I've been looking at the Xa -- I like the looks, the mpg, the size. But even w/ the low price, it was more than I was looking to spend.

I've found a salvaged 2004Xa auto w/ only 2,000 mile on it! The crash did not pop the air bags and was only external damage -- but comvered the full drivers side. Those parts have been replaced. I can get it for $9,000 (about 5K less than a new one).

I'm nervous about getting a salvaged car, however. Any suggestions? Is this a good deal????

Thanks much!

What exactly was replaced on the car?? What kind of hit did it take ???

before/after pics?

before/after pics?

I was emailed both before and after pics -- but they are just pics and I can't see exactly. The car isn't local, so I'm planning a little trip to take a look at it, and if I like, to buy it on the spot.

I'll see if I can cut/paste these for you. Give me 5 minutes...

In the meantime:

I've been told there was not interior or mechanical damage or repairs (he has the papers for me). Windows were busted, both driver side doors, and bumber, etc. Damage was along the drivers side. It did not cause the airbags to open, so I'm guessing it was a 'swipe' type of accident.

Parts were replaced and a new pro paint job.

...

you should pay less than 9000 for a salvage titled vehicle.

You have a few things to consider. First of all, if there was any frame damage at all, I'd say skip it...too risky. If it was strictly cosmetic damage, you'll be fine as long as it was done correctly. The main thing to consider is this: If you plan to keep the car for a very long time, go for it. The savings will be worth it to you. But if there's a good chance that you'll be looking to re-sell the car anytime in the next three years or so, having a salvaged title is going to make it hard. Even if it was done perfectly, most people will see "Salvaged Title" and skip right over it. Also keep in mind that the xAs are starting their 2nd year here in the US. If you're not in a huge hurry, non-salvaged used xAs will start showing up real soon. Just food for thought.

Here is a pic:

Link <~~ Click Here (http://64.4.61.250/cgi-bin/getmsg/image001.jpg?curmbox=32B5A596%2d8447%2d41BD%2d83EC%2d586941C219EF&a=191ffdc691cd30b35014554df0a7f7a4&msg=0A4A5A5B-58F2-4860-8769-D6D9A461B37F&start=0&len=83216&mimepart=5&disk=10.1.118.12_d423&login=joeleckel&domain=hotmail%2ecom&_lang=EN&country=US)

**IkhonLord - Edit**

Link was too long...PLUS...u cant link from within your e-mail...Sorry...
Oh yea, this is the BEFORE pic, in case you couldn't tell...

Hmm..link doesn't work for me. :cry:

Oh brother. Yeah, I guess this link won't work. I have a pic but don't know how to post it here. I could email it to you or follow any quick pic pasting advice....

I do plan on driving this car for a long time, so I thought the salvage won't hurt my resale as much.

I need a car ASAP as my other just died. (a horrible, horrible death)

Just be sure to check things like the seam spacing around doors and body panels. If the work was done well, the fit and finish should be good and uniform. Also LISTEN to the car. Any obvious sqeeks or rattles are bad. Don't be jammin' the radio on the test drive. :wink: Good luck! You'll love owning an xA.

Thanks Matt_a,

I really, really want this car, but I'm nervous about the salvaged title. Your suggestion is helpful. I have another Xa possibility:

2005 w/ 2,500 milies, looks perfect, standard auto w/ side airbags. Price = $13,500. I would be saving about one grand than buying it new. Still, I'm talking about a $4.5K difference for only 1 year newer, side airbags, warrenty, and of course, the clear title....

But golly, $4.5 cheaper is %50 of the price I would pay for my salvaged option....

No problem. Just be sure to post here and let us know what you end up doing. Also, you have one other way you could go. If you can live without a bunch of options, you can get a brand-spanking-new one for $12,995. That's what I paid for mine. I added stuff like the keyless entry, SilverStar headlights, Boomerang armrest, rims & tires all aftermarket. It's way cheaper than getting stuff through the dealer, plus you can do it as you have the money.

There are hidden costs to owning a salvaged car i.e. insurance costs, resale value. repairs, future accidents, warranty issues, etc. so don't expect to save 4.5k over a new xA.

Yup, yup. That's right as well. Thanks for posting here and helping me write through my options. I think I'm gonna take a little more time and look. Right now the xA is real hard to get. I think I'm gonna take a ride in the Xb and see what I think. Though their base is higher cost, there are better used options available....

but yeah salvaged is good for a long term car , beware of insurance and registrations costs as stated earlier.

Actually a known salvage is probably a good option if you are happy with the price. Opposed to paying full retail or fair market value on a used xA. Another discount option is to get to know someone who goes to auto auctions, you get a good discount, however you don't know any history. That could be bad. Not a way to buy a sports car but an option on an low mileage xA for sure. I've been told that there are several xB's going through our auctions down here for around $10k. You pays your money, you takes your chances.
Good Luck, just watch out for flood cars!
Danno

The one thing that you have to remember about a salvage, the ins company appraised the repair bill for atleast 60% of the price of the car. Granted that is only about 7K but that is a lot of work. On a new car, I would figure that is some frame damage, or every panel is crushed. I would say, stay away, unless you plan on keeping it forever or you plan on getting into a bad wreck and totaling it out.
just my .02c

ill sell you my 2004 scion xA with 16k mi on it for $10,500 right now. email me if you're interested. i REALLY will do this deal, so hit me up...

lol, I just found this thread to post the link to ^^^'s sale thread.. This is a much better idea than a salvage.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43039&highlight=

Dunno about other states but in Calif. the DMV can give you all kinds of headaches when registering or reregistering a salvage-titled car. Plus they're tough to finance.

Resale value on any car with good fuel economy seems to be pretty high these days. IMO it doesn't yet make sense to buy a used Scion.

In the used car business- a salvaged title is worth 50% of the normal KBB value. So unless your getting the xA for 1/2

DO NOT BUY!!!

Your warrenty is voided as well!

In the used car business- a salvaged title is worth 50% of the normal KBB value. So unless your getting the xA for 1/2

DO NOT BUY!!!

Your warrenty is voided as well!

Actually KBB.com will appraised the car with the salvage title.

You have to do some research into the car and the seller. You gotta make sure what you're getting involved with. Does the vehicle have a registerable title. California requires steps in registering a salvage title car. On a late model it requires a CHP inspection, brake & light inspection, and smog cert. This isnt free and takes some time. The parts that were replaced needs a reciept and vin#, so they could verify where it came from. If this procedure wasnt done, it might be hard for you to furnish reciepts for parts you didnt buy. Just test drive the car, take a look and you'll be able to make a decision. You will always run into mechanical problems with cars in general. Salvage title doesnt = ____ty cars. You pay for what you get. $9000 is the right price for a nice salvage car, low mileage, good work.

I couldn't bring myself to buy a $9,000 salvage car. If I want a car that I'm gonna be concerned about, I'll spend $1,000 on an old toyota and drive that around for a few years.

I mean, if I'm already spending $9,000, I might as well make that $13,000 and get what I really want.

But that's just me. :)