goose30

So let me understand. A car worth 12-14K is listed as salvage. Usually means that the car was totaled. In insurance language that means that it costs more to fix than it is worth. why would you think you can fix it to acceptable condition for 2-3K?

You don't subtract the purchase price of about 10k from the value to get the repair cost.

walk away.

Boogshag

iTrader: (1)

does the hood fit right? the rear end of the hood (by the windshield) looks like the fitment is off, which isnt a good sign. Also is apparent around the headlights. Did you remove that bad fender to see what the damage is behind it? If you have no unibody damage, it wont be a bad fix. If you do, get out your checkbook.

F34RL355

i wouldnt do it then again i wouldnt be on a low budget like that. look at my accident thread re my 04 very minor damage and ended up beign 3k to fix (needed a new headlight cause some clips were broken on it thats 1k) this will cost you alot more imo

JCat

iTrader: (4)

The rear quarter repair expense can really bite you. I know this from experience.

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

I fear after repairs are made that you will end up paying as much for a non-salvage title Z.. which would hold value much better in the end.

it's easy for us to sit here and tell you to take a 500$ hit, but that will be up for you to decide.

why not hire an independent mechanic for 100$, to go thoroughly inspect and estimate the repair cost? like being out 600$ would be much worse then being out 500$. protect yourself before you pull the trigger.

thekinn

iTrader: (18)

In my opinion.. if you don't know what you are doing, don't do it.

searsptluvr

That is indeed the plan. I'm wary at this point of proceeding.
Leigh

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

good man. reserve judgment until you hear from that. best of luck.

Nexx

iTrader: (41)

ive seen Z's with slightly higher miles go for under 10k. i'd walk away from a salvage unless you can buy and restore it for less than 6k.

dhays

iTrader: (10)

The rule of thumb that I use is that a car with a salvage title that has been completely repaired, is worth a little over 1/2 that of a car without a salvage title. In this case, I don't think you are anywhere near that as the costs of repair will bring the total cost way above that 1/2 point.

searsptluvr

too much risk/time commitment... canceled my deposit ok.
Leigh

CRIDDA

iTrader: (10)

OP - I would advise you to talk to this man. He just rebuilt a salvaged Z.

Boog, when I say this I was thinking about the car you just did.

Boogshag

iTrader: (1)

Yes sir, I remember seeing your name a few times around the thread.

Sometimes there are unexpected problems or damage ever after seeing the car in person let alone just images on the web. Its always a risk! Good luck OP

saywat?

lol + 1

Boogshag

iTrader: (1)

I'm in the typing mood and getting up on my soapbox here. So having repaired a lot of vehicles, most salvage but some clear titles, let me first say that there is very little rhyme or reason to the salvage/clear title designation after an accident. Many many cars nowadays are sold as original that were repaired along the way. And those repairs won't show on carfax when insurance wasnt involved or the repair wasnt done at a dealer (and not all dealers contribute to carfax). And don't believe for a second that a dealer repair is better than a mom & pop shop repair...they all skimp and cut corners to turn more profit. Also rarely are rental cars that get wrecked sold as salvage...and i've seen a lot of them and some VERY bad ones! So my point is there are no hard and fast rules to any of this, but there are MANY misconceptions by the general public. Also, there are chop shops that throw stuff together, and there are conscientious quality rebuilders. OP will certainly be of the later. Legitimately this is a $13K car...for all you guys out there posting that this is worth less or he could find one for $10K, c'mon, whose ready to pony theirs up for that little? Of course it will be discounted when sold as branded with former salvage. But my experience on a very nice showing, selling a well documented rebuild is just $1000 or 2000 for this type of car. So the risks for this particular car are very small. All the damage is high...no need or value in putting it on a lift...its fine and there's nothing to see. The LF strut is bent but that's a $100 part at car-part.com and real easy to replace, with a realignment afterward. The rest of the suspension should be fine. The rear quarter can be bumped out or pulled out leaving about about 2 ounces of bondo that will outlast the car. The fender is a simple remove/replace. If the hood hinges are pushed over a bit, that too can be straightened with an hours effort. With some care, a broken tab on any headlight attach point can be solidly rebonded with a thin metal doubler with an hours effort. Takeoff bumpers are a dime a dozen ($200 or less). If you need a unibody specialist to square the front or strut tower, in missouri it would take 3-5 hours at $60-75/hour, so not a big deal there either. The biggest trick is paint match...I would end up repainting the whole side so it would match, so you'll have some labor, especially if you're like me and disassemble the door so you dont have to mask around door handles, etc. In the end, you'll know everything there is to know about your Z, you'll have learned a lot in the process, you might end up owning a car you otherwise could not have afforded, and you will take great pride in having done it yourself...the right way. My kudos to you for taking a risk, learning, growing, and not sitting on your behind waiting for somebody to hand you something. Plus, you will be the ultimate green person, recycling a whole car!

Boogshag

iTrader: (1)

and P.S., this car is on ebay ending in almost 2 days. More pictures too: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissa...fCarsQ5fTrucks

sno

iTrader: (4)

+1

It sounds like you're going to have a lot of trouble repairing this Z by yourself. You're looking at at least $2k just for the rear quarter damage.

BlueSQ

+ 1. On top of that, from what you've said, that deal is extremely shady.

BlueSQ

FWIW, I bought an 04' enthusiast edition w/ 40k miles, xlnt condition clean title for $13250 from a private party.

That was 2 months ago

Boogshag

iTrader: (1)

Thats a great deal. Nothing wrong with it huh?