Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
07-23-2002, 01:21 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
07-23-2002, 01:34 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,529
Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Originally posted by johnnyo319
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
Kevin
07-23-2002, 01:42 PM
#3
Re: Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
I don't think that.. When you get a salavged car you get a discount on the price.. If you have it check before buying then it is worth it.. If you are getting a $1500 price discount you will NOT NOT NOT NOT have $1500 of additional problems... On top of that you don't who has wrecked their car before salavge title only comes up if the insurance company took the car away and sent it to the auction.. Trust me there are plenty of folks who messed up their car quite bad and stiull have a clean title. You are a fool to pay full price when you can get a discount because of prior damage that has been disclosed and properly repaired and inspected.
07-23-2002, 01:52 PM
#4
I think I'd be more keen to the idea of salvage titles if I was proficient in working on cars. But less if I wasn't. Sure, you can get it inspected somewhere, but I mean, Jiffy Lube messes up oil changes...if one random mechanic (especially a dealer service mechanic) inspects it and gives his seal of approval, that's not saying a whole lot.
Besides, I think a salvage title automatically decreases the value of a car at least 40-45%, so you should never just get "$1500" taken off for a salvage. In this instance I'd probably try to ask $7,000 or so.
Back left was hit and front end was stripped, two separate instances?
I can't see either separate instances warranting a salvaged title. Replacing the rear quarter panel and surrounding parts shouldn't amount to more than $2,000 (w/labor included) I'd think, which isn't enough to warrant a salvaged title on a car like that. Unless the rear really got smacked and other things in the rear got wrecked...
I dunno, a lot of times it still seems like too much of a gamble in my opinion.
Besides, I think a salvage title automatically decreases the value of a car at least 40-45%, so you should never just get "$1500" taken off for a salvage. In this instance I'd probably try to ask $7,000 or so.
Back left was hit and front end was stripped, two separate instances?
I can't see either separate instances warranting a salvaged title. Replacing the rear quarter panel and surrounding parts shouldn't amount to more than $2,000 (w/labor included) I'd think, which isn't enough to warrant a salvaged title on a car like that. Unless the rear really got smacked and other things in the rear got wrecked...
I dunno, a lot of times it still seems like too much of a gamble in my opinion.
07-23-2002, 01:54 PM
#5
woah, for a second i thought that salvaged car was the one i stripped for my parts for conversion...the car i stripped was a dark green 97 maxima 5 speed that got hit in the back, the front was stripped but was also missing a tranny 
07-23-2002, 01:58 PM
#6
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 647
Re: Re: Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
I agree to an extent... if you know what a decent amount about cars, then its a great deal, especially if the damage was mostly to the rear of the car.
However, you need to be careful, and if you don't know a good bit about cars, I would't do it.
My car has been wrecked 3 times (a dear, a curb, and a lebaron) and still runs fine and if I asked you if my car had been wrecked, I really doubt you could tell. However, I've done quite a bit of work on other cars so I'm confident that I could fix any problems I run into.
However, you need to be careful, and if you don't know a good bit about cars, I would't do it.
My car has been wrecked 3 times (a dear, a curb, and a lebaron) and still runs fine and if I asked you if my car had been wrecked, I really doubt you could tell. However, I've done quite a bit of work on other cars so I'm confident that I could fix any problems I run into.
07-23-2002, 02:16 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 125
MY 97 max was salvaged (is now reconstructed title)
Buying a salvaged car is risky. in my case i repaired mine so i know it was properly reconstructed. A car which has been in an accident can be restored to about 95% of it's structural integrity...but it depends on who did it and for what purpose. my cousin owns a body shop and he is into the business of reconstructing cars and selling them. let me tell you that when he is selling a car there are alot of shortcuts which he takes in order to save money and in turn make more on the sale. This is why buying a salvaged car is risky. you may end up with a car with alot of squeaks, unfixable alignments, cheap replacement parts and cheap paint. in the long run its not worth the money unless you know who did it or you purchased the car at the auction yourself and know in what condition it was in and how well it was fixed. My car was overhauled properly,welded at weak points, all parts were replaced not repaired(yes they do try to "straighten" some parts)and all parts were good quality mid-range quality bodyparts(nissan OEM body parts cost an arm and a leg about $300 for a fender) which are second to OEM and cost about 1/3 less like $100 for a fender not $300 like nissan wanted. My car was also painted with high quality exact paint(not some close match) and was done right. If you do the reconstruction process yourself it is considerabley cheaper though. i've done this various times for cars which i've sent to the Dominican Republic and sold them there. I bought and repaired a 97 toyota camry for about $3800 and sold it to my brother for about $5000 only cause he was my brother i couldv'e gotten about $7000-9000 for it. my maxima cost me the following:
totaled car-$2200
body parts-$998
miscellaneous(towing,temp plates)-$200
overhaul,paint materials,paint-$1000
sal;vage inspection process-$400= to $4798 for a fully loaded GLE not bad!!
