ACCIDENT PHOTOS FOUND Looking to buy 2017 GLA, need your help!!

1920 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by RamaGLA, 8 mo ago

Peter

Hey Mercedes benz team! Hope you all are doing well, thanks for having me here, straight to the topic, I'm interested in owning a 2017 Mercedes benz gla, This car has a SALVAGE TITLE! here in my location, before ending the deal, I really want to make sure that I'm getting a good reliable car for what I pay, I want to know that what I should be looking for when purchasing this Mercedes benz, anything to take into consideration, what to look for or any suggestion you guys have, please share it with me,

Some things that I will be looking out for during my inspection day:
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 $21,300 and it has 24948 Miles with a Salvage Title. Is it worth it or not?

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

* UPDATE * After everyone's 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 vin decoder 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 $16,350 and some change to be exact. Funny enough when confronting the seller about it he literally stopped responding to my texts and calls. I couldn’t have been happier overall and will take car buying a lot more cautiously after this close experience.

Report Link: https://app.detailedvehiclehistory.com/report/vin/WDCTG4GBXHJ280727

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Wayne

· #2 · 9 mo ago

Find out, if you can, why the title was converted to salvage. Also verify with your insurance company that they will cover the car. And what inspections are required before you can register the car?

Salvage can occur as a result of flooding, theft, or major accident that requires a significant percentage of the car's value for repair.

The first (flooding) can cause major headaches down the line with mold, body rot, and electrical problems. The second (theft) can be varied. The third can make you worry about the car's reliability and safety, especially based on who did the repairs.

For me, personally, the little bit of money you are saving up front doesn't seem worth it. Your eventual resale will be burdened as well. What are GLAs without stories selling for in your area?

At the least, get a very thorough PPI from an independent shop. Don't trust the seller!!!

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Reactions: 5

2019 gla owner

· #3 · 9 mo ago

Wayne makes some excellent points. Check to see if a carfax history is available? Keep in mind this vehicles manufacturer warranty is past and parts/service costs may be significantly higher than you may be accustomed to. I would agree that (depending on the nature of the salvage), you could be subject to unknown issues down the road, in addition to questionable peace of mind reliability, (something that is always on my mind on long out of state road trips). Good luck with your Pre Purchase inspection.

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Reactions: 1

Peter

Discussion Starter · #4 · 9 mo ago

Wayne said:
Find out, if you can, why the title was converted to salvage. Also verify with your insurance company that they will cover the car. And what inspections are required before you can register the car?

Salvage can occur as a result of flooding, theft, or major accident that requires a significant percentage of the car's value for repair.

The first (flooding) can cause major headaches down the line with mold, body rot, and electrical problems. The second (theft) can be varied. The third can make you worry about the car's reliability and safety, especially based on who did the repairs.

For me, personally, the little bit of money you are saving up front doesn't seem worth it. Your eventual resale will be burdened as well. What are GLAs without stories selling for in your area?

At the least, get a very thorough PPI from an independent shop. Don't trust the seller!!!

Thanks for your suggestion, I'm going to check and will share you guys later.

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Peter

Discussion Starter · #5 · 9 mo ago

2019 gla owner said:
Wayne makes some excellent points. Check to see if a carfax history is available? Keep in mind this vehicles manufacturer warranty is past and parts/service costs may be significantly higher than you may be accustomed to. I would agree that (depending on the nature of the salvage), you could be subject to unknown issues down the road, in addition to questionable peace of mind reliability, (something that is always on my mind on long out of state road trips). Good luck with your Pre Purchase inspection.

Thanks for your advice, Yes, I will have to get the carfax report before proceeding I would like to know is the vehicle damage is serious, I don't want to get a vehicle with a serious damage as in long term use it's gonna break down probably, thanks for your concern. I will share the update with you guys.

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Wayne

· #6 · 9 mo ago

There's a saying in the Porsche world that I believe goes for most cars ...

The most expensive Porsche you can buy is the cheapest.

That isn't always true but the saying is still wise. Tread carefully and good luck moving forward.

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Reactions: 2

Peter

Discussion Starter · #7 · 9 mo ago

* UPDATE * After everyone's 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 vin decoder 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 $16,350 and some change to be exact. Funny enough when confronting the seller about it he literally stopped responding to my texts and calls. I couldn’t have been happier overall and will take car buying a lot more cautiously after this close experience.

Report Link: https://app.detailedvehiclehistory.com/report/vin/WDCTG4GBXHJ280727

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Save

Reactions: 4

gbarringer

· #8 · 9 mo ago

The $16k price is well below the current market value. Due to the current market, the prices of used cars are way over what it was a year ago. I had a 2019 that came-off lease, brought it, and then turned around and sold it for 25% more than the lease buyout. A lease buyout is based on the estimated value at the end of the lease when the lease was created. Been leasing for over 35 years, and over those years, the buyout was always near the market value. This was the first time this had happened.

Unless you are in the status that you need to buy a car now, it might pay to wait for the market to come down.

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Reactions: 1

Peter

Discussion Starter · #9 · 9 mo ago

gbarringer said:
The $16k price is well below the current market value. Due to the current market, the prices of used cars are way over what it was a year ago. I had a 2019 that came-off lease, brought it, and then turned around and sold it for 25% more than the lease buyout. A lease buyout is based on the estimated value at the end of the lease when the lease was created. Been leasing for over 35 years, and over those years, the buyout was always near the market value. This was the first time this had happened.

Unless you are in the status that you need to buy a car now, it might pay to wait for the market to come down.

Thanks for the Information.

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Peter

Discussion Starter · #10 · 8 mo ago

hey guys, thanks to you guys for your concerned, Anyone here has experienced purchasing a salvage vehicle? share your story

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RamaGLA

· #11 · 8 mo ago

Peter said:
hey guys, thanks to you guys for your concerned, Anyone here has experienced purchasing a salvage vehicle? share your story

I have been browsing the salvage listings to find a decent car to flip. Many older cars (more than 5 years old) get totalled off simply because they're older and the cost of repair often isn't worth it to the owner or the insurance company. So you'll find a variety of cars on the lot that need a bumper/headlight/fender/windshield to pass inspection and be roadworthy.
but you need to be careful what you're looking at. if the car has minor cosmetic damage and was written off over a fender bender, it might mean there's significant frame/structural damage to the car from corrosion or underside impact. the insurance company cannot fix a car cosmetically but have it unroadworthy if the frame is dissolving. it has to be scrapped for parts

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