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Hi, team. I'm looking for some guidance on a used car.
I'm looking at a 2019 Subaru Legacy Limited with tons of features and under 6,000 miles for what seems like a very good price.
I asked the dealer for the Carfax report and they told me that all their cars have a salvage history due to water damage, but that they provide a 12-month/30-day power train warranty and a report with their repair findings.
Still, it's a good price with lots of features I would really like. Aside from getting a pre-purpose inspection, what should I be looking for?
Find out if their warranty covers random electrical failures and/or mold/rotten smell type issues that may arise.
My guess is probably not.
Also, with the salvage title you probably won't be able to get financing and/or full coverage insurance.
If the price is good enough and if you have the time and tools to do it, you might be able to come out ahead by taking it apart and parting it out. Otherwise I wouldn't touch the deal with a 10 foot pole.
WHY would anyone even consider buying such a vehicle??
One reason I would is because I am an experienced and capable mechanic. I don't want that particular car, but if I needed it I may buy it, depending on just how cheaply I could get it. They seem to go for around $22,000 around here.
In the OP's case I would call and get a price a rebuild of the transmission and the installation of a wiring harness, just so I would be completely informed.
I keep my cars a very long time, and in very good condition. '08 CR-V with 200,000 miles and '90GMC K1500 with 400,000.
The warranty is probably just good enough to keep you busy. I assume a $50 payment each time you go in. Then they won't be able to reproduce the problem, back on the road, rinse, repeat until the warranty is over.
Even with new cars and CPO's, I try and buy something that I think I won't need the warranty. Having the warranty is nice but getting repairs documented and covered is generally a PITA.
I would rather buy an car that is salvage due to an accident than water damage. Water is very sneaky and a lot if issues from rust to mold, etc can resurface after a while.
Water and electrical components are not a marriage made in heaven.
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