Is this rebuilt from salvage title okay?

(2011-07-11 14:30:13) 1. John Haden Says: The car is a B5 Audi S4. It had an accident in 04 and sustained damage only to the right front quarter with airbag deployment. The frame was undamaged and is straight (sometimes the repair costs on Audis for minor or moderate damages are huge! Considering it cost 3 grand to repair scratches on the headlight and a cracked bumper on my TT!) The car was built up by a reputable repair company to obtain a rebuilt title, which means it went through thorough inspection. The second owner has had it since 2004 without any major problems (very honest guy). I have driven it and the engine is in immaculate condition, it runs smoothly and tracks straight on the road. It was built up a little and is fast. The car has been maintained flawlessly and there is no signs of defect anywhere.

So to me it sounds like just a great deal for an amazing car, what do you guys think? And before you ask, NO! there was no flood damage =).2. Uncle Bo Says: Sounds like a sales pitch.

It doesn't matter how well the car was maintained or how well it tracks. The salvage title is going to kill its value in the marketplace. I would want to be 20-30% below rough blue book on that car.

No dealer is going to touch it as a trade in. Older Audis are scary enough; most dealers will stay away. An old Audi with a salvage title is worth almost nothing. Buy it if you like the car but do not pay anywhere near normal market value for a S4 with no title issues or accident damage.

You are much better off finding another car with a clean title. It won't have the stigma of a salvage or rebuilt if you go to sell it or trade it in sometime later.3. Vipassana Says: How would we know? We know nothing about the car, besides what you told us.

Never mind how pointless your question is in the first place.

I never go by how a car deal "SOUNDS". I inspect the car, test drive it, get my mechanic to inspect it, run a car fax....etc.

But I never trust anyone's word, or their honesty.

It's a business transaction. How honest someone seems, has nothing to do with business.4. whocares Says: Understand that old Audi's are not really that reliable so it could cost you to maintain it. Repairs are HIGH. Both parts & labor and they are prone to needed them often compared to similar older cars.

And, you should be able to get a 25-40% discount because of the salvage title. If not, don't buy it. Make an offer and be willing to walk.

All previous salvages go through an inspection but its NOT anything other than it has all doors & fenders & so forth. Its not a safety seal of approval at all.

Just don't overpay because you will take a hit when you go to sell it or if you total it, your insurance company wont give anywhere near retail.

Have it checked by a mechanic first. Tag: Is this rebuilt from salvage title okay?