[StradaRedlands]

I'm very intrigued by this E93 for sale: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/c...740767543.html

Salvage title dropping the value to a point I'm thinking "Hey, why not!"

I've contacted the seller, and they aren't the most helpful. Wondering if someone could put eyes on it, confirm status, check out the top seals, get the VIN for me, generally take a look at it and see if I should make a quick trip to PHX next weekend!

[The Nightman]

" Never in an accident, salvage title as a result of owners passing. "

"We don’t negotiate unless you come see it. Don’t waste our time and we won’t waste yours. If you want the vehicle reports we will be happy to provide the VIN in person for you to pull the report."

Red flags all around

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by The Nightman

" Never in an accident, salvage title as a result of owners passing. "

"We don’t negotiate unless you come see it. Don’t waste our time and we won’t waste yours. If you want the vehicle reports we will be happy to provide the VIN in person for you to pull the report."

Red flags all around

Oh yeah, 100% so! But hope springs eternal... what if!

[azdgordon]

Did you get any indication as to mileage on the car? Have never seen salvage title due to owner passing, unless owner passed as result of driving it into telephone pole at high speed. I have almost the same E93, with different color interior. As the Nightman said, lots of red flags!

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by azdgordon

Did you get any indication as to mileage on the car? Have never seen salvage title due to owner passing, unless owner passed as result of driving it into telephone pole at high speed. I have almost the same E93, with different color interior. As the Nightman said, lots of red flags!

114k, so in the just right range! That's what It's caught my eye!

Seller says "We got it from a family whose mom had passed, the son couldn't afford whatever was needed to clear the title and ended up with a salvage title. We've tried to clear it but couldn't."

Yeah, I don't know what that means, but could be a thing? Maybe they just couldn't clear through the estate/probate process, and it defaults to salvage if title isn't available? I really don't know... weird, huh!

A lot of private sellers are scared to post the VIN/won't give it out. I guess they think a Nigerian prince is going to steal the car with it or something. So that in itself doesn't throw me off, but makes it ridiculously hard to research it from a distance!

[StradaRedlands]

Got the VIN!
https://bimmer.work/vin/e9d1d315c1ec...0b18dd28538d7/

Seems to be legit, but I'm sorta' losing enthusiasm due to all the unknowns...

[Grecobeemer]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Got the VIN!
https://bimmer.work/vin/e9d1d315c1ec...0b18dd28538d7/

Seems to be legit, but I'm sorta' losing enthusiasm due to all the unknowns...

Salvage title is an insurance thing, cars pass through estates/probate. Also buying a salvaged/rebuilt title will mean you will most likely lose trying to sell when it’s all said and done. If work was needed then they would file a lien. During my searches I’ve found that about 90% are questionable deals.

But who knows, maybe you can run a Vin check and see the title status. Seeing that they provide the vin is a plus.

Good luck with your search

[Cal122]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Seller says "We got it from a family whose mom had passed, the son couldn't afford whatever was needed to clear the title and ended up with a salvage title. We've tried to clear it but couldn't."

I wonder if it went in for a Level 3 inspection to try and obtain a "restored salvage title" and they found issues or couldn't afford the work required for it to pass. Any chance you pulled the carfax?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Cal122

I wonder if it went in for a Level 3 inspection to try and obtain a "restored salvage title" and they found issues or couldn't afford the work required for it to pass. Any chance you pulled the carfax?

I'm losing enthusiasm for this one by the minute... it also could have a problem passing CA smog testing. If they have any sort of a tune on it, it won't pass. No way to know before committing. I think it could be a good project for someone, as it is a nicely put together car. But just too many variables for me to take on.

[Leucosticte]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

114k, so in the just right range! That's what It's caught my eye!

Seller says "We got it from a family whose mom had passed, the son couldn't afford whatever was needed to clear the title and ended up with a salvage title. We've tried to clear it but couldn't."

Yeah, I don't know what that means, but could be a thing? Maybe they just couldn't clear through the estate/probate process, and it defaults to salvage if title isn't available? I really don't know... weird, huh!

A lot of private sellers are scared to post the VIN/won't give it out. I guess they think a Nigerian prince is going to steal the car with it or something. So that in itself doesn't throw me off, but makes it ridiculously hard to research it from a distance!

Seems like a really dumb story to me to be honest.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Leucosticte

Seems like a really dumb story to me to be honest.

I don't think seller is mis-representing it as they understand the story, but somewhere along the line, something doesn't quite add up!

[Grecobeemer]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I don't think seller is mis-representing it as they understand the story, but somewhere along the line, something doesn't quite add up!

A salvage title will be impossible for them to sell at that price. Maybe 2500 offer after you do a carfax? But yeah if it gives you hesitation then it is not the right car for you. Good luck with the search.