Quote: (09-18-2013 11:14 PM)el mechanico Wrote:
I don't buy cars with dirty titles because they're a problem to sell.
But,
1. How much are you saving?
2. Fresh or salt water damage? Salt is a no go. Will rust and have electrical issues endlessly.
3. Fresh water totals are mostly "hydro-lock" where the engine gets fucked up because water gets in and bends the rods while running. Think big puddles until it won't run anymore.
4. You need to have it looked at by someone who really knows. This person will tell you what happened no matter how good of a job they did.
5.Don't expect resale, trade in to go smooth.
6. If it's European? No. Too many expensive control modules that could fuck up in the near future.
7.Mold? look for it.
8. Stay calm
9. Keep it 3Hunna
I concur.
If you are going to buy something to drive the wheels off of, a salvage car CAN be ok. Resale will be shit and some insurers won't touch them.
Flood cars I'd be very careful however. Body and mechanical damage can often be fixed easily. Water damage not so much.
And the electronics on modern cars are insane. THey are essentially computers on wheels.
Would you buy a flood damaged computer?