Would you buy a Salvage title Taco, or any vehicle?

If you were dealing with some Russians, and you know they do fine work and have been in business for a long time, would you buy a car from them that they had salvaged and restored?

 

Most likely not, it depends on how bad the accident was. But its very unlikely almost impossible for me to buy a salvage. But Russians know their shit so maybe it'll be a legit buy.

 

No

Not exactly sure what the *Russians* comment has to do with anything?

With a salvage title, you're only asking for trouble, and I don't care who or what they're reputation is. The only person I'd buy a salvage vehicle off of - is my own family (and I would already know the history of the vehicle).

 

We have a salvage Saturn and the only trouble we have is the sunroof has some gremlins that let it open on its own. We stuck a piece of cardboard in the button and that keeps it closed. The car runs fine and drives perfect. Salvage can be a mixed bag since the insurance will only total a car once it cost more to fix than to replace.

 

I've got a friend who bought a 2007 Ranger that was Salvage. It looks great and seems to run good. However only time will tell!!

 

Personally, probably not. But if I did consider it, it would be required to come with an accident report and/or the insurance documents for the required repairs.

Unless you are buying it to rip apart and transform (rock crawler...), you MUST know what the damage was and why it was totalled. If it's flood/water damage, run. If there is any frame damage, run. If it was only body damage, maybe. Etc., etc., etc.....

 

It really comes down to what you are concerned with and price. The reason people buy salvaged cars is that they can get a car for less then half off the book value of a non-salvaged auto. If you believe that is worth it to you, then you should get it. If you don't trust it then as many have stated walk away. But no one on this forum can give you any more information than what you believe is best for your situation.

We can only say yes it might be good. Or no buyer beware. But both of those statements apply to buying anything.

 

seriously. russians?? is there something inherently different in dealing with russians than, let's say... an armenian person?

 

I'll be honest, I don't have a problem buying salvaged vehicles (have done it once before with an old Acura Legend). You can find some great buys that way.

With that said, you have to make sure you inspect the vehicle thoroughly and take it to a body shop and make sure the frame is straight etc. Also take it driving on the highway/interstate and check for alignment issues, be sure to try to look under seats and carpet (if possible) to check for rust.

I had a friend who's family owned a Salvage Body Shop, they would buy two totalled vehicles and turn them into one, usually one that had front end damage and one that had rear end damage, they would cut the cars in half, pick the best parts from the two and put them back together... they had some great looking and running vehicles.

 

BTW: Ivan Drago would approve of the original post.

 

Didn't mean to sound racist or anything. I usually think of Russians as being very good at auto restoration. At least up here in the northwest they kind of rule that weird segment of the auto market.

 

Eight years ago I bought a salvaged 99' Accord, best car I have ever owned and still own. I haven’t had any issues with it other standard maintenance. It had 29k miles when I bought it and currently has 143k miles.

Buying a car with a salvaged title is definitely a gamble. If it’s salvaged due to water damage I would touch it no matter how good the deal.

I would consider it if the price is right and you have it looked over top to bottom by a mechanic that has a good eye for detail. There are good deals to be had just be careful.

Also note unless you have a good down payment sometimes getting a loan on a salvaged vehicle can be difficult.

 

a car can be salvaged if it was stolen, right?

a friend of mine bought a 993 porsche salvaged,. friggen cheap. he paid $15k for it, in the hopes of turning it into a track car. car was salvaged because it was stolen. car was clean, and very reliable. it scrambles around a race track wonderfully. he didnt go full bore with the mods. he kept it streetable, because the car was still so nice.

 

A salvage title just states that the insurance company has totaled it out for whatever reason (they paid the owner the Fair Market Value to fully replace). Someone else fixed, repaired, found it and told the state it is serviceable again. Most states do some type of inspection and clear it as safe to drive and issue a new title for it as salvaged.

 

Mine is a Salvage.

Drove 7 hours to get it too.

Before the drive I wanted pics of it wrecked = he provided.
I wanted proof from the insurance when he bought it = he provided.
I wanted a parts list of the fix = he did.

I bought the truck from the guy who did the fix, this is all he does for a living.

Truck was hit in the drivers headlight, ripped the front tire completely off.
Damage was from hood to drivers door (front edge of it). Guy replaced everything with Toyota parts. Took my mechanic with me (Sunday) who I'm also friends with. He inspected what I would not have looked for. We found only minor things wrong (wiring clamps not replaced and washer fluid hose missing).

06 DB Sport 4x4 with 40K - 15K tax, title and all. Truck looked like a brand new one inside and out. Havent had a problem out of it yet (4 months). Yeah, I'd buy one...

 

Not me! I'm too OCD to buy a salvaged vehicle. I can find things wrong with a new truck. I wouldn't wanna get started on a used truck that's been totalled. It would drive me nuts!

 

No. Too many horror stories.

 

If you are going to borrow money from a bank or credit union to buy this truck, make sure that they can/will collateralize a vehicle with a salvage title. My employer, a credit union, will not.

 

i would rather throw my money in the street

 

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