How do you guys feel about salvage /rebuilt titled Cars?

Turbophein

Turbophein

Contributing Member
Joined
4 May 2014
Messages
184
Location
Cape Cod
how do you feel the resale will be affected?

i personally think it will still hold its value, but i don't think it will appreciate like a clean car will either?

just looking for other peoples perspective on this. i am considering purchasing a rebuilt/salvage titled NSX.

Thanks for your time and space!
 
TomCat said:
I LOVE mine! :-)
Click to expand...
How bad was the damage? so i guess you do not regret it? do you mind if i ask what year, mileage and price you paid? pm me if you would like? how long ago was your purchase? do you feel its worth the same now? sorry for all the questions, this is just a big decision. thank you
 
You will have a harder time selling the car. The kind of person looking to buy a collectible NSX will not come close to considering a salvage/rebuilt car, but that is exactly the kind of person that would be willing to pay you a high percentage of the car's value if you choose to sell it. On the other hand, salvage/rebuilt is fine for someone looking to buy a car to race, build up, modify, or drive daily. However this latter kind of person is looking for a good deal (hence why they'd consider salvage/rebuilt to begin with) and negotiations will play out accordingly.

I think TomCat's case is different because his NSX was involved in an accident and he salvaged his car in order to keep it. The value is sentimental/emotional.

If you are buying a salvaged car because you want it cheap, then do so and enjoy it with the mindset that it will probably never be worth as much as a no-drama car. If you're gonna buy the car with the idea of collecting it and selling it later, then salvage probably isn't for you.
 
FF Drifter said:
You will have a harder time selling the car. The kind of person looking to buy a collectible NSX will not come close to considering a salvage/rebuilt car, but that is exactly the kind of person that would be willing to pay you a high percentage of the car's value if you choose to sell it. On the other hand, salvage/rebuilt is fine for someone looking to buy a car to race, build up, modify, or drive daily. However this latter kind of person is looking for a good deal (hence why they'd consider salvage/rebuilt to begin with) and negotiations will play out accordingly. I think TomCat's case is different because his NSX was involved in an accident and he salvaged his car in order to keep it. The value is sentimental/emotional. If you are buying a salvaged car because you want it cheap, then do so and enjoy it with the mindset that it will probably never be worth as much as a no-drama car. If you're gonna buy the car with the idea of collecting it and selling it later, then salvage probably isn't for you.
Click to expand...
my budget on a NSX is 30k, i know i can get a clean titled car for the price of the SOS Salvaged car, there is one on ebay right now for 31k, its older has over 100k miles so its not a low mileage car but, i want a driver for sure but i am not looking to lose money on this purchase over the years, other than regular owning costs. i would say the 100k mile car needs a full service, water pump, timing belt etc also figuring 4k for the work that would put me in the 35k range. am i wrong to think this SOS car will be fully sorted, just jump in and go have fun? hard to beat the fact of the brand new paint job also. i appreciate your opinion, i feel like i am fighting myself to justify this purchase. what to do... ugh
 
I totally agree with FF's comments above. I was considering a salvage vs clean title with a price difference of $25K. Basically you have to decide if you will eventually resell or you will own it forever. If you are never going to sell, then it doesn't really matter if it's salvage as long as it checks out to your satisfaction. However, if you plan to resell later, you'll have a hard time justifying it to any collector who only wants to buy an unmolested car. Your only option then is to sell to someone who is only looking for a good deal and even those, only the ones willing to look at salvaged ones, and of course then those people will demand rock-bottom prices.

Only you can make this decision... But looking at the link, $30K for a car rebuilt by Science of Speed looks like a great deal! I would buy it with the thought that it is going to be $30K well spent and not hope to be able to resell it for profit in the future. Just think of it as if you bought a brand new $30K Accord or something. In 3-4 years, expect to get no more than 50% it's value. I think as long as you keep it in perfect running condition, it should at least fetch you $10-$15K in the future. That's the way I would proceed if you really want a 1997+ NSX at that price! Heck, at $30K, I'd almost buy it as a daily driver and just write off the cash to myself as non-recoverable and anything I do get back in a sale in the future I would just consider a bonus! :-)

The rebuilt by Science of Speed is probably all mechanically well done so that it's hop in and drive, but the aesthetic stuff is probably not touched. Like that hole/gash in the driver's seat side bolster!
 
Last edited:
Computron said:
The rebuilt by Science of Speed is probably all mechanically well done so that it's hop in and drive, but the aesthetic stuff is probably not touched. Like that hole/gash in the driver's seat side bolster!
Click to expand...
the price does include compelte repair of drivers seat to match the mint passenger seat. they also did a complete factory style respray that they said would cost $9200. i personally don't think any NSX wil ever go down to $15k EVER even a salvage... if they do every kid in town will have one an they will all be wrecked in no time. they were cheaper 5-8 years ago than they are now.
 
I agree with you on any NSX going down to $15K ever... But I just looked at it that way as the worse possible case. So even if it does go down to $15K, you would only lose $15K total to have had the pleasure of owning and driving a fully refurbished 1997+ NSX, even though it has a salvage title. Seems like a deal to me, especially if they are completely fixing up the interior as well. Just don't go into it expecting to get $30K back on a future sale and I think you are good to go.

