Should I consider a S2000 w/ a Salvaged Title?

[240zip]

There's a 2001 S2000 with about 36,000 miles I'm looking at. It was stolen, damaged, and recovered resulting in the salvaged title. It was professionally repaired with OEM parts (nose and hood). Any recovered theft vehicle gets a salvaged title in my state. Otherwise the car is in excellent shape. The guy will take $10K for the car which seems very reasonable. What are people's opinions on this deal? KBB puts the value of the car at closer to $16K and the market here shows a non-salvage title would likely sell for about that amount. Typically, I'd subtract about 35% for the salvaged title which makes the price about right ...

[bobby2002s2k.]

It sounds good, the only problem if you ever do decide to sell it. Its goin to have a salvage title. But hey your only paying 10k for it so whats it matter. If its in good mech. shape, I think its not a bad deal.

[philiam]

Have it checked out by a good frame and body shop. Salvage jobs can be dangerous if the frame has been compromised. With a car like this you don't want to risk your life for 10 grand.

[aladdin20110]

have the honda dealership do a FULL inspection.. they can check everything.. You will have to pay for it but its worth it

[Ghostface]

yeah i would really get that checked out before anything...

even if it is only 10k, 10k is still a lot of money...

[batguano]

If the deal sounds too good to be true.............................

[powerjunky]

makes me nervous

[REVITS2K]

Pay a little more and have a peace of mind.

[Java Junky]

Aaaay Zip. Owyadoon?
If you're the kind'a feller whut does'izz own wrenchin', not averse'ta gettin' down n' dirty with your ride if it's necessary and if you've the gene that has you stay with a ride (macargamous) 'til death do you part this sounds like a viable option for you.
If, on the other hand, you don't respond positively to all'a the above, go with the consensus'a the previous posters n' get one with a less shady history.
Oh, n' welcome aboard Zip. 'Expectin' ta hear back from ya when you finally got the Stewie whut's ga'cher name on the title.
N' most importantly: right now you are in the cat-bird seat. The hard-earned'z still in your hot little hands. Once you place that hard-earned in somebody elses hands, whut wuz their problems becomes your problems n' you've willin'ly relinquished said cat-bird seat to them.
Don't let godda-have-it desire cloud your judgement. There'z plenty'a Stewies ta go 'roun', y'know?
Be well, good luck . . n' keep us posted.
Java

[Scooter]

One thing you didn't mention, is it at a Honda dealer? With those miles it should be fine if they can certify it, if not I'd be very wary. I'd buy a stolen, reposessed, trashed car if it comes with a Honda cert. Hey, maybe I did already...

[Sikocivic]

Thats a bad deal, don't buy it.


Can you give me the contact info on this car???

[carguyrob]

One more concern...when you go to sell it, the buyer won't be able to get a loan for a salvage title vehicle. It will have to be a cash deal. That might limit it's resale market.

[Kalm_Traveler]

Originally Posted by carguyrob

One more concern...when you go to sell it, the buyer won't be able to get a loan for a salvage title vehicle. It will have to be a cash deal. That might limit it's resale market.

Not too sure about that one Rob;

My 02 has a salvaged title and I got a loan for it no problem at all. They were even happy to see that the guy was asking $2000 less than what they valued it (even salvaged) at.

Perhaps it's just specific banks/credit unions that will or won't give loans for them?


in any case Mr Original Poster Man, like JJ said if'n you're the type who loves to do some wrenching on the car then there's not a big reason to avoid that one - just make absofrigginlutely sure that the frame is straight as an arrow and you'll be good.

[Neil]

Get it checked out by a Honda dealer. I was looking at a salvage car (before I purchased my new s )and paid $ 100.00 Can for the checkup. The vehicle's owner said it had front replacement parts.
After the check up we found the frame was seperated at the body and the seats had to come out to eld the frame properly, but it would have still passed the safety inspection ?? Go figure.
If it checks out fine and drives straight low ball it and see what happens.

[bellerini]

I bought a car for my kid and even though every piece of the car had the original vin stickers we did not know it was a salvage. it was a pain in the neck to register it. California dmv makes you get it smogged,and inspected and pay more registration initially for the tags..so if you change your mind, I do have a 2000 s2000 with only 23,500 original miles. i am the second owner and it has been garaged. asking 17,000. good luck..