I'm looking at buying a 2012 salvage 370z automatic, 30k miles. The one I'm looking at has some front end damage (bumper needs to be replace, the front end may need adjusting), but the rest of the car looks great.

I've read that if there is damage to the unibody, people say not to buy it.

I specifically want to know when buying a salvage 370z what should I specifically look at. The guy said he'll fix it for a pretty good price.

Thanks for all your help.

 

Drock131, insurance companies will repair wrecked cars unless the repair will cost more than about 75% of the replacement value. At that point they will write off the car, pay the current replacement value to the insured and sell off the wreck with a salvage tile. You best take a closer look at this car, as you can imagine how much damage = 75% of the retail value of a 2012 370Z.

The pros to a rebuilt late model car are a hefty (up to 40%) discount on the price. The cons are people who repair and resell these things can’t do a proper job and still make money. Damaged suspension and steering components are crudely bent and hammered into submission instead of being replaced etc.etc. Most banks won’t write car loans on salvage title cars making it hard for you buy or resell it later. Also car dealers will not take them as trade-ins on a new or used car.

Unless you are capable of assessing and repairing this car yourself. Or know the history of the car, the original repair estimate and know and trust the vendor and his skills, these transactions rarely end well.

 

Thanks for the input Jennifer. The thing is there doesn't look like there is $18,000 in damage (assuming the car is worth 24k). The air bags deployed and in CA they automatically mark it as salvage.

 

That’s interesting about this California law (I googled but couldn’t find anything on it). I’m not sure about 370Zs and maybe more knowable people can chime in, but if the plastic radiator shroud support is not broken (on 350Zs), this would indicate a pretty minor front end hit and there is not likely to be any severe hidden damage. On the other hand any wrinkling on the floor pan of the car would indicate lots of damage to the sub-frame and unibody systems. Keep in mind each airbag is very expensive, a bag module and the seat belt retractors will also need replacing.

One other thing, check with your insurance company to see if they will provide collision and comprehensive coverage for a salvage title, most won’t.

 

Actually the airbag thing is incorrect; sorry I was just repeating what my friend told me. But I'll definately take a look at the plastic radiator shroud support.

I was thinking of taking a few pictures and sending to a body shop to get a second opinion and then having the car checked out once it's repaired.

 

1. Salvage cars get salvage titles. Resale value goes way down.
2. Insurance on salvage titles will be for liability only.
3. The radiator support is actually a composite material, not plastic. Best way to look at serious damage is to remove the radiator support and look at the frame horns behind it.

 

some insurance companies do offer collision coverage on salvaged cars, just have to look around

 

Actually I just found out that the car isn't salvage. (according to the guy). Are there any inspections or diagnostics I should do to make sure he does a good job?

My local Nissan dealer says they'll do a free visual inspection. That's cool in all, but I was wondering if there was something more thorough.

 

Spend $100-200 to have a full inspection done. Look for an auto appraiser in your area and make sure he or she is fully qualified to do a full mechanical appraisal.