Hey guys, good to see such an active forum. I am looking at getting a salvage, to repair, after hearing that this is a good way to save money by some old friends that did this years ago. I know of the issues with high insurance costs etc. but considering the vehicles are so cheap, should still save money in the medium term. What do you think about taking on a project like this? Here is the one that's similar to those I've been looking at.

https://www.autoauctionmall.com/auctions/rx%208

Any advice? Would you take a project like this?

 

The only way this might work out in your favor is if you already have all the tools necessary to rebuild it yourself.

Even then, it's not a guarantee. It will depend a lot on the specific needs of the car and what the title rebuild process is like in your state. If you get lucky and get a low price on a car with light, easily-repaired body damage then you can make out like a bandit. That's going to be a rare situation.

If all you want to do it build a track toy, then getting a roller with a blown engine for $1500 might not be a bad idea. If you want to make a daily driver after frame damage is (IMO) a non-starter (unless you own a body shop).

The only way a flood car makes sense to me is if you're making a dedicated track car and are planning on stripping it down to the unibody and building it back up again.

On the other hand, if you want to learn how to wrench on a car then there's value in that learning process.

In theory, you could buy two and use the second one as a parts car to get the first one going.

 

I worked at a dealership. Salvage doesnt always mean there is something wrong with it. We once saw a car with a salvaged title only because it was repossessed. The car was immaculate. Problem is to make a determination on the car you really need to see it in person.