Covette.
I can probably get this for under 15k.

[Steel2686]

Is it worth the hassle to save the 8-9K off a good title car?

Thanks

I would think more than that should be taken off for a car with a salvage title, let alone a flood car. It's not a terrible deal, but you need to go over it with a fine-tooth comb.

[Black97]

I wouldn't buy it. Too many unknowns!

With a flood, stuff could be corroding away as we speak. It might be all fine now and a couple of months, a year or two and problems start appearing.

But hey, it's your money and if you like a possible adventure / headache in the future, go for it.

[Gary94Formula]

I'm very hesitent as the guy is not being very clear on what all has been done. I also don't know how high the water was and if it got in the dash area then your asking for trouble.

[sneitzel]

I'm very hesitent as the guy is not being very clear on what all has been done...

For me that would answer the question.

If you're hesitant that means your gut is trying to tell you something your heart and wallet don't want to hear. Listen to your gut.