Suzaku

I'm looking at a salvage 2007 enthusiast 350z with 50k miles, and would like to get an opinion on the value.

The damage was done on the front end, no airbags deployed, no engine/transmission/frame damage, it was completely repaired, looks perfect, and looks to run perfectly as well, it's currently $9000 from a reputable seller.

I'd like to get a second opinion though. Is this worth the price? Is salvage ever an option in non-theft cases? This is a pretty big investment, and it looks like sensible advice is given here, so I'd appreciate any feedback.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

nope..... it is highly unlikely that minor front end collision would total it out. you can find a nice clean titled one for about 15-16k now days

Suzaku

That's $6000-$7000 more.. does a salvage title truly remove THAT much value from the car?

travlee

iTrader: (8)

yes... you could possibly be buying a huge headache. if you can't afford a nice clean one, wait until you can. not to mention some insurance companies won't insure a salvage title car

350zsunshinefl

iTrader: (1)

buy a clean one man, it will be less pain in the long run for so many reasons....

Just some of the top of my head

1. insurance
2. resale
3. reliability
4. gremlins
5. secondary drivetrain characteristic
6. mount tertiary rebound rate


all these problems could be acting in synchronous or alone, it is not worth the headache - the 5-6k extra you spend will be well worth it.

bealljk

iTrader: (13)

I'd like to disagree with everyone above but they bring solid points...There's a reason this guy wan't $9k for an otherwise $15k car. Resist every urge and pass on this one. It may look perfect and runs well but you truly never know. It's a massive gamble and if $9k is a big investment to you than it'd be foolish to roll the dice on this.

If you have $9k to spend look for a first generation model...

travlee

iTrader: (8)

well all know that OP is going to buy it, and then post threads later on about how messed up it is

Highway Riding

iTrader: (6)

First things first. That is not an investment. Salvage cars are good for track toys and or motor swaps\ custom builds... If you want a car where you think you can get something back then get a legit low mileage car and garage it.

Suzaku

Not only is that rude, but a pretty negative outlook.

I asked for advice in this thread for a reason, and given the overwhelming caution against it, I've decided against a salvage car at this point.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

grow thicker skin

Suzaku

Be less toxic.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

toxic, nah.... brutally honest

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

salvage or reconstructed?
I see no problem with reconstructed vehicles. I've been driving a reconstructed bike for 5 years that had frame damage

le mans sunsetz

Put it this way, you'll have more problems with a z that cost 9k with 150k miles and a clean title, than a z that cost 9k with a salvage title with 50k miles... from my experience at least. But like said buying a z with 50k miles that cost 15k would be the safest.

quakerroatmeal

iTrader: (9)

Salvage title drops the value down tremendously. I'd only buy it if it's 1/2 of what it's value at normal kbb value. That's after I get a mechanic/shop to check out the car to make sure it wasn't half *** fixed. Are you basing no air bags deployed/frame damage from the owners word? Cause I sure wouldn't.

Like trav also said a lot of insurance companies do not insure salvage title vehicles, and bank's for sure do not give loans for salvage title vehicle.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

oh hell Q, you just crushed his dreams.... cant get a loan for a 9k car.... what in the world will he do now!?!?!?!?

Suzaku

I don't finance anything, so that's not an issue. I'm actually working with $16k cash right now, but don't want to spend all of it, because I know there's going to be a few personal touches I want to add to my (eventual) Z and at that point I'd just rather have a 370.

The car I was looking at wasn't even close to 1/2 the value, and I never got a mechanic to check it, I wanted to get an opinion here with the pretense that everything checked out before I invested anything into having it checked.

Regardless, like I said before; I've decided against it. My next choice was a 2004 350z with 24k miles and a clean history report/title for $14k, which I'll probably end up purchasing soon.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

why dont you spend the 16 that you have and get an hr.....

Suzaku

I explained that. Between spending $16k on an HR and modding it to my liking, I'll end up spending over $20k before it's done and at that point I'd rather just have a stock 370.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

that i understand, i paid 23k for mine and have about 7k parts on it. but my hr puts down more power than my buddies g37 with headers and intake