Salvage title vipers?

[willworkforvipers]

Hey everyone, Im just wondering your opinions on buying a viper that has a salvage title are. I found one I would like to and its a immaculately clean car and was a theft recovery. Where I live theft recoveries end up making the car have a salvage title even if it was not wrecked and if anything was taken off the car and had to be put back on or replaced it becomes salvage.
Its a 2004 convertible with around 25k miles on it.
What do you think would be a good price for the car?
Also what do I need to lookout for?
Finally how much will the title of salvage effect the price of the vehicle if I ever wish to resell it one day, even if I can prove no wrecks just stolen. Thanks for any input!

 

[mbccenter]

It will take about 20% off retail.... I have sold just a few

 

[AFL in NJ]

For Gen I and Gen II Vipers it is easy for a small accident to lead to a salvage branding for a still very driveable Viper. The cost of those one-piece hoods made an accident which destroyed the hood and front fascia very possible to get a depreciated Viper near the level of write-off even the drivetrain and frame may be undamaged. Expect to pay less for a fomerly salvaged Viper as mbccenter mentioned.

I would have no problem buying a properly repaired Viper.

Regards,
Aaron

 

[eucharistos]

buy cheaper, sell cheaper,

it's a wash

 

[DrumrBoy]

buy cheaper, sell cheaper,

it's a wash

Exactly. If you get a good/fair deal on it and the car is straight just drive the heck out of it and sell it for a fiar deal when you're ready for the next one. It really IS a wash.

 

[v10enomous]

I would feel safer buying a car that was crashed and repaired provided that the seller has pictures of the damage which are needed to register a salvage car in most states than I would buying a theft recovery or flood damaged car. Either way I would say you are better off with a clean title car. It comes down to buying and selling high or low so if you can buy higher then down the road you have a higher value car to sell which is easier for the buyer to register, finance and insure.

 

[TowDawg]

Very true that you can buy lower and sell lower, so it's a wash. The problem that could come up when you try to sell it, is that you will be pretty much limited to people with cash. I don't think many banks will give a loan to buy a car with a salvage title.

 

[BlackSnake99]

Buy it and drive it like you stole it.

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Very true that you can buy lower and sell lower, so it's a wash. The problem that could come up when you try to sell it, is that you will be pretty much limited to people with cash. I don't think many banks will give a loan to buy a car with a salvage title.

This....and insuring it is sometimes an issue too.

 

[gb66gth]

Make sure you can get full insurance coverage, not just liability.

 

[mbccenter]

You can get loans but not at all banks. Insurace is no problem to get. Just make sure all repairs are done proper and then you are good to go. Why spend more money if you don't have to. Just make sure it is a good car. If you don't know what to look for then get someone who does.

 

[ninjakris]

OP - to you questions, if it were ME, I would pay around 30-33K for the car. The miles are a little high for a viper. A clean gen III with under 25K miles can be had for around 40K. As for resale, who knows, but understand that you will probably ever make money on it. Drive it and enjoy it.

If the car was just a theft recovery, it should be in pretty good shape. If possible, get the car warmed up and on a lift. Raise it up and check for leaks. do a search on inspecting new cars, there is a few posts on it.

Good luck with the car.

 

[willworkforvipers]

Thanks for all the replys. I may be backing out on the deal its a good price but the guy is being sketchy when I asked for the vin to run a carfax and just check out everything so I dont get screwed on it. He kinda disappeared but now I know what to do in the future if I do run into another good deal. Thanks everyone.

 

[slysnake]

He kinda disappeared but now I know what to do in the future if I do run into another good deal.

Maybe he's the one that stole it. lol

One last thing to be aware of. Individuals can't just buy "salvage" title cars in any state. Some states require a rebuilders license to buy a salvage title car. Check on that before you buy.

 

[96GTS]

If it was stolen, it was probably abused pretty badly (would you steal a 500hp car and drive it like a little old lady?); I'd be more meticulous about inspecting it for that very reason. You already know you're not going to make any money off of it if/when you try to sell it, so me, personally, I'd rather spend a little more for one without a history. For the same money you could get a nice Gen II and fell much better about the purchase. I know it's hard not to get emotionally attached, but you can't let that cloud your judgement. If it seems fishy...walk away and don't look back.

 

[bigmack339]

Salvage title or rebuilt title?

 

[Brent]

Thanks for all the replys. I may be backing out on the deal its a good price but the guy is being sketchy when I asked for the vin to run a carfax and just check out everything so I dont get screwed on it. He kinda disappeared but now I know what to do in the future if I do run into another good deal. Thanks everyone.

I'd walk too, if a seller can't give you the VIN on an advertised salvage vehicle then something is up. You need to see the registration history to get an idea where the car has been, the mileage history/rollback issues, and anything else you can find out about the car.