I'm looking to buy a 1999 Trans Am WS6 that has a salvaged title due to flood damage. The car is bone stock A4, and has 60k miles on it. The interior looks really nice except for the carpet due to the flood. The under body is not rusting at all despite being in a flood. The car runs and drives like a 60k mile car should, and has been repainted a non-factory color since the flood that looks very much like Sunset Orange Metallic. The car has been in no accidents.

The ABS light is on and the ABS does not work, which is said to have been caused by the flood, and the window motors don't work, also due to the flood.

I'm just not sure how much a salvaged title takes off the car's value. I'm hoping a lot since I'm looking to buy it

 

From what you describe it sounds like a 'few' electrical issues to say the least. It can get worse over time and extremely aggravating. Are you sure you want this car when so many nice ones are out there?
Since you are asking, I would not pay more than 50% of KBB 'private party' value. If you had to sell you would be lucky to get it back. In my zip code the value shows about $8,400 for a 'fair' example. Don't pay over $4,200 or adjust to what the value says in your zip code.

 

thanks for the input! yeah it seems like there are some electrical issues with the car. if I buy it it would be made into a drag car so I figured a salvaged title would be nice since it would bring the value of the car down.

I'd feel bad gutting a real nice Trans Am, not to mention forking out the cash for one just to gut it.

Any more input from others?

 

Sounds like a big headache, it was sitting in water up to the Window Motors, thats bad

 

yeah it would be a headache but window motors/abs/most electronic options will be removed from the car since it would be made for the strip.

any more input on the car's value?

 

100 percent agree on the above~ 50% of personal blue book. Everytime Ive picked up a salvage car and paid more Ive regretted it.

 

I would say 50% less IF it was in perfect running condition. I would subtract all the other stuff that is wrong with the car. Last thing you want to do is buy a car thats worth 8k for 4-5k and then dump another 2-3 K into it. Then you could have bought a car with a clean title car

 

Yes, it would be trouble --too much work on electrcal things, fuel issue and smell stinks interior. I work with wrecked yard and have been seen those salvage vehicles many issues.
T/A looks nice.
Good Luck work on it if you get that..
>>Look at my sig.<<<

 

i bought it haha, thanks for all your input guys

I paid $6000 for it and it blue booked $10,400, so I'd say thats not so bad!

 

The car runs perfectly fine, it does need some TLC, but I think it was completely worth the $6000 that was paid for it. I drove it home from Pennsylvania to Indiana (a 6 hour drive) without a problem.

 

That is very encouraging. Good luck with it!