Daily Interlude

iTrader: (1)

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on purchasing the mentioned Max. It's supposed to have a salvage title but I can't visually see anthing wrong with it. I didn't give a close inspection but to the front of the car (couldn't find anything). I'm considering purchasing this max because I should be able to get a really good deal (salvage title kills resale value). From what I could find on kbb.com, a used 97 Se should retail for just less than 7K with the mileage of this max. From what I could find on the net, a salvage title cuts it's value in half. So if I can get the dealer down to 3500 or less, do you think this would be a good deal (provided the structural integrity can be verified as good)?

Details:
97 Se w/ 165K Cloth interior & auto. Car looks immaculate inside and out though I have not gotten into trunk to check the rear end out. Engine bay looks like it's never been hit and all exterior panels seem straight.

Thanks in advance for any info you can give...

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

I still think that with those miles and a salvage title, the $3500 that you mention might be a bit steep.

SkoorbMax

It sounds OK, but to compare I bought, a few months back, a 97 se fully loaded with leather and 77k miles, no accidents, for $6k. Would I throw 90k miles on top, turn its title into a salvage, and walk away with $2500 for my troubles? Doubtful. I did get a stellar deal, but still...

Now, you know you'll never get much selling that, but if it really is in good condition $3500 for a 97 is pretty good. The engine has some miles, but that's not a huge deal. As long as the frame isn't about to just collapse on itself, it may be an ok buy. I would definitely drive it first, and preferably find out why it's a salvage. If it's frame damage or something, I'd consider it. If it's water damage, steer far clear.

Daily Interlude

iTrader: (1)

So try even lower, huh? As I mentioned, KBB had it at almost 7K with the miles taken into consideration. I haven't really haggled with them yet though. My 3500 was just taking half of the retail value (don't forget, this is at a dealership). I'd probably offer lower and not go above 3500 for sure.

But I'd definately drive it and try to find out why it was salvaged. I'd also bring it to a body shop too before buying it if it's frame damage...

nismo-max500

if you can find out how long it has been at the dealer you may be able to get it for practically nothing. If it has been at the dealer for a while they will want to get rid of it, and on top of that its a salvage title, a few months ago i saw a 97 SE 5spd black , loaded. w/ 135k on it for $4500 (tranny was about to go though). whats the dealer asking?

Daily Interlude

iTrader: (1)

They're asking 4300. They are content on keeping it as they are using it as their loaner (so the sales man says...but are they really supposed to be using it this way considering it has a salvage title? hmmmm...). Not sure what to believe though. They seem a bit shady to me. I test drove an Intrepid that was dangerous (steering system wasn't exactly in specs...it floated a whole lot).

We'll see though.

RedlineVQ

lol everyone from preludepower is on here now but anyway i think its a ripoff for $3500. To give u a comparison 2 months ago I purchased a 97 SE 5spd and has every option for 3000. It had 130kmi and needed axels,KS and o2 ($300 worth of part). Keep in mind this was clean title. I have also seen a couple 95's with a 170kmi for $2500. Just look around and keep in mind you can do better.

RedlineVQ

oh and make sure u get a 5spd and not an auto.

NYPD-Arnold

iTrader: (8)

50 bucks. No more. 3500 is frigin stupid!

99se5spd

Could be a flood car too, if you can you can stick your fingers in holes in the frame and feel for debris. Personally i would stay away.

Daily Interlude

iTrader: (1)

I'll keep looking...

SunMax

iTrader: (2)

Good decision! I had bad experience with salvaged car and I will very hestitate to get another one.

One time I went to see a Corolla (2-door coupe) and it was very, very clean and nicely painted, until I decided to roll up the headlight (yeah, one of those old flip-up kind) and I saw mud all over the light. Apparently, the guy forgot to clean that part. Needless to say, I walked away.

Mizeree_X

iTrader: (9)

I would find out why the car was a salvage title. My first 3rd gen was a salvage title. All that had happened was that a plow had put a huge gash down the entire driver side, so the doors and 1/4 panels were damaged. The insurance company totalled it, so it became a salvage car. The guy I bought it from just put new body parts on and repainted it. Nothing structurally wrong with it at all. On the other side of the fence, the car might have been a rollover and is currently without an airbag, and being held together with bondo and crazy glue.