keep in mind that all work was done by a family member and all parts were bought at wholesale prices (in the autobodies account) so the prices i list here are consideralby cheaper than what it should normally cost. the car had 68000 miles at the time and had one owner who was pretty old (there were some golf magazines in the trunk as well as some old guy clothes and the CD which was in the bose headunit was some country crap only god knows what it was so it wasn't abuse-trust me. It's a GLE with every option except for woodgrain (not that i wanted it) (it even had a power passenger seat and a garage door opener on the visor! who needs that)
totaled car-$2200
body parts-$998
miscellaneous(towing,temp plates)-$200
overhaul,paint materials,paint-$1000
sal;vage inspection process-$400= to $4798 for a fully loaded GLE not bad!!
keep in mind that all work was done by a family member and all parts were bought at wholesale prices (in the autobodies account) so the prices i list here are consideralby cheaper than what it should normally cost. the car had 68000 miles at the time and had one owner who was pretty old (there were some golf magazines in the trunk as well as some old guy clothes and the CD which was in the bose headunit was some country crap only god knows what it was so it wasn't abuse-trust me. It's a GLE with every option except for woodgrain (not that i wanted it) (it even had a power passenger seat and a garage door opener on the visor! who needs that)
07-23-2002, 02:23 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 125
Originally posted by blizz20oma
I think I'd be more keen to the idea of salvage titles if I was proficient in working on cars. But less if I wasn't. Sure, you can get it inspected somewhere, but I mean, Jiffy Lube messes up oil changes...if one random mechanic (especially a dealer service mechanic) inspects it and gives his seal of approval, that's not saying a whole lot.
Besides, I think a salvage title automatically decreases the value of a car at least 40-45%, so you should never just get "$1500" taken off for a salvage. In this instance I'd probably try to ask $7,000 or so.
Back left was hit and front end was stripped, two separate instances?
I can't see either separate instances warranting a salvaged title. Replacing the rear quarter panel and surrounding parts shouldn't amount to more than $2,000 (w/labor included) I'd think, which isn't enough to warrant a salvaged title on a car like that. Unless the rear really got smacked and other things in the rear got wrecked...
I dunno, a lot of times it still seems like too much of a gamble in my opinion.
I think I'd be more keen to the idea of salvage titles if I was proficient in working on cars. But less if I wasn't. Sure, you can get it inspected somewhere, but I mean, Jiffy Lube messes up oil changes...if one random mechanic (especially a dealer service mechanic) inspects it and gives his seal of approval, that's not saying a whole lot.
Besides, I think a salvage title automatically decreases the value of a car at least 40-45%, so you should never just get "$1500" taken off for a salvage. In this instance I'd probably try to ask $7,000 or so.
Back left was hit and front end was stripped, two separate instances?
I can't see either separate instances warranting a salvaged title. Replacing the rear quarter panel and surrounding parts shouldn't amount to more than $2,000 (w/labor included) I'd think, which isn't enough to warrant a salvaged title on a car like that. Unless the rear really got smacked and other things in the rear got wrecked...
I dunno, a lot of times it still seems like too much of a gamble in my opinion.
07-23-2002, 02:31 PM
#9
I was referring to a mechanic's inspection post-repair. It's a moot point to bring up a mandatory inspection involved in the rebuild process, especially after pointing out that your brother takes a bunch of shortcuts when repairing, etc. You're never sure what you're gonna get.
$2000 is generous, but it was with other nearby parts possibly damaged in consideration, to make a point that not even that, in its generosity, would warrant a salvaged title.
I think the best advice from this thread would be the more confident/experienced you are in working on a car, the less uneasy you should feel about a salvaged title.
$2000 is generous, but it was with other nearby parts possibly damaged in consideration, to make a point that not even that, in its generosity, would warrant a salvaged title.
I think the best advice from this thread would be the more confident/experienced you are in working on a car, the less uneasy you should feel about a salvaged title.
07-23-2002, 02:46 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 125
Originally posted by blizz20oma
I was referring to a mechanic's inspection post-repair. It's a moot point to bring up a mandatory inspection involved in the rebuild process, especially after pointing out that your brother takes a bunch of shortcuts when repairing, etc. You're never sure what you're gonna get.
$2000 is generous, but it was with other nearby parts possibly damaged in consideration, to make a point that not even that, in its generosity, would warrant a salvaged title.
I think the best advice from this thread would be the more confident/experienced you are in working on a car, the less uneasy you should feel about a salvaged title.
I was referring to a mechanic's inspection post-repair. It's a moot point to bring up a mandatory inspection involved in the rebuild process, especially after pointing out that your brother takes a bunch of shortcuts when repairing, etc. You're never sure what you're gonna get.
$2000 is generous, but it was with other nearby parts possibly damaged in consideration, to make a point that not even that, in its generosity, would warrant a salvaged title.
I think the best advice from this thread would be the more confident/experienced you are in working on a car, the less uneasy you should feel about a salvaged title.
07-23-2002, 04:10 PM
#13
I don't think there's anything wrong with gettinga salvage titled car PROVIDED you know for certain what happened to it. If the car has beenr epaired to its original condition, why not?