Like I said before, at $30K, almost worth it to buy it as a daily driver and not worry about baby-ing it! :-)
 
Last edited:
Turbophein said:
How bad was the damage? so i guess you do not regret it? do you mind if i ask what year, mileage and price you paid? pm me if you would like? how long ago was your purchase? do you feel its worth the same now? sorry for all the questions, this is just a big decision. thank you
Click to expand...

Search my posts (Tomcat)-minding my own business).
1991 (minor front damage)...I elected to re-build.
I don't care about value (as I didn't have a choice) and if its done right (there is no "magic").
Get the best car your budget allows...it sounds simple but value/worth are intangible (until you see cash in hand).
 
Computron said:
$30K for a car rebuilt by Science of Speed looks like a great deal! I would buy it with the thought that it is going to be $30K well spent
Click to expand...

The car the OP has linked to is not your typical salvage car. Nice car at the right price, should be no regrets in buying that car and driving the snot out of it with a smile on your face.
 
Unless you're #1 in line... there's a good shot this car is already sold. I believe there's about 8 interested parties, with the car being held for one person currently.
 
nsxot1c said:
Unless you're #1 in line... there's a good shot this car is already sold. I believe there's about 8 interested parties, with the car being held for one person currently.
Click to expand...

that person currently should be me. i am just awaiting the ppi to look over and send a deposit if it looks good.

- - - Updated - - -

Vanishing Point said:
Do check your particular insurance company to verify they will cover a salvage/rebuilt title and the maximum coverage allowed.
Click to expand...

i use progressive. any known issues with them? i have no issues with switching if i have to.
 
salvage title cars rock. My first nsx was a salvage, looked and ran mint. If the price is right, go for it. Get a PPI, of course.
 
Turbophein said:
that person currently should be me. i am just awaiting the ppi to look over and send a deposit if it looks good.

- - - Updated - - -



i use progressive. any known issues with them? i have no issues with switching if i have to.
Click to expand...


Congrats then!! Insurance companies in general will not fully insure Salvage cars for full coverage. It is also difficult to get bank loans for the same reason. So sometimes salvage cars have to be paid for with cash, and have strictly liability unless your insurance company will cover a salvage vehicle.
 
I personally don't mind salvage vehicles if my goal is to enjoy them - perhaps like a daily , or something that will be parked outside or in questionable areas where theft or damage could occur. They're perfect if you can get them fully depreciated already - that way you won't lose too much money when reselling them. They WILL sell, it just could take longer. The NSX is better than most makes/models because of the limited production run, so maybe it should be treated slightly better than say a salvage title Integra or Civic.

I'll be looking for an S2000, Integra Type R, or 1st gen Insight when my current "community vehicle" (car I loan to friends) finally explodes. Salvage vehicles will be welcome, actually preferred.
 
ok so i ran into a little snag... progressive fully insures salvaged vehicles that have been repaired, they will repair them if any future accidents would occur also, but we know insurance companies right these off right? well they also said that an insurance appraiser alone, will be the one to determine a salvage vehicles value if it was once again totaled. meaning he could find the NSX to be worth only $10K, i guess you can use local sales ads and auto trader to get a real world value. we will see.
 
Turbophein said:
ok so i ran into a little snag... progressive fully insures salvaged vehicles that have been repaired, they will repair them if any future accidents would occur also, but we know insurance companies right these off right? well they also said that an insurance appraiser alone, will be the one to determine a salvage vehicles value if it was once again totaled. meaning he could find the NSX to be worth only $10K, i guess you can use local sales ads and auto trader to get a real world value. we will see.
Click to expand...

I think this conforms to the "norm" and probably the best you would get from any insurance company on a rebuilt salvage. I'm sure it depends on the insurance company, but I think what they do is determine value and then give you anywhere from 50-70% of that amount because it is a salvage.
 
Turbophein said:
ok so i ran into a little snag... progressive fully insures salvaged vehicles that have been repaired, they will repair them if any future accidents would occur also, but we know insurance companies right these off right? well they also said that an insurance appraiser alone, will be the one to determine a salvage vehicles value if it was once again totaled. meaning he could find the NSX to be worth only $10K, i guess you can use local sales ads and auto trader to get a real world value. we will see.
Click to expand...

Document rebuild with paperwork, independent profesional appraisal, photos, etc...
If concerned about insurance go with a specialty (stated value) company.
 
Also, I think the OP has a limited budget in mind. Although NSX is probably one of the most trouble free car out there but if any repair is needed, it's quite a few bucks. Go to SOS, or even eBay and you'll see what replacement cost can be. Heck, a set of factory mats are now $262! So be mindful when you own an NSX, it comes with a cost. Fun is never cheap. I thought very long before I made the dive but I have to say, I'm a happy camper!:tongue:
 
Depending on how salvage we talking about. Also, who repaired it. If the repair is done the correct way I don't see whats wrong with buying a salvage title NSX.
 

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
***SOLD*** 02 NSX-T 6 speed White for sale
Replies
5
Views
3K
Solidsneak
S
B
The Ultimate ABS Solution for the NSX
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
gesundlich
G
J
  • Locked
***SOLD*** 1991 NSX 5-MT, Red/Ivory, 64k miles, clean title, major maintenance complete
Replies
8
Views
4K
JRitt
J
W
Production complete. Preparing for shipment. Now what???
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
Honcho
Honcho
LooseNut
  • Locked
SOLD! 1994 NSX For Sale 66k miles 2 owners Comptech SC
Replies
2
Views
3K
LooseNut
LooseNut
Back
Top