What do you guys/gals think an '01 black on black salvage title C4 cabriolet worth? Car has 55K miles and looks decent. I'd say it's average to good condition throughout. Although there is no documentation of the accident, the seller claims it is a result of the headlights being stolen and the front end being mangled as a result. Also note worthy is that the hood needs a harder than usual push to latch it (probably just an alignment issue but worth mentioning).

The damage occurred two owners ago so no first hand information will ever be had about what the actual damage was. Both a local guy and a Porsche dealer have looked at it without finding any major faults. But again, no service records available.

What do you think?

 

It was involved in a front-end collision that was bad enough to consider the car a total loss. Don't give in to bull**** stories. A CarFax should give you the approximate date and location of the accident.

 

Salvage titled vehicles vary in FMV price reductions per brand and model.
Having friends that have worked in the salvage business, I have had the pleasure and displeasure in owning Salvaged vehicles, and do own one presently. But there are many things to consider. How the repairs were made, who made them, and of course how serious the wreck was.

With motorcycles, a scratched fairing and a broken front brake lever will total a $21k Ducati.

Understanding just enough about the C4, and the complexities of them, I would spend $$$ in taking it to a proper shop that has the ability to tell you at least the amount of the repairs that were carried out.
And with that, you may have issues with Insurance and Re-sale, not to mention the basic theory that many people believe strongly that Salvaged vehicles should be devalued between 20-30%.

Always look very closely with them, as sometimes you find a great "driver" or a pile of parts

Cheers
Mark

 

not even worth dealing with IMO, unless you have the experience (or friends with experience) neccessary to make an informed desicion. There's lots of good deals on clean low-mi cars out there, what's your budget?

 

In the higher end car market there are nice Porsche, BMW, etc., and other than, I would think most potential buyers look at salvage title vehicles as other than and pay accordanly.

 

I've bought 2 salvaged vehicles, both low dollar and well repaired. Both owners had pictures of the original damage and a list of repairs. Neither had any steering or suspension issues in the wrecks. As for a Porsche and "salvage", not sure I would go that route, both the vehicles I bought (Ducati 996 and Dodge) were priced right and re-sale will not be an issue. I think most buyer's remember the stigma of "salvaged" as a re-welded, chained together time bomb, or "buyer beware".

 

Salvage value is USUALLY about 50% of the market value for a non salvage car. It will be hard to sell it so if you buy one, be prepared to keep it.....

 

My advice is to visit the below website and call Gary. He is by far the expert.


http://www.oklahomaforeign.com/