If they can show you proof of the exact damage and repairs, then consider it. Otherwise, it's your call.
If they can show you proof of the exact damage and repairs, then consider it. Otherwise, it's your call.
07-23-2002, 04:33 PM
#14
Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Originally posted by johnnyo319
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
07-23-2002, 04:46 PM
#16
if you don't know the person that is selling the car, it's tough. Plus, they might not disclose everything that was repaired on the car. And I doubt there's any type of warranty on a salvaged car. Plus, it's not worth that much to the average car buyer. So basically, I wouldn't pay alot for the car since you are taking more risk on the car.
I think i would rather have a car that was stolen and stripped, over a flooded one, or cracked up one.
I think i would rather have a car that was stolen and stripped, over a flooded one, or cracked up one.
07-23-2002, 06:19 PM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Originally posted by hokiemax
"Salvage Title" doesnt always mean the car was seriously wrecked. If a car was stolen and recovered, hence a new VIN was assigned, it gets a salvage title.
Is that owner the original owner?
"Salvage Title" doesnt always mean the car was seriously wrecked. If a car was stolen and recovered, hence a new VIN was assigned, it gets a salvage title.
Is that owner the original owner?
07-24-2002, 06:35 AM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Huntersville, NC
Posts: 175
never buy anything like this.You'll be stuck with it for a lifetime.You can get good maximas with around 90000 to 100000 miles for that price and and they'll last for another 100000 miles.
take care.
jay
take care.
jay
07-24-2002, 07:38 AM
#20
the blue book is roughly $8,000-$8500. With a salvage title the car is worth half of that. He either got ripped off from the guy who sold it to him, or he bought it for $4,000 and is looking for a big pay day.
07-24-2002, 08:27 AM
#21
Yes, if the car has salvage title, it's only worth like half of book value. Don't buy that car, unless you can get it for $3500 or $4000. Out of alignment is ok, but bent frames, oh no,, you dont wanna deal with that.
07-24-2002, 08:27 AM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 266
Thanks everyone for your input.. I think i'm gonna wait and find a better deal on a clear title max. If this means savin more money and borrowing to pay for school, then thats what i'll have to do for my dream MAX..
08-07-2002, 06:31 PM
#23
Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Originally posted by johnnyo319
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
Hey Max Experts, I need some professional advice. I went to look at a dark green 97 SE 5spd with 54K miles. I checked carfax and it said it has a salvaged title. When I talked to the guy, he said it was hit in the back left quarter panel. He also said the front end was stripped (bumper, lights, fenders, and doors) once. When I looked at it, it looked good, except for a the paint job on the left rear. You could tell it was repainted but not bad though... Everything else looked good.. interior was good, engine was good. Driving it was good. The only other thing is that could be a problem is that when driving it, the steering wheel pulled left when going over 30. He was asking 8000 but is something like 7400 or 7500 good for this? I know its hard to tell without seeing it but do any of you have a salvaged title car that drives fine?? I plan to keep this car, and don't want to spend more money fixing the alignment or buying tires if they start eating unevenly.
08-07-2002, 09:23 PM
#24
Re: Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Originally posted by max002
I got my 97 GXE AT more than a year ago. It has a salvage title because it was hit around the right rear door and the quarter panel back there. The dents were still there, only the quarter panel was fixed. I took my best friend's dad who's been doing body work for about 25 years and he assured me that to his eye there was nothing touched around the engine bay or below the car. The car had 62K miles and i got it for $6000 after taxes (I made the guy pay taxes, it's something you can do when they see all the cash in your hand). I also made him cover the smogging and the brake/light check thing. All I had to do was register the damn car and i was set. Although the dents were still there and the paint matching on the quarter panel was shady, i had a hook-up for the paint from a Nissan dealer, as well as the body work. it came out to like $500 for materials and stock paint. You always run a big risk, but I've had no problems yet. Yours is an SE 5spd model so maybe it'll go for a little more. Doesn't hurt to try getting it for $6500-7000...
I got my 97 GXE AT more than a year ago. It has a salvage title because it was hit around the right rear door and the quarter panel back there. The dents were still there, only the quarter panel was fixed. I took my best friend's dad who's been doing body work for about 25 years and he assured me that to his eye there was nothing touched around the engine bay or below the car. The car had 62K miles and i got it for $6000 after taxes (I made the guy pay taxes, it's something you can do when they see all the cash in your hand). I also made him cover the smogging and the brake/light check thing. All I had to do was register the damn car and i was set. Although the dents were still there and the paint matching on the quarter panel was shady, i had a hook-up for the paint from a Nissan dealer, as well as the body work. it came out to like $500 for materials and stock paint. You always run a big risk, but I've had no problems yet. Yours is an SE 5spd model so maybe it'll go for a little more. Doesn't hurt to try getting it for $6500-7000...
08-08-2002, 12:38 AM
#25
Re: Re: Re: Need advice on a Salvaged 97 SE
Originally posted by NickStam
you definitely needs some 'friends in that area of work' to help you out
you definitely needs some 'friends in that area of work' to help you out
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