Salvage? From a flood?

stupenal · 03-28-2002, 07:13 PM

Well, even though I'm not looking into getting a 944 anymore (just can afford to maintain one) I'm still looking for a car, a nissan 240sx that is. So anyways, after over a month of fruitless results, I've come across a 1996 240SX SE with all the goodies that I want, and only 80k miles. Unfortunately, it has a salvage title due to a flood. The owner sticks by the claim that there are no electrical problems, and that everything runs fine. Knowing that you guys are all well knowlegded regarding cars, I just wanted to know what to watch out for with a salvage title, and whether or not it is worth it to buy salvage. Thanks for all the help!

fty · 03-28-2002, 07:29 PM

How much doe she want for it, if its a major steal go for it, make sure you inspect the electrical area, under dash, under hood for and apparent electrical corrosion...-chris

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lordgrommit · 03-28-2002, 08:01 PM

I've owned alot of salvage stuff in my time.. I would stay far away from flood stuff.. crosion is a nightmare even here in CA something that has been completely emersed in water will never be the same again.. and with the milage that low it backs it up.

Matt

stray15 · stray15's Garage

I would never by a flood car.

97XRAY · 97XRAY's Garage

I had a small leak from the sunroof in my '85 944 and had so much electrical work to repair (who knew that in 1985 there was so much crap running every which way!?) that I literally spent weeks running new lines and hunting down grounds in the systems.

If this seems fun to you (plus the possibility of mechanical damage) and you want a serious project car - go for it. My instinct would me to pass.

scottmandue · 03-29-2002, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lordgrommit
crosion is a nightmare even here in CA something that has been completely emersed in water will never be the same again.. and with the milage that low it backs it up.

Matt

Copy that...
My nephew has a Mercedes That had a leaky sunroof and the car looked and drove great! But I noticed a reddish brown halo around the headliner!
Oh well it's his collage car and he is talking about getting a Porsche when he get out of school. Are you absolutely stuck on the Nissan? Mazda made a car that looks very much like the 240SX (saw one on the freeway the other day) There are also some nice used Mercedes around, they handle great, are reliable, and chicks dig them!

Just an idea, if you expand your search you will have a better chance of finding a good deal.

good luck!

RPM'S S2 · 03-29-2002, 10:05 AM

Do not buy a flood car - the long term effects of being submerged on seals, wiring harnesses, carpeting, cushions, etc. are not worth it. Since there is no way to know if the car was just doused or submerged for a long period you must assume the worst.
NC is still dealing with cars from hurricane floods in 96 and 99! Mostly people getting ripped off!
Run away, fast.

944jeff · 03-29-2002, 01:47 PM

I came close to buying an 89 Esprit Turbo with 19K miles for 9K that was in some type of flood. Even though I may have been able to get it going without getting too much $ into it, I would have been better off spending the extra$ on a good running one. I would have troubles with resale the honest way. Don't do it unless it's a real deal!

divezic · divezic's Garage

Try this ConsumerReports article. Not a lot of info but might help.

http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detail.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=19387&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=18151&bmUID=1017449874374

stupenal · 03-29-2002, 06:28 PM

Thanks for all the help guys. I guess i shouldnt tought it, even with someone else's 10 ft long pole. Anyways, on the same topic of salvaged, what about salvage titles resulting from being hit by another car? Granted that the person already fixed it, would frame damage be very bad? I'm going to take it to a mech to look at it, but i noticed Grommit said that he's owned many salvaged cars before. Any hints and advice? Thanks!