Okay, so I've been looking to get an RX-8 for a while now. However, being the cheapskate that I am, I haven't found any good deals until the other day. I found a seemingly great deal from a private party. Well, it's a bag of good and bad news. First, the good news: It's an '04 with 28k miles, sports package and spoiler. The price? $15k (and it's negotiable). Now the bad news: It's a salvaged title and the front bumper was replaced. I asked for some pictures and it looked okay, but then I saw the particular picture that I have attached. It looks as though the bumper is slightly unaligned with the body. There are a few other minor scratches and dings. Also, the fog lights are missing.

I was just wondering what many of you would do in this situation. It's seems like such a good deal, but I'm worried about the condition of the car. I'm going to take a look at the car in a couple of days. Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to fix this bumper and install fog lights?

Thanks for the help.

 

The 8 is a great car, but I wouldn't personally buy a crashed car from someone. Especially if things don't look aligned right and there aren't any fog lights which come with the sport package..... I'd say go look somewhere else! good luck

 

If you don't want to get burned - NEVER buy a salvage title! You are almost guaranteed to run into problems, and you will have lots of trouble reselling it later. Use your head, if it's too good to be true.... it always is.

 

I agree. Unless you can see the salvage car first hand, do not go for it. And I would only buy it if I knew the car (I have salvaged a couple of cars) or was going to use it for parts.

It was totalled for a reason.

 

Don't Do It.
You do not know the extent of the damage to the car and why buy something that has been TOTALED.
Unless you want a fixer-upper.

 

To my knowledge you wont have the warrenty for the vehicle so erm I'd pass. God knows why it was salvaged be it a accident or flooded.

 

salvaged title for 15k? that's expensive as well.

 

It also means the repairs were worth more than the car, and for an 04 with 28k miles, that repair was closing in on $20k. You sure you want a car with that kind of work (not) done to it?

 

Skip it. You'll find a good deal even if it means paying a couple thousand more for a non-salvage RX-8.

 

Should be worth half of that.

 

I'd never buy a car that has been in an accident let alone enough of one to salvage it. Also keep in mind you would almost never be able to sell it again.

 

Don't!

 

Since it is silver it was probably totaled by a tank and then put back together. Do a carfax. Good luck

 

That external 'bump' is the least of your worries w/salvaged vehicles. Imagine what you can't see - the "re-aligned" frame, duct taped axle, etc. The only people that should buy salvaged are those looking for parts; in some "carpocalypse" type competition, or someone just looking for experience working on fab/engine work.

That being said - sometimes you get a great deal on a decent car. Brand new rx8 = 23k with similar options. Salvaged, repaired (competently??), voided warranty, etc. rx8 = ~ 15k? Pretty ****** deal.

 

what do you guys think it's actual value would be?

 

$1 dollar. The guy hasn't even returned to post again. "L"