Trying to help my neighbor find a used car

[Jim_a49]

Accidents show up when reported to the insurance companies.

In many cases a person does not have insurance, or does not use it, in that case someone in the know needs to inspect the car.

If it is a rebuilt title, the car will never be worth more than half the book price.

If it is a new title to the state, red flags.

a person can wash a title by transferring it to a state that does not change the title, and then bringing it back.

[GTOlover]

I would also watch out for private and but smaller independent dealers selling flood damaged car as well OP

I also agree with Rynldsbr that a Lincoln Mark VIII would be the best bet for a 2-door, RWD American built luxury car between 1995 and 2005

Esp. the updated mid-cycle refreshed 1997 and 1998 version

[GTOlover]

Maybe find a nice tenth gen 1989-1997 Ford Thunderbird

[Vannort54]

Originally Posted by vanguardisle

Thank you for the info I wrote the car make and models down. I do not know if he would be willing to travel far away to meet with a dealer but he has made it clear he wont meet with a private owner anywhere outside of the local area he is familiar with and knows really well, with large amounts of cash to buy a car in his pocket. I do agree with doing a vin# background check on a car but sometimes accidents do not show up on it.

The monte Carlo is fwd just like the lumina.

So is the Sebring

[vanguardisle]

Originally Posted by GTOlover

Maybe find a nice tenth gen 1989-1997 Ford Thunderbird

Thank you for the photos they look nice but will cars in this age range be in good condition?

[vanguardisle]

Originally Posted by Jim_a49

80%.


I posted these figures just so you can get an idea what the insurance companies think.

Are you saying that since insurance companies think a Japanese, German or other foreign car is still salvageable at less than 80% damage while an American car is only salvageable at less the 65% damage that basically they view the foreign cars as stronger? Or is it somehow based on the perceived economic value of the car?

[Jim_a49]

I am not sure of all of the factors taken into consideration, but from experience working on cars, I can say the American cars went through a very dark period in the mid 70s and 80s.

They are just starting to build a better product now.

The Japanese took over the auto industry with a quality vehicle while the American cars went to crap.

The only exceptions were the trucks, and the corvette.

[vanguardisle]

Originally Posted by Jim_a49

I am not sure of all of the factors taken into consideration, but from experience working on cars, I can say the American cars went through a very dark period in the mid 70s and 80s.

They are just starting to build a better product now.

The Japanese took over the auto industry with a quality vehicle while the American cars went to crap.

The only exceptions were the trucks, and the corvette.

When did American cars start getting good again or are they still catching up?

[Jim_a49]

Still catching up, but as they do, the Japanese advance also.

[vanguardisle]

Originally Posted by Jim_a49

Still catching up, but as they do, the Japanese advance also.

I guess that explains why so many Americans love older American cars. I wonder how the foreign cars compare to each other like the Japanese vs German cars etc... ?