I've been in the market to purchase a new car for a little while now. I am currently choosing between a TSX, TL, BMW E46 and 07 Nissan Altima.

Today I test drove a beautiful 2005 TSX with Navigation and 89k miles. I was very pleased with it. Loved the handling and feel. The black leather interior felt very good. I admit I haven't test drove the other cars but the TSX was just beautiful. I will admit I find the V4 a little underpower but that's cause I'm used to driving my 2006 Infiniti M35. But also for a V4 it does have nice pick up. Better than a lot of V6 out there.

There is one problem.. I was told the car has a salvage title. The seller told me it is due to front end fender damage. I looked under the hood and there was no damage to the engine (that I could tell). Nothing seemed unusual when I drove it besides the brakes in which the seller already told me it does need new brake pads.

Do you think there is more to the story than he's letting on? He openly told me that there's no issues outside the brake pads. No engine lights came up on the dash. He says we can take it to Acura to get checked (on my dollar).

Here is the link http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/3702960203.html

Thoughts please?

With it being a salvage title should I stay away? And if I should purchase is $10k a good price?

 

You take a gamble anytime you purchase a salvage titled vehicle. There could be frame damage, or other damage that does not manifest itself right away.

You didn't mention if the car was an auto or manual, or if it has the nav package.

Most financing companies will not finance a salvage titled vehicle, so be prepared to pay cash or pay a hefty financing fee. As a rule, I would only pay 70% of the value of a non-salvage titled car. In this case, about $7,700 assuming everything is in decent shape.

I purchased the '06 because it was the first year that had all of the goodies (bluetooth, aux input, increased power, etc). The '06 and '07 are considered the best years for the first gen TSX. The only reason I choose the TSX was a test drive I took in the 6-speed, and I fell in love with the silky smooth gearbox. It wasn't on my list of cars I had considered before, but it has decent power and I get 30mpg in mixed driving.

So to answer your question, don't pay the asking price if you're going to get the car. You also need to define your needs in a vehicle and rate their importance (safety, speed, fuel economy, etc). The TSX seems to do very well in all areas, but not really dominate any particular area.

 

Yes there's navigation and its an automatic.

I just didn't know if $10k was already cheap for an 05 automatic w/navi and salvage title.

 

No, it's overpriced for being salvage. Personally I am not afraid of salvage cars, sometimes you can get a really good deal, but an 05 w/salvage title should be cheaper -even with those miles. You might be able to buy the same car with a clear title, one owner for ~10

It is key to find one that was serviced properly- to me is the most important thing and I am talking from experience.

Also, why are you switching from an Infinity M35 that is newer to this car? If you don't mind me asking.

 

I'm keeping my M35. I'm buying this as my daily driver. I've been putting a lot of miles on my Infiniti lately.

How much should I be paying for this car? What would you offer?

 

I don't know about prices in the west coast. In NC I personally wouldn't pay more than 8500 if salvage. One time I saw an 05 salvage with 39k miles...It went for like 13k, because of such a low mileage.
This one looks clean -I did not see it in person- But if you drove it and think is good, 8.5 grand could be a good deal in my opinion. I rather have a car that was in a wreck and was fixed well than something that burns oil or has tranny problems

 

I'd keep looking, but if you are interested, make sure that you can insure the car; many insurance companies won't underwrite something with a salvage title (by definition, it's already been totaled once). Also, consider resale, it can be a hard sell. Lastly, it should take more than "front end fender damage" to total even an 8 y/o TSX, so try to find out what actually happened (and when).

 

That is a poor financial decision. Unless you need both cars, buying a second one will never be the financially wise decision.

 

Thank you, but I'm pretty sure I can afford to

 

$10,000 for a 2005 is not a good deal, especially considering that it's a salvage title. $7,000 would probably be closer to what it's worth...

 

I tend to agree. $7K was the best I could do for my 05 w/ 178K miles. Though the car was perfect (really....), and needed absolutely nothing, it took me over 6 months to sell (but I am fully aware that the mileage was an obstacle). To the OP, do what you think is best; I wouldn't buy the 05 you're considering on a bet, but that would be my choice.

 

So we went to Acura of Seattle today and paid to got a full check up. The same inspection they'd do if they were taking a trade in. They said the car was in very good condition. Only thing they said it needed was new break pads and possibly an alignment and that the back passenger tire was a snow tire but everything else was good. Fluids, frame, body, transmission, everything. Said it was taking care of extremely well. Got Acura's stamp of approval.

 

I think the comments here have been less about the condition of the car and more about the possible pitfalls inherent in buying a car with a salvage title. If you want it, can buy it for your price, and you can insure it and register it, then as I've stated, it's your decision to make. Those of us here have I think just tried to make you aware of some of the possible implications of deciding to buy the car. I happen to be very sensitive to the resale issue (got really hammered on an Alfa Romeo once), so that alone would completely rule out any car with a less than clean title. But that's my focus, and if you're not concerned the eventual problems a salvage title could cause you when you decide the sell the car, then so be it.

 

if you want it-buy it. Personally if I could afford it I would look for a tsx without a salvage title.

 

nj2pa2nc:

Hello. Don't see you much on the boards anymore. How are you doing? Did you recently change your avatar picture? Did you paint your car blue or is the car in the picture only a car that looks like a TSX? The wheels look very much like those from the 2004 to 2005 TSX. I know from your previous posts that your car is red or used to be red. Maybe the car in the picture is an Acura TL?

 

The avator picture is "The Jersey Shore" house. Even tho I have never watched the show it was fun watching it being taped. Many great memories of Seaside Heights/Park. Still have my red tsx. Other things have taken over. The house my husband and I own is now my sole responsibility. I also had to try to get my moms house ready to sell. It is under contract, closing set for June 13. My daughter is moving closer to me which I am looking forward to. Life goes on. Cherish your loved ones. Tomorrow is not promised.

 

I appreciate everyone's responses. I would like to remain on topic. Regardless of how much money I have or what current car I have, I just wanted to know if its a good pick up? Acura's inspection came out pretty clean.

 

The consensus was: Don't buy a salvage title car. Even if it's a really good deal (which this is not), and even if it's in really good shape (which it appears to be) it's not a good idea.

 

Did you check with your insurance company to see if they will insure it and how much. As stated before you want it then buy it.

 

Thats a very good idea. Insurance companies can be iffy about these cars so dot all of your i's and cross your t's before making the final decision. Good luck bro.