I found a salvage title 98 V70 92k AWD wagon, asking $3k (haven't tried to get them down but maybe it's possible). It does need some work--it seems from what they say just the PNP switch and to get the AWD going another drive shaft, although it's not necessary. They have some records from the previous owner, and say the salvage is from being hit in the rear of the car.

I usually stay away from salvage titles...but does this sound even worth looking into? My mechanic can check it out for $80--he said usually to just stay away from salvage titles unless you plan to drive the car into the ground.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Christina

I'd have your mechanic look at it, see what he thinks. With a salvage vehicle it's a gamble. You can get a deal, or you can get a nightmare.

My'93 945T is a salvaged vehicle, was t-boned back in '95 when it had 30,000 miles. It's now almost '07 and it has 160,000 miles, still going strong. As for insurance, I have no problem with liability coverage with State Farm insurance - and the insurance is dirt cheap, $110 every six months.

Another thing to consider - when was the wreck that totaled it? If the accident was recent or if it was longer ago but the mileage since the accident is negligible the owner may be trying to dump a lemon.

And what is the market value of the car assuming that it had a clean title? As a rule of thumb, a salvaged title will reduce the value by 50%.

Christina,

In addition to all the good points that the others have already written (e.g., hard to insure and register, high prospect of future mechanical headaches, etc.), I'd like to comment on that remark you cited, "...and to get the AWD going another drive shaft...." That's likely far from true.

There have been problems with the AWD in these cars -- often it's a cost of a couple of thousand $$ -- and the common solution has been to remove the rear driveshaft to turn it into a mere FWD car. The absence of the driveshaft hints that this "fix" has already been done, and it won't be just a matter of putting in a driveshaft to restore the AWD.

All in all, that's way too much money for all the concerns the owner of this salvage car would face.

Does salvage mean it was under water in the Gulf coast? Many of these flooded cars show up on the market with clean titles and suckers buy them. At least you know this one is salvage. Best to stay away, you do not need this aggravation in your life.

He said it was hit in the rear
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

I agree with your mechanic. Also they are wanting to much for a car with such a title and this much work and miles.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

My insurance company won't even insure a vehicle with a salvage title. You might want to check with your insurance company before you commit to purchase this one. John K.

That is *excellent* advice--I hadn't thought of that.