F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > Looking to buy an E46 323i with salvage title - any advice?
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-25-2014, 12:08 PM   #1
Dmepper
Registered
4
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: BMW Z4
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Philly

iTrader: (0)

Looking to buy an E46 323i with salvage title - any advice?

Hi guys! I'm going to buy a salvage 323i. If anyone here dealt with buying salvage title cars (or simply knows some information) I have some questions - what kind of damage did the car have and did you have any issues with it after you repaired it? Also, was it very difficult to resell the car afterwards?
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2014, 12:18 PM   #2
MDecals
The Vinyl Guy
MDecals's Avatar
United_States
64
Rep
587
Posts

Drives: Slow
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Glendale, CA

iTrader: (9)

Honestly, with my experience with salvage cars, no matter how good the repair shop is, the car will never be the same. Be careful
__________________

Your Source For All Things Vinyl!

Official Decals: Bimmerpost | E90post| M3post | F30post

Appreciate 0
      03-28-2014, 11:46 PM   #3
bim_power
Private First Class
bim_power's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
152
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: DC

iTrader: (0)

Resale is also difficult because people will keep wondering why it was totaled and what did you do to bring back to life.
Appreciate 0
      03-29-2014, 09:30 AM   #4
Efthreeoh
General
United_States
16946
Rep
18,580
Posts

Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

I've not done one myself, but I had a friend recently look into the issue. He had a very nice 1990 Honda minivan (wife's car), with 160K on it, but he was meticulous with it and other than mileage, it looked brand new. As an example of how good shape the van was in, last year the trans developed a leak between the cases; he pulled the trans, went through the whole thing himself as a DIY, replaced all the seals, O-rings, and gaskets. Well, few months ago his wife t-boned some 16-year old who decided to ignore traffic. The van was repairable body-wise, but the air bags had gone off. Based on the age and mileage the insurance company totaled it.

He was going to salvage it and have the body work fixed by a shop. But the airbag replacement was costly part of the repair, so he was going to do himself. The problem was, he found out that in our fine state of Virginia, that any repairs to a salvage-title vehicle have to be performed by a certified repair shop, so no DIY to save money on the repairs and make it worthwhile to him to fix the van. You should check into that if you are planning to do the repairs yourself.
Appreciate 0
      04-05-2014, 12:30 AM   #5
srs_bsns
Private
4
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2017 i3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

I don't personally have experience salvaged cars, but still would tread with caution. I personally think salvaged cars would be a great buy if you personally are able to work on the car or identify significant problems, but definitely should avoid cars that have possible frame damage.
Appreciate 0
      04-06-2014, 12:53 AM   #6
Sfvalley135i
Second Lieutenant
53
Rep
227
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (5)

salvage cars are rarely repaired with safety in mind. Most salvage cars are repaired to look fine, however small things such as getting a perfect wheel alignment or body panel gaps to line up is nearly impossible.

If you do buy a salvage car, plan to drive it into the ground... Or expect to get $3-5k 6+ years from now.
Appreciate 0
      04-06-2014, 08:31 AM   #7
335is808
Second Lieutenant
19
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: 2011 335is
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: hawaii

iTrader: (1)

first 2 cars were salvage, a 350z and a rsx. no problems at all, Sold them the same price i bought them as well. just make sure they're not front end engine damage and it should be solid.
Appreciate 0
      04-06-2014, 11:57 AM   #8
STR3T
Private First Class
STR3T's Avatar
40
Rep
197
Posts

Drives: 2020 Z4 sDrive30i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ~St. Louis

iTrader: (0)

Flood cars show as salvage too right? Electronics can be totally hosed on flood vehicles...
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 08:22 AM   #9
Unknown_Car
Major
Unknown_Car's Avatar
United_States
447
Rep
1,060
Posts

Drives: Few and diffrent
Join Date: May 2015
Location: All over

iTrader: (0)

Depends how it was damaged. All I owned was salvage. Owned at least 15 salvage cars and all I can say is depends who fixes them and how bad it was the damage. I only get light damage cars and always show the damage to customers.
__________________
JB4 Tune, MHD backend flash, E85
VRSF 7" Intercooler, BMS OCC
VRSF CP & TIAL 50mm BOV, BMP PI
DocRace 6266 single turbo.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 09:51 AM   #10
WanaM
Banned
15
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: Fast and fun M3
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Boston MA

iTrader: (0)

I would steer clear of any salvage cars, unless you're repairing it yourself. It's almost like buy a "restored antique classic car", yeah you might save yourself some money, but you won't know how the vehicle was repaired/restored until you have to service it. I would steer clear.

Good luck on your search
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 10:21 AM   #11
supra93
Colonel
2474
Rep
2,334
Posts

Drives: Z4, E500, Supra, RX7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

Like others have said, it depends on the damage and how bad was it. I have brought 5 salvage title cars at auction in the past 3 years. I have a good friend of mines rebuilt them for me.

Also saved a lot of money. My latest examples were a CLK500 convertible with 48k, a double cab F-150 with 42k, and a Camry LE with 55k. The CLK had a tree branch fall on the deck lid, quarter panel, and rear window. All in all the total for that one came to $5k. At the time KBB had a clean title at $17k and for sale ads were around the same price.

The F-150 was rear ended and just needed a new bed and rear bumper. This one was $10k when it was all said and done. KBB had a clean title at $19k and for sale ads were around the $20k mark.

The Camry was hit on the front passenger side. It needed a new hood, front bumper, fender, headlight, and random suspension parts. The total came out to be $6.5k. KBB had a clean title at $10k and for sale ads were around $11k-$12k.

