Thoughts on fixed salvage cars bought from auction?

[Cojohnso1]

Im looking at a 2014 Charger R/T. The car was purchased from wholesale auction and had its front collision damage fixed. Both air bags replaced. The car runs very well. Looks great. And certainty checks the boxes of a solid daily.

Black on black R/T. Leather seats.
370 HP 5.7 Hemi.
26k miles.
AWD (I do live in Minnesota)
2k+ under $20k

The issue of course is the Salvage title. My code scanner is not showing any monkey business with odometer. And from what I can see from car I drove up on ramps is that bumper framing was repaired thus it took a decent hit. But it's not showing and suspension damage/replacement.

I bought my 2014 Cadillac XTS twin turbo some 7 tears back that was salvaged due to flood damage. The only component I found damaged was rear backup camera was foggy. The "Salvage" doesn't spook me entirely. But the Caddy is getting long in the tooth. And if any have experienced Cadillac ownership? Once they hit about 120k? All the little bells and whistles begin needing attention. And it will nickel and dime you.

So thought I would throw out what experiences others have had? Not only with Salvaged vehicles, but the Charger R/T itself from that year range. (2011-2018)

 

[SteveSS]

If they're cheap, run and look good, I like them. Remember you don't get much when you sell them.
I've bought some cheapie fixed salvage cars but never an expensive one. Did alright.

 

[zyzzyx]

Most reputable rebuilders will show you pictures of the damage on the car and give you a list of what was replaced.
Those types of sellers only buy cars that are slightly damaged so they can be fixed easily. You and the rebuilder make out!
I used to rebuild cars like that back in the early 70's. If they're fixed right there's no problem. You can save alot of money.
My opinion is if you will be keeping the car and enjoying it for a few years, the "Salvage" badge actually makes you feel
better about getting a good deal. Congrats!

 

[azblackhemi]

As long as the repair was done well and the price is at least 25% below book value i say go for it. Can be a good way to get into a nicer ride.

 

[Cojohnso1]

Most reputable rebuilders will show you pictures of the damage on the car and give you a list of what was replaced.
Those types of sellers only buy cars that are slightly damaged so they can be fixed easily. You and the rebuilder make out!
I used to rebuild cars like that back in the early 70's. If they're fixed right there's no problem. You can save alot of money.
My opinion is if you will be keeping the car and enjoying it for a few years, the "Salvage" badge actually makes you feel
better about getting a good deal. Congrats!

I do keep. And have a history of driving them into the ground. I HATE SELLING! I hate it more than I enjoy buying and adding to the stable. Lol.

 

[Cojohnso1]

Most reputable rebuilders will show you pictures of the damage on the car and give you a list of what was replaced.
Those types of sellers only buy cars that are slightly damaged so they can be fixed easily. You and the rebuilder make out!
I used to rebuild cars like that back in the early 70's. If they're fixed right there's no problem. You can save alot of money.
My opinion is if you will be keeping the car and enjoying it for a few years, the "Salvage" badge actually makes you feel
better about getting a good deal. Congrats!

That's what I figured. I once had access to auction sales years back. But didn't like the cutthroat atmosphere. But others love that setting.

The salvage tag is what is spooking buyers. But understanding how insurance works. Does help with assessments. Getting it off their books has value for them. Thus there is money to be made by whole sale buyers. And some savings to consumers.

He has dropped his price about $1500 in the past week or two. Im guessing getting to about as low as he can go.

We all have to eat.

 

[Cojohnso1]

As long as the repair was done well and the price is at least 25% below book value i say go for it. Can be a good way to get into a nicer ride.

Looking at Bluebook. It is at 25% under valued due to salvage status for a clear titled low mileage R/T with similar options.

All signs point to a fair deal. The car itself would dictate final value.

Don't they all in the end? Lol

 

[1967coronet]

The bags are what tagged that 14 as salvage.
A 12 year old car with the bags deployed will get salvaged by most insurance companies.
It could have been a hard deer hit ?
They just do not want the liability of repairing that car and giving it back to the original owner.
Once its branded its a new ball game.

 

[davek]

I have no problem with salvage title cars. All depends on the damage on the car. They will total a car over an airbag going off. Had a MKZ the was totaled for over 8 years and then sold it.

 

[Cojohnso1]

I have no problem with salvage title cars. All depends on the damage on the car. They will total a car over an airbag going off. Had a MKZ the was totaled for over 8 years and then sold it.

Yeah. They appear to push the "Totaled" button way too fast. So there is opportunity there.

 

[jimbosride]

Is it a salvage title or a rebuilt title?
The difference is that a salvage title car has not been repaired, and a rebuilt title car has been fixed.

I had thought that you cannot get insurance on a salvage car. But I maybe wrong

 

[Cojohnso1]

Is it a salvage title or a rebuilt title?
The difference is that a salvage title car has not been repaired, and a rebuilt title car has been fixed.

I had thought that you cannot get insurance on a salvage car. But I maybe wrong

You can get insurance here in MN. You can't get a warranty. (At least the last time I checked.)

I haven't seen the title. But he said salvage.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

I drove one of those same year about five years ago, they drive nice. The one I drove was actually flood damage, but the place hit the roof and hood with a ball peen hammer. It’s easier to sell a car that looks like hail damage instead of flood damage. How does the front tires look, uneven wear?