Opinions on salvage title

expatriot98 · 03-31-2002, 02:22 PM

What do you guys think about a salvage title on a 73. The car in question is a '73 T targa in near mint condition. The owner, who did the repairs in his shop, showed me what repairs they did. It was pretty minor - replaced the rear license plate panel, the hood and repainted the back half of the car. I have some background in body work so could tell that he was being truthful. The car only has 61,000 miles on it and in every other way, it's perfect. No rust anywhere. It's a car just to drive for pleasure, no thoughts of racing or modifying. I'm just not sure how to digest the salvage title thing.

I'ts a cool color too.

Thanks for your input,
Mark

BKOMAR · BKOMAR's Garage

My car has a salvage title also. It came with photo documentation of the damage (tree fell on top while in car lot) and also the receipts for all the panels and repairs. I got a hell of a deal on the car and it was exactly what I was wanting, so it didn't matter to me much (or my banker). I plan on keeping the car so it wasn't really an issue. I think the most important thing to make sure of is that the #s on the title match the car. If there is documentation and a good story/ explanation as to why there is a salvage title... you should be able to overcome the "S" word. Brian

gregk1 · 03-31-2002, 02:37 PM

I go to the insurance auctions and it is really surprising how little damage that it takes to total a car. Some you throw a bumper and a fender on and go depending on your state and what the rules are on salvage titles In washington state salvage titles dont aply from like 96 on up. It dose some what mark the car but if the price is right and you want to drive go for it . If it got hit in the back look at the rais along the sides by the top valve covers fir kinks if there isnt I would't worry about it but the price is what counts just my .02 worth

Joeaksa · 03-31-2002, 03:22 PM

Mark,

One thing. Have heard that certain insurance companies refuse to insure a "salvage" title car. Might make sure that your company will cover you first!

Joe

makaio · 03-31-2002, 04:15 PM

Check with your insurance to see if they will cover it first. Then if it checks out, and it's the right price, buy and don't look back. Just realize, that the "S" word could deteer someone else from buying it from you later, if you were to try and sell it.

good Luck!

BKOMAR · BKOMAR's Garage

State Farm had no problem with insuring my car. In my opinion...the car speaks for itself...meaning...if it looks good and the work was done well, and it meets YOUR standards then why not. As for future selling... it will be up to that buyer...because I'm sure that you will have to pass on the deal you got (read cheap) to them...you cant expect to sell a once salvaged and damaged car for what a non salvaged car would go for. Nor would you expect to pay as much either. Keep all paperwork...and it will make a resale easier to swallow. Brian

speeder · speeder's Garage

Second what others have said. I avoid salvage cars in general, but I never say never. Especially w/ a desirable older car which was "totaled" w/o much damaged. Insurance companies routinely write-off older cars for theft-recovery reasons when the missing pieces are stuff you would want to replace anyways!

Important thing I guess would be 1) It really is a good car, but you seem to have that covered; and 2) price must be commensurate with salvage title car.

Interesting note: Some states, (I think Minnesota is one, my home state), will either "un-salvage" the title in situations such as this, or do not issue salvage titles for vehicles this old. Can't remember which it is, (never done it), but worth looking into. This is not meant to decieve anyone, there is some type of inspection involved. More for cars that are not really "totaled". Good luck.

expatriot98 · 03-31-2002, 06:00 PM

The guy is asking $8900. Probably high for a salvage title. I think I have to pass on it. Thanks for all your ideas.
Mark