Salvage title Fit?

[The Driver]

Hello,

I've searched and couldn't find any threads on this topic, so I'll ask my question here...
I'm contemplating buying a 2009 Fit Sport with very low miles - but with a salvage title. The car was hit on the passenger side. Both doors had to be replaced, and both side airbags deployed. The windscreen was broken - not sure how, but it doesn't look the car had frontal or rear damage. The driver and passenger airbags, and the seat airbags have not deployed (which is interesting).
If the car will be decently repaired, do you guys think it may be a good deal? Based on some preliminary research, I understand that the side airbag replacements will be under $1.5K installed (by the dealer).
It seems there;s no frame damage either, but the driving wheel is not straight anymore. The seller told me the car only needs an alignment.

Am I getting into too much trouble? After the car will be completely repaired, I plan to take it to the dealership to have it checked, but who knows...

Any suggestions on what and especially how to check for will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
George

[IamPhil]

Well for starters... how much did you find this salvaged fixer-uper for?

[The Driver]

Around $10-11K, but I think I can get it a bit lower.

[it's pronounced iVTEC]

make sure you check, if you have alot of mechainical experience or find someone who knows, make sure the frame is square and check the front end to make sure there isn't any bent or broken parts.

[tein209]

I always look at it this way, if it wasnt so much money or trouble to fix it then why are they selling it? they wouldnt just take a hit like that just to give someone else a deal.

[The Driver]

Good point. Perhaps buying a salvage car is not the smartest idea...

[Uncle Gary]

I'd be asking some serious questions about damage and actual cost to repair. Unless you are doing all the labor yourself, you could easily sink another $6K into the project and you'll still have a car with a salvage title for the price of a new one.

I know people who have done this, but they'll admit it was more a "labor of love" than an exercise in saving money.

[JGW]

I would pass. You are only saving $5000 ish, $3500 after the airbags, plus whatever else may be wrong. It simply isn't worth it IMHO.

[Virtual]

The resale value needs to be taken into consideration too. Not worth it imo.

[mahout]

Originally Posted by The Driver

Around $10-11K, but I think I can get it a bit lower.

For $10-11k that ain't no salvage to buy. Never buy a salvage vehicle for more than 1/3 the MSRP of an equivalent new one or used price if not new.. Even so, you need a good body shop to check this vehicle over and give you an estimate of what it will cost to 'refurbish'. Not that you want him to to it but as a measure of the risk in returning this car to the road.
And check with your insurance agent about insuring this car if repaired-some companies will not do so. I also doubt just an alignment is all it needs to get chassis right if it was 'totalled'..
Salvages work well for getting race cars but not real good idea for street car.

[danielg]

Agreed with above.

You gotta figure that it had as much damage as the car was worth. Thats a LOT of damage.