Salvage Title, How much does it devalue a car?

[sdewitt at stx.rr.com]

I've tried about 15 different lending institutions, and none would finance a vehicle with a salvage title (or rebuilt title or prior-salvage title).

Cars like that at auction typically sell for 8-10K with salvage titles. The rule of thumb is that vehicles with salvage titles are worth 50 percent of retail. However I have sold many a repaired vehicle with salvage titles for 20-30 percent of retail, and all have been happy customers. 

If a salvage vehicle has been properly repaired, then it will be just as good as any other, but like everything a few bad repairs have pretty much ruined it for rebuilt vehicles.

Amongst other things.. Insuring a salvage vehicle is just as easy as any other vehicle. However I am sure that the ins co will try to adjust the value of the vehicle using the title history against you. 

You will not be able to get an extended warranty. Although it isn't stated any factory warranties will be void with a salvage titled vehicle.

----- Original Message -----
From: TM <t44tq at mindspring.com>
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:20 pm
Subject: RE: Salvage Title, How much does it devalue a car?

> Jim-
> It's very difficult to insure or finance a salvage title car.
> 
> I would not pay much more than 50% of the book value for a salvage 
> car.
> You don't know what might be wrong with the car.
> 
> Check with your insurance agent and DMV before you proceed- it would
> be bad to buy a car, find out you can't register it, title it or 
> insureit. Make sure also that the car is not still reported 
> stolen, or you
> might
> have a very hostile encounter with the police.
> 
> Taka
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com [quattro-bounces at audifans.com]
> On Behalf Of James Dupree
> Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 1:11 PM
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Subject: Salvage Title, How much does it devalue a car?
> 
> 
> 
> This is a general question but I will describe an actual set of
> circumstances to help base the discussion. 
> 
> Subject car: 2001 Audi S4, Tiptronic, 35,000 miles, Bright Yellow 
> w/ Tan
> leather interior, book value approx $25,000 w/clean title.
> 
> Car was stolen and insurance paid off before it was recovered. It had
> the air bags and stereo removed and front valance damaged. No other
> apparent damage, I have only seen pictures of this car, as of yet. Air
> bags and stereo have been replaced with OE parts (used I'm sure) 
> and the
> valance repaired. Car overall looks to be in good shape and is 
> said to
> have no major mechanical issues. 
> 
> If I were to assume, for the sake of discussion, that the repairs done
> were done well and there are no other significant issues with the car.
> Meaning the car is average condition for 3 yrs 35K miles. What is it
> worth with a salvaged title? How much does the salvaged title detrack
> from the value?
> 
> Thoughts anyone?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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