Salvage Title

[Cade Carvell]

I would go for it depending on pricing.  I have bought several
"junked/totaled" cars before.  As far as pricing, it depends, I would go
with Market, Minus 5-10% for the totaled status.  That said, make sure
you account for the extra work you will have to do to bring it back,
rotors, belly pan, etc.

Title is good correct.  Insurance is not an issue.  At least it never
has been for me.



Cade Carvell
National Business Systems, Inc.
2919 West Service Road
Eagan, MN 55121
Office: 651-994-4400

>>> Greg Johnson <gregsj2 at attbi.com> 02/10/03 09:46PM >>>
<sigh>  I found what I thought was great V8Q today.   '93 4.2, Pearl
over black, 87K miles.    Looks good, drives nicely (seat of the pants
tells me it needs an 02 sensor).  Asked the Sales Mgr for a CarFax.
He
produces it no questions asked - we discover that in 10/98, with 48K,
a
salvage title issued.  I really believe the guy didn't know, he seemed
as disappointed as I was (or he's a helluva an actor).  Took it by the
Audi dealer and pulled the service record.  The guy translated the
code
for me, nothing usual, but he did confirm that the car had be totaled.
I took the car to my mechanic and spent an hour and a half picking it
over.  He confirmed the accident, left front and he found a few
service
issues (e.g. the belly pan is missing and the rotors are warped) but
he
also says whoever fixed it did a decent job and if the price were
right,
he'd buy it.

Questions:

Is the rule you simply do not buy a car with a salvage title, or are
there exceptions?   I realize that if I buy this car, for all intents
and purposes, I am stuck with it.

What should the price be?   Are we talking parts car pricing here?

Can one get insurance for a such a car?  I'm betting not for the car
itself, but what about liability?

Any other thoughts?

Your collective help and wisdom is greatly appreciated.

Greg J