Another pro about salvage cars is that here in Texas we don't have to pay taxes for a rebuilt title car. We only pay a $65 dollar rebuilt fee along with the cost of tags.

Last edited by supra93; 06-14-2017 at 10:32 AM..
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 10:35 AM   #12
bimmer456
Major General
2940
Rep
5,983
Posts

Drives: 340i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Pasadena, CA

iTrader: (0)

It might be worth it if you can get a clean running car for under $1000, maybe $200-$400. It would make a nice project car but maybe not a daily driver unless you know it's well sorted.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 11:35 AM   #13
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

It's a good business for sure....for myself I buy clean title cars. Used to have a dealership and we bought a few salvage cars. F250 for $1000 bucks, sold for $10k later and one near brand new Nissan Sentra with flood damage, but in reality car has zero issues....I am guessing only floor was flooded and car was written off.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 01:34 PM   #14
supra93
Colonel
2474
Rep
2,334
Posts

Drives: Z4, E500, Supra, RX7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
It's a good business for sure....for myself I buy clean title cars. Used to have a dealership and we bought a few salvage cars. F250 for $1000 bucks, sold for $10k later and one near brand new Nissan Sentra with flood damage, but in reality car has zero issues....I am guessing only floor was flooded and car was written off.
Man I remember the days when you could have gotten good to decent cars at the insurance auctions for next to nothing. But how a days when sites like ridesafely, autobidmaster, and etc which makes it possible for the public to buy as well it made prices rise across the board
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 02:16 PM   #15
deansbimmer
Mporium BMW
deansbimmer's Avatar
3741
Rep
2,907
Posts

Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas

iTrader: (17)

Garage List
1988 BMW M3  [0.00]
2013 BMW M3  [0.00]
2011 X5M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
My M3 and X5M are both salvage cars. I repaired them myself and would trust them in their current state more than a similar mileage car with a clean title, just because I know the car's condition now with their extensive list of new parts.

There's nothing inherently wrong with salvaged cars. It's just how they are rebuilt- there are more shops cutting corners and doing amateur work than there are quality rebuilders doing better work at the cost of a slimmer profit margin.

I am a state licensed dismantler, and yes- these days I see just as many public buyers buying through brokers as I do legitimate businesses buying inventory. It definitely drives the prices up.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 04:37 PM   #16
EZgo
Private First Class
53
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: 2011 550i
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Maybe this matters to you because you're financing, maybe it doesn't because you're paying cash- most lenders will not finance a savage titled vehicle.
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2017, 05:06 PM   #17
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Being a pro and repairing yourself or having a buddy in business is one thing, but buying salvage blind from some dealer just to save money is just wrong. Better off just buying a cheaper car with clean title
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2017, 07:26 AM   #18
David70
Colonel
United_States
1567
Rep
2,665
Posts

Drives: 06 Z4M Coupe - 13 Cadillac ATS
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cincinnati, OH

iTrader: (1)

If you plan to only keep it for a couple of years I think the savings on the salvage title car looks better than it is because of the low resale. Example - buy non salvage for $20k and sell it down the road for $15k, or buy the $13k salvage ($7k less than the non salvage) and sell it for $9k and you saved $1k. These are made up numbers but I don't see the savings being the original $7k no matter how it works out.
__________________
2006 Z4M Coupe - Stromung exhaust, ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2017, 09:09 AM   #19
Kolyan2k
Major General
916
Rep
5,538
Posts

Drives: 2006 S2000
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Premium salvage car is a huge pain in the ass to resell and I think most rookies who want to save a few bucks end up loosing. If you buy some salvage winter beater then it make no difference, although still will be a pain to sell.
You would be surprised how many people shopping for some $5k car want to see a clean Carfax with zero accidents and one or two owners
Appreciate 1
      06-15-2017, 09:17 AM   #20
deansbimmer
Mporium BMW
deansbimmer's Avatar
3741
Rep
2,907
Posts

Drives: 2011 E93 M3
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DFW, Texas

iTrader: (17)

Garage List
1988 BMW M3  [0.00]
2013 BMW M3  [0.00]
2011 X5M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
You would be surprised how many people shopping for some $5k car want to see a clean Carfax with zero accidents and one or two owners
This. These types of buyers get me every time- I want to slap them. Cars with salvage history are definitely harder to sell.
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2017, 09:30 AM   #21
tdott
Brigadier General
3931
Rep
3,972
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South FL / 6ix

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by David70 View Post
If you plan to only keep it for a couple of years I think the savings on the salvage title car looks better than it is because of the low resale. Example - buy non salvage for $20k and sell it down the road for $15k, or buy the $13k salvage ($7k less than the non salvage) and sell it for $9k and you saved $1k. These are made up numbers but I don't see the savings being the original $7k no matter how it works out.
Using your example numbers. The salvage cost $7k less and had $1k less depreciation.
So doesnt that mean in that example a salvage car would have saved $8k total over buying the clean titled one?
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2017, 02:26 PM   #22
supra93
Colonel
2474
Rep
2,334
Posts

Drives: Z4, E500, Supra, RX7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

When it comes to resale I don't think you will have a hard time trying to find buyers. But they low ball the heck out of you. The only thing I can recommend to help with this is to keep photos of before and after the repairs were made and any receipt or repair order. Like in my case the truck wasn't damage that bad and I did keep photos from the auction just encase of when I do go to sale it later down the road. I need to show buyers that there wasn't any frame damage and it just needed another bed and bumper.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:53 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST