C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

Salvaged Corvette

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 11:56 AM
  #1  
MDPD23's Avatar
MDPD23
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 799
Likes: 14
From: Lakewood Ranch FL
Default Salvaged Corvette

Looking for opinions! I have an opportunity to buy a 2008 Corvette that was in an accident and has a salvaged title. The person selling is a body shop that specializes in taking corvettes from insurance companies and rebulids them. My understanding is that there was frame damage but it was restored to factory specs. The price savings is substantial but I'm a little quizy about the whole thing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 11:58 AM
  #2  
failtodeliver's Avatar
failtodeliver
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Default

Test drive it, get your own mechanic to inspect it, and use your judgement.

Don't plan on selling it though, and make sure it's insurable.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 12:08 PM
  #3  
Mike McG's Avatar
Mike McG
Pro
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 3
Default

I wouldnt buy it unless its ging to be a track car. (its a mind thing) Because eventually you might want to sell it, and it wont be worth anything title wise. but if you dont plan on ever selling and it drives good, is reliable, and looks great why not?
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 02:18 PM
  #4  
spin-doktor's Avatar
spin-doktor
Drifting
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Default

Theres no reason for it to still have a salvage title if its been repaired. I used to buy insurance totals and repair them a few years back. When you buy the car from the ins. company it does come with a salvage title usually, but when you repair it, and go register the car with a "rebuilt vehicle affidavit" the DMV issues a "Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Title"

- Make sure you have the car inspected my a third party, independent body shop so you know the true extent of the damage and the quality of the repairs.

- Make sure the car coes with a REBUILT title, not a SALVAGE title. If the title is still salvage, you cannot operate the vehicle legally on public roads.

And finally, yes, its a pain in the ,, to try to sell a car with a branded title. People will scrutinize the car much more than usual even if the repair was done properly and the car drives, and looks perfect.

Last edited by spin-doktor; Dec 4, 2009 at 02:21 PM.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 03:26 PM
  #5  
MDPD23's Avatar
MDPD23
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 799
Likes: 14
From: Lakewood Ranch FL
Default

Thanks for the valuable info. By the way the car is in your area. Located in Mineola, TX. If you have any info I would appreciate it. I talk to the technician, Tom, and he did seem very knowledgable.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 05:57 PM
  #6  
spin-doktor's Avatar
spin-doktor
Drifting
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Default

Never heard about them, but Mineola, TX is a little town way out there in the middle of nowhere im not sure you'll be able to find a good shop to do a third party inspection of the car.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 06:46 PM
  #7  
Dans C6's Avatar
Dans C6
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 3
From: One of them
Default

Run away from that car! Do not buy it. You'll have more problems than you want when you try to get rid of it.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 07:03 PM
  #8  
inthehunt2's Avatar
inthehunt2
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 11
From: Beverly Hills, MI
Default

Originally Posted by spin-doktor
Theres no reason for it to still have a salvage title if its been repaired. I used to buy insurance totals and repair them a few years back. When you buy the car from the ins. company it does come with a salvage title usually, but when you repair it, and go register the car with a "rebuilt vehicle affidavit" the DMV issues a "Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Title"

- Make sure you have the car inspected my a third party, independent body shop so you know the true extent of the damage and the quality of the repairs.

- Make sure the car coes with a REBUILT title, not a SALVAGE title. If the title is still salvage, you cannot operate the vehicle legally on public roads.

And finally, yes, its a pain in the ,, to try to sell a car with a branded title. People will scrutinize the car much more than usual even if the repair was done properly and the car drives, and looks perfect.
Very good recommendations.
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 07:18 PM
  #9  
dvilin's Avatar
dvilin
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,247
Likes: 8,510
From: Rochester, NY
Default

Originally Posted by spin-doktor
Theres no reason for it to still have a salvage title if its been repaired. I used to buy insurance totals and repair them a few years back. When you buy the car from the ins. company it does come with a salvage title usually, but when you repair it, and go register the car with a "rebuilt vehicle affidavit" the DMV issues a "Rebuilt Motor Vehicle Title"

- Make sure you have the car inspected my a third party, independent body shop so you know the true extent of the damage and the quality of the repairs.

- Make sure the car coes with a REBUILT title, not a SALVAGE title. If the title is still salvage, you cannot operate the vehicle legally on public roads.

