A friend of mine has a 2008 Touring Roadster, new top and tires, good condition, 57k miles, and wants to sell it for $5500. Problem is it has a "water damage repaired title". He bought the car in 2010 and had 17k miles on it at the time, and has no issues. I've been friends with him since 2011 and know he hasn't had problems since I've know him. Question, Is this about the right price range ? Also, would you still stay away from the car with the above information. I plan on keeping it for at least 3 years. Thanks

 

Yes water damage are the only cars that are 100% parts cars. Interior is junk, carpets are junk, wires are junk and time dependent all metals will show rust and water soak.

Those problems will usually take a few years to show up. Water is the only full damage on a car. Again because it can damage and ruin literally everything and anything in the car.

Do you have pictures of the soak level? You might be lucky if it only soaked up to the carpets. If not pass 100%.

 

Yeah pass on that one for sure because 1. its a convertable lol 2. It will most likely cost you more down the road than if you just bought a clean 07-08

If hell take 1500 though... ball out

 

Yes, but its been 6 years and 40k later and still no problems.

 

Do you know how rust, corrosion and mildew work?

But hey your money your call. Just don't start making threads of "my car smells help me fix it" or "my wires are eroded and short circuiting help me fix it" if it goes south.

 

I would stay away. There are things going on you can't see. Also there could be issues that he never told anyone.

Depending on how high up the water was it could be a ticking time bomb.

 

I would pass. Unless your are very competent mechanically and 5k is less than you earn in a month. It would probably also be wise if this as not intended to be a daily driver.

 

Thanks all for the advise, I guess I will pass on it.