[truestory.dl]

Hi All - I have been in the market for a 69 Fastback/Sportsroof for over a year now. Im trying to get back into my teenage car!

I recently found one, a red 69 Mach 1, 93' 5.0 with auto trans. It looks to be in great running condition, as well as the body (I have not seen in person yet). It is currently registered and driving in the current owners home state, but it has a salvage title, hence why his asking price is half of what you'd usually find them for.

Would I be taking a HUGE risk by purchasing the car sight unseen, with the hopes that its prior repairs meet the expectations of my state's DMV? Is this a huge no no and should I not even be bothering?

I rarely come across a 69 fastback in my price range, just sucks that one of the rare times I do, it has a salvage title!

Thanks for any and all input.

 

[Yadkin]

A 45 year old car, does it matter if the title says salvage on it? I suppose it depends on the state, but here in NC after a certain number of years the state no longer collects data on condition of the vehicle.

Sometimes people claim their car is salvage to avoid paying taxes if they don't register it. Maybe it wouldn't pass inspection or they blew the motor and they didn't have the money to fix it, but still wanted to keep it.

What matters more is how it was restored, and that requires a thorough inspection.

 

[B.Cooper]

Your resale will be terrible with a salvage title but do you plan on selling? I will never again buy a car sight unseen but everyone should roll the dice at least once! Let us know what ya do.

 

[Driveway]

As someone who got bit in the butt buying a car I did not look at in person, do not do it. You will save money even if you have to fly there for the weekend and take a look. Get on the web and educate yourself on what CA deems a salvage title. Then talk to your DMV and see what they will accept for a drivable car. Knowledge saves money and time.

 

[sp66stang]

agree with driveway. its better to spend a little now and go see the car, then pay a lot later when you get it. they are never as good in person as in the pics.

 

[66MustanginAZ]

A 45 year old car, does it matter if the title says salvage on it? I suppose it depends on the state, but here in NC after a certain number of years the state no longer collects data on condition of the vehicle.

Sometimes people claim their car is salvage to avoid paying taxes if they don't register it. Maybe it wouldn't pass inspection or they blew the motor and they didn't have the money to fix it, but still wanted to keep it.

What matters more is how it was restored, and that requires a thorough inspection.

He's from AZ and so am I and out here a "salvage" title is very scary to us car guys. People panic and think that means the car was completely totaled.

For a classic car, eh, it depends on the car. If you're buying it to restore, keep, show, and hold onto for value then the salvage title can greatly reduce the value for us out here.

There's also a "bonded" title option for those who just don't have a title for a car.

 

[66MustanginAZ]

Hi All - I have been in the market for a 69 Fastback/Sportsroof for over a year now. Im trying to get back into my teenage car!

I recently found one, a red 69 Mach 1, 93' 5.0 with auto trans. It looks to be in great running condition, as well as the body (I have not seen in person yet). It is currently registered and driving in the current owners home state, but it has a salvage title, hence why his asking price is half of what you'd usually find them for.

Would I be taking a HUGE risk by purchasing the car sight unseen, with the hopes that its prior repairs meet the expectations of my state's DMV? Is this a huge no no and should I not even be bothering?

I rarely come across a 69 fastback in my price range, just sucks that one of the rare times I do, it has a salvage title!

Thanks for any and all input.

You didn't tell us where the car was at. You're in AZ brother, the home of the rust free classics in reasonable price range (Californians are just too proud of their classics).

I'd be weary of rust and I definitely would not buy sight unseen. If anything I'd ask the seller to consider that you're coming from out of state and would like to give him some kind of deposit or "hold" fee for him to hold it until you check it out.

 

[gtcs07]

Check with your state to see if you can get a rebuilt title or a project title. All going to depend on what your state laws are.