And finally, yes, its a pain in the ,, to try to sell a car with a branded title. People will scrutinize the car much more than usual even if the repair was done properly and the car drives, and looks perfect.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 07:22 PM
  #10  
NYC6's Avatar
NYC6
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
Default

I never heard one of these stories with a happy ending.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 07:33 PM
  #11  
Just Buy It's Avatar
Just Buy It
Burning Brakes
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Default

Originally Posted by Dans C6
Run away from that car! Do not buy it. You'll have more problems than you want when you try to get rid of it.
I agree 100%. It will end up costing you so much to fix its not worth the effort.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 09:03 PM
  #12  
Bill Dearborn's Avatar
Bill Dearborn
Tech Contributor
25 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,013
Likes: 9,775
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Default

Originally Posted by Just Buy It
I agree 100%. It will end up costing you so much to fix its not worth the effort.
Its already fixed so the only question is how long the OP plans on keeping the car if it checkes out OK. The longer it is kept the less impact that title has. Look at all of the restored clunkers that bring big bucks at the BJ Auctions. A fair number of those cars were pulled out of junk yards or worse and then restored.

Bill
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 09:33 PM
  #13  
goatts's Avatar
goatts
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Default

Walk. Especially if there's frame damage. Don't buy a car that's been wrecked, it's never the same again.
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 09:40 PM
  #14  
RLSebring's Avatar
RLSebring
Supporting Vendor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 178
From: Pensacola Florida GO GATORS!!! www.rlsebring.com www.c6c7vette.com
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
Its already fixed so the only question is how long the OP plans on keeping the car if it checkes out OK. The longer it is kept the less impact that title has. Look at all of the restored clunkers that bring big bucks at the BJ Auctions. A fair number of those cars were pulled out of junk yards or worse and then restored.

Bill

Take it from someone who buys, sells and parts out wrecked C6's. I've haven't a hard time yet reselling a rebuilt C6. C5's yes but C6's NO.

Use your own judgment. Look the car over and if it's priced right go for it. I usually get about 10 to 15% under Kelly for mine on a steady basis. I have 2 people waiting on schedule and price for an 08 I am currently rebuilding.

Everybody will have an opinion about a rebuilt car. Use your own discretion.

The Vert in my sig line is an 08 rebuilt "Keeper" for the time being until an 09 or 010 comes along. It's probably a better car than a lot of "Clean Title" Vettes on the road or Track.

__________________
GO GATORS!!!

2008 Vert


Owned since new in 2007

www.c6c7vette.com
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 09:55 PM
  #15  
cmonkey713's Avatar
cmonkey713
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,071
Likes: 1,589
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Default

Run Forest Run! If you buy a salvage title car be very sure that you love the car and will never want to sell it.
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 12:09 AM
  #16  
musclecar6's Avatar
musclecar6
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Air Force
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,217
Likes: 153
From: Ft Mill, SC
Default

Don't even think about it. Let some other chump get a "Good Deal" on this vette.
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 08:29 AM
  #17  
ben dover's Avatar
ben dover
Team Owner
20 Year Member
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,840
Likes: 140
From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Default

Originally Posted by RLSebring

Use your own judgment. Look the car over and if it's priced right go for it.



ethical or not, there are states that will re-title a car w/o a "builder" brand.

Get notified of new replies

To Salvaged Corvette

Old Dec 5, 2009 | 10:26 AM
  #18  
MDPD23's Avatar
MDPD23
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 799
Likes: 14
From: Lakewood Ranch FL
Default

Thanks to EVERYBODY for your opinions and knowledge. I will keep this thread informed on how I will proceed!!
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 10:34 AM
  #19  
chet b's Avatar
chet b
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 0
From: Mukwonago wisconsin
Default

I went through this process a few years back with a car. what a mistake. If you plan to keep it forever,it will make no difference,but if you drive it a year or two, you will probably have a hard time selling it.
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 06:11 PM
  #20  
djpatrick35's Avatar
djpatrick35
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 35
From: Vernon Hills IL
Default

Originally Posted by failtodeliver
Test drive it, get your own mechanic to inspect it, and use your judgement.

Don't plan on selling it though, and make sure it's insurable.
Gotta agree with that. If you're the type that keeps your cars for 20 years than the huge hit on resale isn't going to matter to you. If you're just going to drive it for a few years then flip it, I'd look elsewhere for your Corvette.



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:46 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE