Hey whats up guys, 2nd post critical one too.

Been looking for an s2k, willing to pay up to 17k. I found this car http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/290768962.html with salvage title but Im wondering if the upgrades justify the price he's asking for. I will run a carfax report and see what the damages were. He did mention that it was a front end impact, how bad i don't know.

What kind of things should I be looking for. I know I will need to test drive it to ensure that it drives straight/true. How does one check the frame/chasis? I will also have my mechanic check the car for engine knocks and ticks.

So is this a good price with these upgrades? I'm sure the car looks great, he owns a body shop. I'm more worried about the things I can't see. FRAME damage

Help me out guys, what is this car really worth?

 

Don't buy salvaged cars

 

Well... I never have thought salvage was as bad as some people depending on the work done. But this is a sports car that if something is not right with the frame/suspension it will be much more of an issue.
Get it on a lift somehow - take it somewhere that does bodywork and get some opinions.
It does have a decent list of upgrades but with a title like that Id try to go lower IF it checks out good.

Trust me, no matter how good a deal it seems to be if something is slightly off it wouldnt be worth 12,000 to me. Take it to get it aligned. They can check it to see if its off and if it is off and they cannot adjust it back to spec, then you know something is not right. With it being lowered that might be a little harder to do.

Before anything get it checked out.
A toyota corrola drving around town or on the highway does not matter NEAR as much as an S2000 being driven at the limit.

Good luck
Nate

 

Thanks amigo

 

THanks NAte, I appreciate your help. After talking with the seller, he's informed me that the car's frame was damaged, 2 front rails. He's strightened and fixed, has driven the car for 4k miles and says it drives great, now i'm sure no one would say that it drives horrible.

Lots of upgrades, I'll offer less and if the car drives good then I might pick it up.


Any other input fellas, throw it all at me

 

what kind of upgades?

 

click on the link homie

 

Exactly...

Him owning a body shop IMO would not thrill me as much as if it was done somewhere else as he may just fix it to the point of someone not really noticing just to sell it.
If 17K is your limit, I believe you can make a much better decision. I picked up my sebring silver 02 w/38k miles for 16,900.

It all depends on what you want out of this. There are LOTS of people that will tell you dont buy salvage ever. I wrecked my car back in HS and it was bent up. Had it straightened and i guess it drove fine for me. It was a FWD low power car. This is not.
I bought my S2000 for what it is was designed for and it being a wreck it will not drive the same as it did otherwise. Will you notice that? depends on what you want this for.
Dont let the upgrades fog your vision.
If it was me - Id pass it up as there are many clean cars for 17k or less out there.

Nate

 

Man 17k is your limit. You can get an S2K for that price with low miles and clean title. You should pass on that car becuase you will have to worry about future problems.