I have been a Z fan for a while now and I am actually looking for one now. A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of salvaged cars. The concept seemed simple enough, it just takes time and patience. I've checked out several other threads and I've heard good and bad stories. So far mostly good and that brings up my spirits a little bit.

I have been searching a few different forums in hopes of find somebody who has rebuilt a salvaged Z and this place seems to be the most informative. Could you guys and gals give me your opinion on this one vehicle that I found. This particular car is going for 9K and is negotiable. From what I was told, it does start with no problem and runs. Its a 2003 with 25K miles. How much, on average would you say it would take to fix it back up. Any help would be great.

Oh and from the looks of it, it looks like a Touring edition, if that makes a difference.

 

Option #1 - Try to work hard/save and buy a z. It doesn't have to be a new one. A used one is fine.

Option #2 - Take what you can afford to part with and buy another vehicle.

I would strongly advise against Option 3...but that's me.

Ps. I am not sure if there are differences in the states, but you're going to have trouble getting full cover with a vehicle ownership marked as salvage. If you go this route, you must, must investigate this area as well (just incase you had not thought of this aspect yet).

 

Well, from your pictures i can only see body work. Im having a hard time trying to tell if the passenger door is out of alignment.

1: I would open the hood and take a good hard look at major structure. i would imagine rh side suspension issues. check mounting points. if its as easy as replacing upper arms and such then go for it.

2. I would here it start and watch it run in the parking lot.

3. Body: new hood, front RH panel. I would just get rid of bumper support in front. look for mount holes for front bumper? see how hard it would be to purchace another.

4. I would take a good hard look at a friends Z prior to inspecting this one... so you know what to compare too....if you can have a friend drive his z over there.....or take pictures for comparison?? also, front windshields are cheep...i know a friend that had his replaced for 150 installed? so call around..

5. I really think its fixable......i say do it. but i love a mechanical challenge....

also, in the salvage forum ive seen worst Z get the complete rebuild......
- j

 

I was worried about that as well. It all depends on what company you go through but some companies will not fully cover but some will, for a little extra of course.

Downside is that the vehicle is located a few hours North. Im in Virginia and the car is in Brookyln. I'm actually trying to get a cousin who lives in the area to go and look at it.

How much would you guess repairs would cost?

 

between 3 and 5 grands i guess.

 

Personally as this wasn't a roll over, I'd be concerned where the front window is cracked, might be a problem with the integrity of the structure.

You might be safer spending a bit more and going for one that hasn't been in a crash. Any damage inside the engine bay, engine in one piece??

 

Risky Business sums it up well....both with his advice and name.

The concept of rebuilding salvage cars is simple - the execution of rebuilding salvage cars is not. Save yourself untold grief and just find a good deal on a used Z with a clear title.