noname024

I am currently in the process of buying a Trans am off of autotrader. I have visited the owner and test driven it and everything. Great car and is in excellent condition. Interior is like new and still runs strong with about 80,000 miles on it. No rust or anything and engine is spotless. Now I got the VIN from him when I test drove it. I came home and checked the history of it and carfax listed it as a Junk/Salvage vehicle back in 2001. Now I was wondering if you guys think I should still go for it or do you think it will just be a money pit. Any ideas or opinions are welcome.

Oh and its going for 8,000. Thought I'd just stick that in there.

phantomzer0

iTrader: (17)

You can get the same car, for the same price without a junk salvage title. Just some food for thought.

noname024

Really? Everything else I've seen for around that mileage is a couple thousand higher.

Edit: Ok, nevermind it wasn't carfax that I checked the history it was autocheck. I got my friend to check it on carfax since he gets it for free and on there it says that it has a clear title. Anyone know why autocheck would list one thing and carfax list another. Which should I trust?

ScottF

I have a 2000 WS6 that has a salvaged title. I bought it a year ago. It's been a great car. Very strong. I would def go over it real hard. I was very nervous when I bought mine.

noname024

Thanks for the advice. Been thinking about it back and forth forever now. Any more opinions/thoughts?

ggk

iTrader: (1)

my 94 formula is a salvage title. but i know the shop that put it back together so i know it was put back together right. the car was totaled because the suspension got messed , but it was replaced with new so i know it alright.

noname024

Yeah, that's what kills me is that there is no way on finding out really what happened or who put it back together (or if there is, someone please tell me). Plus carfax says it has a clean title but autocheck says it has a salvage title.

NC01TA

I'm dismayed that the owner 'failed to mention' anything about the car's past. That can speak volumes, including witholding anything else that may be wrong. You can do better without the future worry. Look around and don't be afraid to travel some weekend to pick up a car that you can live with for years. Good luck!

ggk

iTrader: (1)

what year car is it?
cause if it was like 2000 or so it would take a wreck to salvage a newer car. i am guessing front end damage. try to get up under the car with a big ruler and a light.try to measuer the ears of the front end to see if they are straght. like an x if the measure ments match it is straght. also try t see if they fixed or replaced the radiaor support area.

noname024

It's a 1998. So your saying the older ones were easier to salvage? And thanks, I'll give that a try and see if it's front end damage.

Rancor352

iTrader: (3)

my 98 ta was wreck, but they kept it a clear title. my family drives all salvage cars, we put them back together ourselves so we know whats going back into them. so if the car was put back together right no worries. but that is a big if, especially if the owner wasn't up front with the wreck.

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

Skip on it, 98's with clear titles go for less than that.

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

Well, here is NADA price for a full optioned 98 T/A, 6 spd with 50k miles, in excellent condition is $13,600.

KBB, same options $11,030.

Highly doubt the car is in excellent condition as well.

Here is a 98 vert with 64000 miles, $9053.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRANS...QQcmdZViewItem

Another vert with 92,000 miles for $8500
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...QQcmdZViewItem

I would save a little more and get a 99+ T/A.

noname024

Thanks for all the advise guys. But I guess I through caution into the wind. I went ahead and went for it. I think it was only damage to the passenger side because the passenger door kind of sags. But I'm really enjoying this car so far. But I guess only time will tell.