Buying advice... salvage titled cars?

[ChimChim]

Hey... I'm FINALLY on the island!

I've been looking around at used Miatas and found one that seems to be an exceptionally good deal, except... it has a salvage title. It's a VERY low mileage car, but the owner said it had been hit on the right quarter panel and door. No engine damage. Otherwise, like new... but the car was repainted in maroon when the damage was repaired. It also needs a new rear window.

I'll probably take a look in a couple days... Anything I should be aware of as far as buying, registering and insuring a salvage titled car in Oahu?

Dave and Liz... I'll try to take a look at your cars this weekend if you're around.

Mahalo! Hope to get to the next meeting...

[EvoRoadster]

Aloha and welcome...now change your location! :wink:

[RodneyR]

Aloha Jeff and Mrs. Jeff.. welcome aboard!

I don't know. Depends on the condition of the repairs and how cheap it can be purchased. I would pay lower than blue book price for a salvaged car though...

And, expect to disclose this information and sell it that much less if you should decide to get rid of it in the future.

I'd test drive, ask for a hardcopy of the latest suspension alignment (to see if it can still be achieved), and check for play in the suspension too before even considering.

[ChimChim]

All repairs have been done except it needs a new rear window installed on the otherwise great condition OEM top. ($150 plus labor maybe?... will check out Miata.net for details) It's pretty much all stock parts, so if I get this one, I'd probably look to upgrade to Tein Basics or Konis anyway. I will look at the suspension carefully because of the collision, but I imagine it was done when the body and paint was done. Guy claims the frame is undamaged. I think I could get a really good price on it, so I'm not worried about resale - guy seems to want to move it by the end of the month. I'm planning to hold on to it for a long long time anway.

The guy claims he has all the records, so I'll ask to see the alignment printout as mentioned or ask him to do it before I sign on the dotted line. Otherwise... I guess I'm just looking for bondo...

Any other advice? I'll have no problem registering a salvage titled car? Insurance will be higher?

[roehrig]

i would contact a potential isurance company to see what they have to say about the salvage title deal...

[gtxhawaii]

Liberty Mutual never asked, and my '90 is on a Hawaii Salvage title. I just called and had it added to my GTX coverage. but I only have no-fault, no comprehensive. That seems rediculous for a car this cheap.

[ChimChim]

Well, I'll call Liberty Mutual after I look at it. Reviewing the insurance thread, it seems to be the best deal on the island. Hope to see it tomorrow. I'm thinking I would offer $3200-3500 if it checks out. Not sure I'd want to pay more if it's been in a wreck, but I guess it would depend on the details of the accident too.

Is there a shop on the island that could repair the rear window? Ebay repair kits are like $40, but I'm not sure I would want to do that one myself unless I needed to.

[EvoRoadster]

What year is it?

Do yourself a favor and bring it to a reputable alignment shop (Hawaiian Tire in Pearl City is my favorite) and have their alignment tech run the numbers and look for damage. Well worth the $50.00 or so and a few hours of your time. If the seller doesn't want you to do that then walk away, no matter how great a deal it seems.

You might also consider getting a carfax report on the VIN.

[ChimChim]

The car is in Honolulu near Sand Island Access. Any good shops near there? Pearl City might be slightly far.

And it is a 94 with 42k.

[corytomo]

Pacific brake and alignment on queen st...
Ken is the top dog when it comes to autox alignments.

[RodneyR]

Here are some locals' opinions

http://forumshawaii.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=205117

[ChimChim]

The salvage car was pretty nice, but... it was an auto and he didn't mention it before.... :(

I took a look at Elizabeth's car too... Would need a lot of work to get it to where I'd want it.

So, guess I'm still looking. Might take a look at David's car still. The house we're probably renting is in a nice part of town, so might be ok to park it.

Guys, keep an eye out for NAs in great condition! :D And I plan to get out to the meeting Thursday.