Hello All,

Looking to purchase a used 2006 scion tC and I am found this car on cl. The milage is not too bad and the car seems to be in good condition, my concern is the rebuilt title from a front hit that required bumper replacement. What do you think I should offer for this car? Also, what checks should I do to make sure that hit did not cause any frame damage?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3693358742.html

Thanks, looking forward to your replies.

 

No, Rebuilt titles are never a good investment. Rebuilt title means that the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. An insurance company can declare a vehicle a total loss for many reasons, the normal reason is that it was damaged beyond 75-100% of it's appraised value. Or it could be constructive total loss where the time it takes to repair is too long and due to the length of time the person would be in a rental, it is more cost effective to total out the car. The car could have also been stolen and stripped, or not recovered for a long time so once it was found, the insurance company just auctions it off ETC.

Most importantly, MANY MANY MANY cars were declared total losses from the flooding caused by hurricane Sandy because the salt water corrodes the body and the electrics on the car making them dangerous and prone to many part failures.

Also, go to KBB and Edmunds, how much more would you expect to spend in your area for a similar year tC with similar mileage with a clear title?

My point is, don't buy a salvage title car unless you just need it for parts. It is a huge gamble, and they just aren't worth it.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. KBB estimates the cost of 06 scion tC with similar mileage to be between 7000 to 8500 depending on condition but with a clear title. Good point about the salvage title, who knows what actually happened. Could be from flood damage.

 

The guy didn't even clean the car before he took pictures. I wouldn't buy it.

 

If he takes 3500 buy it!!!