Hi all,

I am looking at buying a 2002 six speed. I called the shop owner, who told me that the following would need replaced:
1. Right front fender
2. Left front fender (has a crack)
3. Right front headlight assembly
4. Left front headlight cover
5. Lower radiator support
6. Condenser
7. Right front inner fender panel (I've heard these are a PITA to get on right)
8. Front bumper
9. Possibly the hood (he said the damage on it is repairable)

He said that he will take $8950 for it. Is does NOT have a salvage title, surprisingly. The airbags did not deploy. The car runs and drives (Can't drive it very long obviously because of the radiator damage.) The seller said that the engine and frame both are fine; that it is all just panel damage. What do you all think? Is the car worth the risk? Do you think that the price for it would leave enough room for restoring without going underwater on it? I would do most of the work myself. Also, are there some other hidden things I am not thinking of? For examples, I've heard of there being an impact sensor, but am not sure where it is located/what it would take to replace it if need be. I am afraid of all the electronics/wiring/sensors that would have to be replaced. Also, any ideas on how much it would take to repaint the front end? I have attached pictures. Thanks!

 

How many miles are on it?

Depending on mileage it looks like an okay price to me but I'd still haggle a bit as every dollar will help.

 

Sorry, I forgot to add that there are 52k miles on it

 

In that case I'd be all over it. Especially if you're doing your own work. Do a Tigarshark nose!

I don't know of any hidden sensors but if you're not getting a CEL I'd think you'd be okay.

 

Doesn't sound like that great of a deal TBH.

 

Thanks ChiliPepperGarage. Tech, what part do you think would be the most cost-consuming?

 

check on prices of all the parts and dont forget a winshield. seems like the hood should be able to be repaired from best i can tell from the pics. then the cost of body work and paint is gonna cost you. that is mag red isnt it?

 

Maybe it's just the angle of the pics, but the right rear looks to be pushed forward.

Looks like primary impact was on the right, so I would check the front suspension too. Could get costly.

 

Yeah that's true NHolds. Just another reason why I think this build might get way too costly way too fast

 

I didn't notice before but yes, appears to be bigger gap at back of tire than front.

Could you possibly have another body shop look at it?

 

Thanks you guys, I didn't notice that gap until you all pointed it out

 

seems high, 5k is better,

 

Yeah sadly the guy is pretty firm at $9k

 

Looking at the condition of the interior and the paint overall and the fact that it only has 52k. miles on it , it doesn't look like it has been abused. If you can do the work yourself , I think this car could turn out to be a good buy for you. Used body parts for these cars are cheap . Judging from the pictures there doesn't look like there would be frame or suspension damage but I would check that close before you buy. Also consider that it has a good title and air bags. Definitely worth considering this car.

 

Thanks bj1k, has anybody done this sort of project before? Does anyone have an idea on wiring and electronics for this project? I know this will probably be quite a bit different than putting on new fenders for my C3 (because of all the electronics and sensors). Also does anybody have any idea on a possible resale value for this car? Even though it doesn't have a salvage title, I would think that if a buyer took a quick look at the vin and searched it up they would see that it was in an accident...how poorly do you think that would affect the resale value? Thanks and merry Christmas

 

Given the way the right rear tire sits in the wheel well, the only real way to determine if there has been any frame damage is to put the car on a frame rack and see how far off things are. If there are no severe pinches in the frame rails, it should be able to be pulled back into the proper alignment.

Finding good replacement body panels and a windshield should not be too difficult to do. The paint looks like Mag Red II and that paint will cost more money and may be difficult to blend in.

The reason there is no salvage title may be because nobody bothered to report a sale after the crash. If the previous owner' insurance company didn't see a claim, they would not have any reason to force a salvage title or even update CarFax.

I would question the airbags not being deployed. That looks like enough damage for that to happen. Check the steering wheel airbag cover to see if the airbag is in fact there. They are very expensive to replace.

As far as the wiring and electronics, there shouldn't be a problem unless there is clear indication of broken wires or insulation that is scraped away exposing bare wire. The only sensors would be the airbag sensors, everything else should be relays and headlamp motors.

But the ECM sits under the battery so make sure that the battery case didn't crack and have electrolyte leak down onto the ECM. That will kill the ECM quickly.

 

I will sell you a nice 2002 c5 with 6 speed in Odessa tx for 13500, only 81k miles and runs and drives great,

 

Thanks c4cruiser, I didn't think about the battery acid leaking on the ECM.
joesephus---pm sent

 

I wouldn't buy it with resale in mind but I think it would be a good project if you intend to keep it for some time and I would not be concerned about electronics unless it is throwing some codes or has obvious electronic component damage.