|
|
Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
|
|
| |
|
|
opensleft
New User
Apr 22, 2008, 9:41 PM
Post #1 of 8
(1277 views)
|
|
Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
A few days ago my girlfriends car died beyond repair. I'd been nursing it along for a while, so this was expected to eventually happen. So, the situation is she has some rather extensive driving to do over the next 6-8 months and then will be issued a car. So, today I maybe made a rash decision and purchased a car I "hope" will do the trick. I found a 2001 Hyundai Elantra with about 35,000 miles on it for $4000 dollars. I purchased this with a salvage title. I pulled the carfax, and the odometer reading seems accurate so no issue there. Interior wear seems consistent for the mileage. Runs and drives smooth and the alignment seems right.
From what I was told and what I can see with a careful eye, it was hit (not smashed) in the drivers side sometime this year. There is no metal distortion beyond the exterior door panels and they are pretty flimsy metal as compared to my vw. Anyhow, is there anything else I should look for in issues with this car? or am I just being paranoid? It is going into the shop this week for a checkup, but is there anything I should have them pay special attention to?
Thanks!
|
|
| |
|
|
Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 22, 2008, 10:01 PM
Post #2 of 8
(1272 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
Just thinking here...
If it has a salvage title, I dont believe it can be licensed/titled again for use.
Usually if the repairs exceed the value of the car the insurance company will total it .
I guess have them look it over very carefully,checking for any frame damage and see if they can tell how the car was put back together.
Check to see if its structurally sound as well as mechanically sound. ( I worry about roof damage )(roll over)...seen where they repair these real poorly ..not legal to repair and resell a car with roof repairs...
ME personally,I would be leery of a car that has been "kissed" and repaired with a salvage title.
Your in it now ,so i would take it to a professional body shop to have them look it over as well.
They have the trained eye for this kind of stuff and will be able to tell if "humpty dumpty" was put back together properly.
Thats just my opinion
See what the others have to say
Good luck to you
Jim
|
|
| |
|
|
opensleft
New User
Apr 22, 2008, 10:08 PM
Post #3 of 8
(1270 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
I will have it checked for frame damage for sure! Thanks!. It definitely didn't get rolled, to me it looks like the damage was to the drivers side door area, and doesn't seem to extend above or below this point. It will have a "rebuilt title" The shop I bought it from basically pounded out the dents (you can see where) and sent it on its way. I was thinking (or hoping) that it was salvaged due to its year and the estimated cost of replacing the damaged parts with new parts made it easier just to call it quits. Guess I will find out, hopefully it will at least do the intended job, and if it passes its garage test when she is done I'll just resell it for half what I paid to someone who could use a deal or parts...
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 23, 2008, 2:15 AM
Post #4 of 8
(1262 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
In Mass these cars can be fixed and legally registered for use with a new VIN and marked forever as a "salvaged" car. This lowers it's value of course and releases any responsibility of the manufacturer of intial defects or recalls so you are on your own. They still must meet all inspection requirements for safety and emissions here. Can't say for other states/places.
Salvage and "Totalled" are probably two different things - not sure. For insurance purposes a car is totalled when the value of what's left and the cost of the repair exceeds the whole value of the car before damage incident.
As said - a good body shop should be able to assess the real safety and integrity of the coachworks,
T
|
|
| |
|
|
Guest
Anonymous Poster
Apr 23, 2008, 5:59 AM
Post #5 of 8
(1259 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
Ok, well after a rather sleepless night I got it in first thing in the morning. They couldn't find anything to indicate any frame damage. Alignment is on, and it runs consistent with the mileage. However, it needs a new round of brake pads in short order and a washer fluid pump. I guess I am not too concerned with a resale value hit considering the price paid that shouldn't hurt me too bad. I guess I got lucky, but I really should have been more careful to avoid my night of serious stress and doubt.
Thank you for your suggestions, it made me feel a bit more informed when going in.
Thanks!
|
|
| |
|
|
Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 23, 2008, 7:39 AM
Post #6 of 8
(1257 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
Tidbit more: So far it sound like a good deal. If it stays dry thru a car wash you may be in VERY good shape!
That used to be a test I'd give some unknowns - I can spot body repair but sometimes leak proofing a car can be a nightmare and a decent indicator of the body/seals in general.
For the washer pump: If this is in-line or on tank AND water will flow thru the old pump if needed to seal the tank - check that it gets both power and ground at the pump. Wally World sells a universal pump with an assortment of hose adaptors and wiring that just goes right near the old one either in place or replace an in-line with mount holes for under $10 bucks!!!! Funny but in the "People's Republic of Massachusetts" you get a rejection sticker if your washers don't work!
T
|
|
| |
|
|
Guest
Anonymous Poster
Apr 23, 2008, 1:17 PM
Post #7 of 8
(1255 views)
|
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
I will run it through the wash as soon as I pull the temp tag off it, I don't think that the cardboard will hold up to a trip through the wash. I called the place where I bought it, and they are going to fix the washer issue. It was not detailed before I picked it up, and I see no signs of any water intrusion, so I have high hopes. If this position ever comes up again I think I will save the nightmare scenarios and get it checked out in advance for sure. I think I just got lucky, and she should get a car out of this that will do the trick for the intended purpose.
Thanks for the help!
|
|
| |
|
|
fozzylover
Anonymous Poster
chevy4jen@yahoo.com
Apr 27, 2008, 8:53 PM
Post #8 of 8
(1244 views)
|
Re: Some questions, and maybe some buyers remorse
|
Sign In
|
|
i agree that you should have the frame alignment looked at as well as the wheel alignment just to be on the safe side, since a hard hit can throw all that out of whack. as far as the title i have a 1994 civic that is a salvaged title, all that means is that it got bought back from the ins company and fixed the car themselves, and then had to prove to the state that the car was repaired by showing them repair receipts. so it was totaled at one time, but it can still be sold, its just branded.
|
|
| |
|
Auto Repair Home
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
mdma pills for sale : WhatsApp +33758633852
Drive Shaft Repair
2006 Toyoto Camry XLE Driver Side Electric Window Trouble
equipment
