Salvage boxster

[Jon27]

So I keep seeing 986 boxster's for sale on salvage auctions for really cheap (up to 2k). I was wondering do u guys think it's worth it if the car has hardly any damage to buy it and go through the process of reconstructing the title?

[78F350]

I've done it a few times and I expect I'll do it again. I wouldn't recommend doing it to 'flip' cars for a profit. In some cases you can find a gem. In most cases, the parts and labor to do a quality job will put you near the cost of an unblemished one. If you want the car for yourself and enjoy the challenge, I highly recommend it as a recreational drug. Just don't bet your grocery money on it.

[Brian in Tucson]

I don't buy anything with a non standard title. Rebuilt, salvage, etc. is a scarlet letter to me. Reclaimed cars are only as good as the person doing the work. And the branding stays with the car forever.

I bought a clear title project car. Really sad shape and only 74,000 miles. It's amazing how fast you can spend money on a piece o crap car. I certainly didn't come out ahead. The saying I've heard is "there's no such thing as a cheap Boxster!" I'm living proof. And the hazard of hitting a minor brick wall and getting stalled or worse burned out is a real hazard. I'm taking time off my project. I need to get it mobile again, I need the space in my carport.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

I don't buy anything with a non standard title. Rebuilt, salvage, etc. is a scarlet letter to me.

Brian, have you READ the Scarlet Letter? I'm not sure your comment conveys what you meant it to, hahaha. :-)


Anyway; here's my take on a branded title: if you're going to keep the car forever (or until it's worth nothing regardless of title issue) then I wouldn't worry about the title status. But I WOULD consider it a notice that you should inspect the car far more thoroughly than another car.
And in this case, where you're considering buying it as a "salvage" title; be sure you understand how your state handles the process of changing that from "salvage" to "rebuilt". (In most (or all?) states, a salvage title cannot be licensed or insured, it must be converted to a rebuilt title). Then decide what work you're going to do yourself, versus paying someone else to do it for you. Remember: if it's on an auction site, then all of the usual "rebuilders" in the area have already passed on it, feeling like they can't rebuild it properly and still have room to make some $$ on it.
I just went through this process with a '15 JEEP Renegade. My wife HAD to have it.... and it was a totaled car in a salvage yard. I spent a month of evenings on it and about $2k, doing all the work myself except the paint. Now my wife has a very nice little ride, at about half-price.

And here's the kicker: don't plan on ever selling it. you'll take a bath on it. Very few people are comfortable buying a branded-title vehicle. Some because they don't understand them, but many others because they DO understand them..... haha.

so if you buy it, plan to do ALL the work yourself, and keep it forever.

[boxxster]

Agree with the above. I purchased a salvage title boxster a few years ago now. Did the work myself and ended up with a really nice car for a fraction of its market value. For how much money I have into it, I don't really see myself selling it any time soon.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

From what I've heard and witnessed first hand, it's a real hit or miss (no pun intended). A few have been gems and were questioned exactly as to why they were titled as salvage and one case ended up a money pit after the car was deceptively advertised. As long as you know what to look for when it comes to a salvage title, a lot of money can be saved as a few of you have mentioned.

[thstone]

I'd say "no" if your intent is to repair the car and flip it for a profit. Way too much risk, the car will not sell for retail pricing with a salvage title, your labor will be valued at near zero, and you can end up losing money on parts costs alone. There are much easier and less risky ways to try to make a couple grand.

I'd say "yes" if your intent is to buy a project/hobby car to fix up to own long term.

[mikefocke]

Is the salvage from water damage? Run carefully away.

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by maytag

Brian, have you READ the Scarlet Letter? I'm not sure your comment conveys what you meant it to, hahaha. :-)

I actually have. . .I come from a family of readers.:dance:

[maytag]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

I actually have. . .I come from a family of readers.:dance:

Good man! Me too! ; -)

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[Ukr986]

Originally Posted by Jon27

So I keep seeing 986 boxster's for sale on salvage auctions for really cheap (up to 2k). I was wondering do u guys think it's worth it if the car has hardly any damage to buy it and go through the process of reconstructing the title?

Depends on how much work needs to be done on it, how much parts will cost you, labor, whether your doing the work or not and depends on if you are trying to resell or keeping for yourself. Personally I purchased a 2003 Boxster that needed just a bumper for repairs which I ended up fixing myself. All the other missing parts you see where inside the car and I re installed everything my self. It only had 45k miles on it when i bought and I picked it up for 5k cdn. With paint, repairs, ims replacement and clutch the total cost ended up being 9k cdn for a boxster in amazing condition. As I am keeping this car for a long time I do not really care for a salvage title.

[Geof3]

One thing to consider... a salvage titled car makes for a great streetable track car... just sayin’...