any thoughts about buying a 3rd gen tl type s that has been in a rear end accident? looking to get something with moderate rear end damage, nothing to crazy.

 

Any 3g TLS that has a salvage title that was hit in the rear will have major body damage to the rear frame rails, floor, deck lid, rear body panel and probably buckles in the roof. Not to mention rear suspension too.

You would almost need to buy two salvage 3g TLS to make one. Even if it's repaired right the car will never be good as an unwreck car.

The only way this would work is if you can do major autobody work and have access to a frame machine. The minimum parts to replace would be one or two rear frame rails, rear floor, deck lid/hinges, rear body panel, rear bumper assembly, one or two quarter panels.

Repaint more than half the car. Bumper, quarter panels, roof, floor, deck lid, rear doors, rails, etc.

Not recommended.

 

Dont do it!

If your looking to go this route cuz your trying to fit into a price point you will likely end up spending more to make it right than what a decent runner would cost you.

 

It all depends on what resources you have access to. In theory, you are aware of the challenges posed already by wanting to repair a salvaged/wrecked vehicle. As other have said, for a TL to be totaled out in a rear end accident, it will probably be damaged fairly heavily. Now, if you have access to a body shop and the tools for free...do it. I had friends in the past that did this every couple of years...but they had access to a full body shop for the major repairs and then did the minor work in their garage.

 

In almost all collision salvage vehicles you're going to replace some part of the unibody. Which translates to cutting out bent sheet metal and then welding in a replacement part. The welding is usually a deal breaker for most backyard mechanics.

 

The TL(S) is totaled now with less damage then when the car was worth $35k, so having the equipment/knowledge,
anything is repairable.