Salvage vehicles

So, I have been recently contemplating buying a salvage vehicle. I am wanting something newer than my 89 civic to make the 45 min commute back and forth to work. I was recently loking on coparts website and obviously saw very cheap salvaged cars. From wrecked, flood, or vandalized cars. Has anyone purchased any salvaged cars and had success with it? At first thought, I was looking at some of these flood cars, minor visible damage, then you get into the electronics possibly being toast. Vandalized cars don't look so bad, some cosmetic damage. Wrecked cars would probably be my last choice. Most are completely trashed. Thoughts and experiences are welcome. Im pretty handy with a wrench and have no hangups on getting down and dirty under the hood. I figure worst case scenario is the car is clapped out and I cant get it going and I have to part it out.

 

Not worth it. Most major insurance companies stay away from salvage vehicles even with liability only. Hard to put a value on salvage. I would say wholesale blue book minus 50%. I suggest you get another civic. Easy to be had for less than $2K. I think my last beater civic was a 1993 5 spd with 130K. Replaced the oil pump and timing belt for under $100 and it was good to go. Can't beat mpg's on them either.

 

^^^ This

 

Yeah, I know what youre saying. Ive got this 89 with 220k on it and it runs just fine. Ive just been thinking about something with more amenities. Something with cruise control, power windows, locks, and power steering. My thought was if I could get something for $500 or so drop 1k in it and be rolling in something pretty nice

 

I've seen low mileage domestics go for cheap on craigslist. Once bought a 2001 Chevy Blazer with 115K and it had power everything for $2K. Used that for a while until I got bored with it.

 

I have seen that as well. Im just wanting some thing made after 2002 atleast. Some modern amenities. Something that could be had really cheap that is nice. Just needs a little work.

 

All my vehicles are salvage title, wrecks purchased at auction. My next ones will be too. I have no fear of the salvage title.

Just be aware that you have to pay cash for the wreck. No bank will loan money on a non drivable car or truck.

 

I have no problem with that. Were the ones you purchased mainly wrecks or other damage?

 

Mostly front end crashes with an occasional side swipe. Usually frames are diagnosed and have to be pulled straight.

Edit: diamond shaped frame.

 

That's cool. Id honestly hope for something that was more mechanical I suppose. Ive seen these flood cars but that brings up a whole new level of potential problems.

 

I stay away from those. I'm sure there are decent flood car deals, but the electronic damage scares me.
If I could get a flood car cheap for the sheet metal needed for another of the same model, I might pic one up. Still, new sheet metal is one of the cheaper costs of rebuilding a car.

 

Yeah that's a thing that worries me as well. Almost figured, worst case scenario that I could part something out if I couldn't get it right. Some of these cars are sub $500 for a nice looking car. Its just a thought. Bring a car back to life and enjoy it with practically nothing into it.