I need your opinion. I recently ran accross a salvaged 2003 Honda Civic Si for $7,100 (talked him down from $7,599). Here are some issues:

1. Owner claims: only one airbag was deployed (passanger side) and replaced. Is this even possible!?!
2. Owner has owned vehcile for a mere month and now wants to sell under pretenses of relocation (ie, he is moving out of Cali. b/c its too expensive)... I'm already skeptical.
3. Provided pictures before repair.
4. Has documented 50K miles

Please let me know if I should pass this up. This car was probably involved in a DUI because the accident was reported on 12/26/07. Could there be frame damage if repairs exceeded 75% of the cars' value? Please take a look at "before" shots.

-Chuck


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you can check yourself or get a mechanic to go look at it

 

I drove it around the block, with a few brisk accelerations here and there. Everything seems fine. The guy has the brake lamp tests, smog check and receipt for the new air bag. You can tell that all they did was buy a new quarter panel, headlight and bumper for the car. I'm sure he's making a little scratch on the side but, I really like hatch backs - especially ones that will run for 300,000 miles.

 

Did you drive it on the expressway? if its shakes bad then the frame is bent. Also not all civics run 300,000 miles. it really depeends on how the owner treated it

 

definatley drive it on the freeway check all functions, windows locks radio blinkers hazards every function you can think look through every nook and crany of the car. also call your car insurance company and ask them what the cost will be THIS IS VVERY IMPORTANT also use carfax

 

I checked all functions, but did not drive it on the freeway. I took it up to about 55mph yet there were no vibrations. Carfax indicated that it was probably involved in DUI (accident occured 12/26/07) w/ air bag deployment. The seller claims only one airbag deployed - I have never heard of such a thing. I counter offered $6,400 but he hasn't replied. I think its best to just walk away form this one.

As for insurance, no one will cover it for comprehensive insurance; liability only.

Can a Civic Si be salvaged that quickly? Just look at the pictures, it doesn't even seem that bad, but then again both airbags were deployed.

 

It does look bad, the fenders, bumper, and hood look damaged, and it was hit from the side, so thats why im telling you to check the frame, because it might have gotten bent and it will drive sideways

 

From economical stand point it is safe to assume that the frame is bent. If the vehicle was once in good condition, meaning that it was worth $12,555 at some time (kbb), the damage exceeded $9,416 (75% of total value). I know I'm answering my own question here, but does that sound right - damages exceeding $9K probably mean frame damage right? The Carfax report did not indicate any frame damage, but I believe that would only be reported if repaired.

Esentially, I wanted to get your perspective on a salvage si; possibly someone in this forum has one but from the threads I have read they are impossible to sell and the asymertric information can cost you a fortune. I guess people buy these things out of impulse - I must admit that I'm still contemplating it.

 

well bodywork is what brings up the price a lot. Somethimes the frame is still fine. And the si isnt as economical as you think. I have a 99 si and the best mpg ive gotten is around 26 mpg. and it NEEDS premium fuel. So im thinking about buying another civic that gets a lot better mpg and i can put in cheaper fuel.

 

I think I hit this guys breakeven that's why he doesn't want to part with it. He's pretty firm on $7,100. I would be too if I realized flipping a salvaged car is one hell of a horrible idea - hell he only drove it for 1 month. He told me his brother/cousin helped him buy it at salvage auction. The repair work defeinately looks like a total conceal deal (just the bumper, QP and paint). What do you guys think? Should I roll the dice and buy the damn thing at $7,100. This is probably the closest I will get to playing Russian Roulette!