Question about salvage title

[jjsxw6]

Hi all,

Trying to buy a gen 2 GTS in California. It is a salvage title. I have a few questions.

The owner says the salvage was due to fire in the garage, but when I run the VIN on NICB.org, it says the cause of loss was collision. Is it possible fire is just categorized under collision? Also, apparently the fire just damaged the exterior. Is that really enough to total it?

I've heard of scams regarding transferring of salvage titles and would generally like to understand the process better. According to the California DMV, it seems you can register and drive a salvaged car just as long as it has been inspected? The owner drives the car, so I suppose he has done this already. I guess I don't have a well defined question here, I just know there's something I don't know and don't want to be bushwhacked. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

[Camfab]

Take it to Dan Craigin and pay him to inspect it. His company is advertised here, SPT. Money well spent.

[Viper Girl]

If you don't want to get "bushwhacked" I suggest you find a car without a salvage title. There's probably more to the story than you are being told.

[dave6666]

Totaling a car has nothing to do with amount of damage. It's a financial math problem based on repair cost versus value. It takes very little damage to rack up enough expenses to total a Gen 2. If it needed a full repaint and a hood then it was toasted financially. I do agree that a fire in a house would probably be recorded as a wreck. As for documentation. If none, walk.

[Fatboy 18]

I presume the car is cheap with a Salvage Title? I would find a clean car.

[drewsss]

I've been through the salvage route with another (non-Viper) car, and would not do it again. The money you seemingly save at the front end you will lose when you sell it (IF you can sell it). The pool of "salvage" buyers is very small, and on top of that, most banks won't finance them either.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Mbccenter]

Have had many and love a proper salvage Viper. I have seen others get damaged from a garage fire. Smoke damage and things melted on it. It can be repaired. I would not think it would say collision but those reports are not always accurate. They should have pictures that show the damage. Need to check over to make sure everything is in proper order. I have never had a issue selling one and most sell without a add for sale. I get people asking me for specific vipers all the time so they can save money on them.

If it is repaired poorly or you find them lying run like the wind.

[Vprbite]

Salvage titles are fine IF the repairs are done well and you know what you are getting into. Those are two big conditions. I agree that Dan Cragin will be worth the money and can show you if they cut corners or bondo'd the frame (yes!!! That happens!) But you need to know, as Drew said, you are saving money now that will cost you later. If you are ok with that, then great. Enjoy. But don't think you are finding a way to get a clean, no story car without paying for it.

And yes, financing and insurance will be affected. And check with your state about registering salvage titles.

[Bugman Jeff]

It really depends on the price, and why you want it. Typically, salvage cars are worth around 2/3 of a non-salvage car. If you're buying as a possible collector and are concerned with getting top dollar at resale, look elsewhere. If you're buying because you want a Viper and this one costs less, have it inspected by someone who knows what they're looking at and go for it. No matter how nice it is, it will never be worth as much as a non-salvage car, and as long as you keep that in mind as both a buyer, and future seller, and if the inspection checks out, get it and have fun with it.

[jjsxw6]

Thanks for all the replies. Called Dan, as several people recommended, but did not hear back from him.

I bought the car. I love it =)
It was a total diamond in the rough. Paint, body, interior were all in wonderful shape. It's never been in a collision.

[Hathoway]

Thanks for all the replies. Called Dan, as several people recommended, but did not hear back from him.

I bought the car. I love it =)
It was a total diamond in the rough. Paint, body, interior were all in wonderful shape. It's never been in a collision.

So salvage title but had not been in a collision? Some other issue then?

[jjsxw6]

Yeah, car cover caught fire.