Originally posted by sigma:
Quote:

Honestly, if you're just looking for cheap temporary fun to drive transpo for the time being you should consider fully repaired, rebuilt/salvage titled vehicles. You can't beat them for the price and Ebay is loaded with them most of the time.



This seems like a good idea, but I have no experience with salvage cars. Do the register, inspect, and insure all the same? Can you finance one? I can figure on a little tougher time when it comes time to sell them I imagine. But if the price is right that's not a bad idea.





Well, it's pretty simple actually. If you watch for the caveats you would be good to go. Basically, find out WHY it was salvaged first. It's amazing what they salvage a vehicle for nowadays. For instance, if a car is sitting on a lot brand new and gets stolen and say the airbags, seats, steering wheel, radio, and doors were stolen. That vehicle would be salvaged easily. Or if airbags are deployed even in a small collision, they would salvage the car in most cases. Salvaged vehicles in Texas can be registered, titled and insured easily once they pass inspection. Usually though, you'd already have a branded title and from there it's really easy to get inspected because you'd already be in a turn key. Registration would be the exact same as in a regular titled car. Sure, you might run into an issue selling it, but your risk is relatively low because you would have paid so little for the car if you purchase the right one. For instance, it's not abnormal that could score a fully repaired car for $11-12k-ish that with a clear titled would command $20k+. My motorcycle is branded salvage, haven't had a problem with it to date. And I've looked at quite a few salvaged cars recently to get into something cheaply that I normally wouldn't consider. Salvaged cars can readily be financed too. There aren't any restrictions on that from most lenders. Also, I've spoken to dealerships and the warranties usually aren't voided unless it was damaged beyond recognition then repaired. You can always check for warranty via the VIN number through a dealer's service department. Back to the financing, that is A LOT easier because the vehicles are really inexpensive. Lender's look at it as pretty sound security. In the grand scheme of things it's actually worst to have a car branded "lemon" than rebuilt/salvage. Lemon cars are guaranteed to have their warranties voided.

So to sum it up, research WHY it was salvaged. It's easy to get the truth from the insurance company that salvaged it. Get a copies of the documentation for the repairs that were completed. If it's in a warranty period, check the VIN with the dealership to see if it's still covered. And if you're considering buying one have a body shop that you trust and a mechanic inspect the vehicle. Once all that's done and it passes muster, I'd say you're golden. All in all you usually save yourself around 30%- 50% sometimes more.

Salvaged vehicle examples on Ebay although they're not what you want and out of your price range, you'll see where I'm coming from.


2004 Mach I

2003 350Z

Lexus ES330


2006 Mazdaspeed6 1997 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace 1996 Volvo 850-R