*UPDATE PHOTOS FOUND**I found a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz with salvage title for sale, need your advice

909 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Steppenwolf, 9 mo ago

Rodri456

Hello guys
Thanks for creating this awesome forum and meeting wonderful people here. I am looking to get a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or anything similar but I'm really interested in this one, unfortunately this car has salvage title and I am looking to the community to check if there is anything else I should be looking out for while doing my inspection day, and I will purchase the car report to see damage and other details.

Some things that I will be looking out for during my inspection today:

noises in the engine
check transmission for slips jolts etc
verify all electrics / features / lights,
coolant or oil leaks
They are asking for the price of $18,500 and it has 48000 miles with a Salvage Title.

If you guys have any suggestions on what to look at.
thanks

UPDATE
After your insightful comments I decided to do my due diligence before spending so much money especially after concerns raised here. I requested the VIN number from the owner and started by searching on Detailed Vehicle History Report For any Vehicle - 100% Accurate for any historical records that could shine light into its past. To my surprise, I saw photos after entering the VIN number so my curiosity piqued and I took a bite. Turns out a $15.00 report saved me $thousand and some change to be exact. I couldn’t have been happier overall and will take car buying a lot more cautiously after this close experience.
I also got a window sticker with installed packages on this car: Window Sticker

Here is the car report: Get Instant Vehicle History Report

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BoatWaco

· #2 · 9 mo ago

Welcome! It looks like you’re checking everything that should be checked. Get the seller (is it a car dealership?) to get you a CARFAX report. Also, do you know why it’s a salvage title? Accident and repaired may not a risk you’re willing to buy. Flooded and dried, maybe don’t risk it.

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Reactions: 2

RedLiner

· #3 · 9 mo ago

I'm not "au fait" with USA salvage titles, I know in the UK they have different categories:-

Cat A – Car has suffered severe structural damage and cannot be repaired
Cat B – Car cannot be repaired, but it can be stripped for parts to use on other cars
Cat S – Structural damage that can be repaired
Cat N – Non-structural damage that can be repaired

Hopefully the car in question is Cat N, but as BoatWaco advises get a detailed report and be prepared to just walk away.

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Rodri456

Discussion Starter · #4 · 9 mo ago

BoatWaco said:
Welcome! It looks like you’re checking everything that should be checked. Get the seller (is it a car dealership?) to get you a CARFAX report. Also, do you know why it’s a salvage title? Accident and repaired may not a risk you’re willing to buy. Flooded and dried, maybe don’t risk it.

Thanks for your suggestion, I'm going to get the Carfax and share it with you guys soon. I don't wanna have headache later on

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Reactions: 2

Rodri456

Discussion Starter · #5 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

UPDATE
After your insightful comments I decided to do my due diligence before spending so much money especially after concerns raised here. I requested the VIN number from the owner and started by searching on Detailed Vehicle History Report For any Vehicle - 100% Accurate for any historical records that could shine light into its past. To my surprise, I saw photos after entering the VIN number so my curiosity piqued and I took a bite. Turns out a $15.00 report saved me $thousand and some change to be exact. I couldn’t have been happier overall and will take car buying a lot more cautiously after this close experience.

Here is the car report: Get Instant Vehicle History Report
I also got a window sticker with installed packages on this car: Window Sticker

See less See more

Save

Reactions: 1

BoatWaco

· #6 · 9 mo ago

I'm happy for you - due diligence is needed these days and any red flags should be thoroughly investigated.
Now you can get back to the car search sites and look for another one that fits your requirements!

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Reactions: 1

RedLiner

· #7 · 9 mo ago

That's good news that you walked away.
With heavy collision damage the body/chassis need only to be slightly misaligned after repairs that can cause serious mishandling.
Come back and let us know if you buy a better sourced Mercedes

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Rodri456

Discussion Starter · #8 · 9 mo ago

Anyone here has an experience purchasing salvage title vehicle? if you would like to share. Thanks

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BoatWaco

· #9 · 9 mo ago

Many, many years ago we were looking or a small 1st car for our daughter. A friend knew of a guy who bought and repaired salvaged cars. We checked with him, and he had a small Ford Escort for sale. It had been in an accident, and he had a full set of detailed photos of the damages as well as all that he did to repair the car. We had an independent shop go over the car, with knowledge it had been salvaged and repaired so they could also look for specific areas for issues. That inspection was clean, so we bought the car. She drove it for at least 6 years as I recall. I even drove it for her, pulling a very small U-Haul, from Pennsylvania to Texas. No issues.
But I think my story may be an exception - you usually cannot get as many details on the prior damages from the seller.
If you decide to look at a salvaged car, be certain to get at least one independent and thorough inspection.
And remember - Buyer Beware!

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Reactions: 1

Steppenwolf

· #10 · 9 mo ago

Rodri456 said:
Hello guys
Thanks for creating this awesome forum and meeting wonderful people here. I am looking to get a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 or anything similar but I'm really interested in this one, unfortunately this car has salvage title and I am looking to the community to check if there is anything else I should be looking out for while doing my inspection day, and I will purchase the car report to see damage and other details.

Some things that I will be looking out for during my inspection today:

noises in the engine
check transmission for slips jolts etc
verify all electrics / features / lights,
coolant or oil leaks
They are asking for the price of $18,500 and it has 48000 miles with a Salvage Title.

If you guys have any suggestions on what to look at.
thanks

UPDATE
After your insightful comments I decided to do my due diligence before spending so much money especially after concerns raised here. I requested the VIN number from the owner and started by searching on Detailed Vehicle History Report For any Vehicle - 100% Accurate for any historical records that could shine light into its past. To my surprise, I saw photos after entering the VIN number so my curiosity piqued and I took a bite. Turns out a $15.00 report saved me $thousand and some change to be exact. I couldn’t have been happier overall and will take car buying a lot more cautiously after this close experience.
I also got a window sticker with installed packages on this car: Window Sticker

Here is the car report: Get Instant Vehicle History Report
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GREAT PIX!
TY for lots of info

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