Totaled 4000CS Value?

[ricematthews]

Teddy:

Any car that has been totalled by an insurance company will most likely
carry a reconstructed ("R") title.  This isn't necessarily bad as "totalled"
on an older car with relatively little residual value may mean anything
ranging from mere cosmetic damage to a really hard hit.  It is my
understanding that an insurance company will total most cars if the cost to
fix exceeds about 80% of the cost to replace.  For an $1800 car, that is
$1440.  New body parts are a bit pricey as is the labor rate at a decent
shop so it doesn't take much to get to that number.

An "R" titled car generally carries a lower value, however, because it is
harder to sell as such and may consequently harder for you to sell.  I would
also suspect that an insurance company will consider it's "R" status if it
ever gets wrecked in your possession when determining whether or not it is a
total again.

Since the car is 16 years old, however, and assuming you plan to keep the
car for a while, the main thing to consider is the overall condition when
evaluating the price.  If it is the best 4kcsq you can find for that price,
it is probably worth it, considering the mileage is low.

Caveat emptor however - I would definitely take a good look at it and make
sure that any damage that it sustained was fixed properly.

-Mark

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Hello to all!

I've been looking into purchasing an Audi 4000cs for quite some time, and
just found a red 1987 with 79,000 miles on it.  There are little problems
like lifter noise at startup, broken power window switch, nonfunctional A/C,
a couple wholes in the interior, but it runs well.  Now the asking price is
$2500, but the car was totaled by the previous owners insurance company.

The current owners says that the accident only damaged the hood and fender
(which were replaced), and the frame is still sound.

Considering all this, does a once totaled vehicle constitute a lower resale
value?  Either way, is his asking price reasonable?  Blue Book says it
should be around $1800, but I know demand is relatively high, so that may
drive the price higher.

Also, would you recommend putting it through a buyer's inspection?
Any other general 4000 buying tips are welcome too.
Thanks in advance!

Teddy
(Soon to be an Audi 4000CS owner. hopefully.)