If there were issues with the chassis or frame would they have to categorize it as salvage, junk, or rebuilt?

 

I believe regardless anything, if the amount of damages on the vehicle exceed 75% value or higher, it will be categorized as salvage. This could be exterior, interior, engine, or chassis damages.

However, I know some states require thorough check in order for these vehicles to go back on the road.

 

Where in NY are you? It's too bad I didn't know about your search earlier - an acquaintance of mine just sold a 98 1.8T 5-speed manual quattro (black over tan) for $4800 last weekend. I've seen the car and done minor work on it and it was in very nice condition.

Whereabouts do you live? Several of us are in the Southern Tier area (Binghamton region, one in Ithaca, several in the Syracuse area) - are you near any of us?

 

I'm in the Albany area..

 

Offered $7,250 if he swaps the headlights.. am I crazy?

 

if you dont know how to check for frame damage, go take it to get a 4 wheel alignment before you buy it. shouldnt be more then $40 and depending on how many degrees it takes to center the wheels that can tell you if the frame is twisted or there are severe problems.

i would be interested in what "total loss" meant. ask to see the title and it will say either salvage, or rebuild or something.

i would have waved $6500 in hundred dollar bills under his nose and see if he took it. cash is a great motivator.

 

That's my problem is I don't have the 'cash' -- I'm a little upside down on my Civic loan due to the problems with it and in order to pay off the loan and sell my car I have to rollover ~$800 into my new loan...

He gave me the title, I had it in my hand and didn't see anything that said 'salvage' or 'rebuilt' but at that moment I didn't know what to look for on it. Would it be pretty obvious if it had it on there?

 

it would be clearly stated on the title somewhere (every state is different) that it was rebuilt or salvaged or totaled.

that being said, if you dont have $40 to your name, a 12 year old A4 isnt the car for you. i think its alot more fun to drive then a civic, but its certainly not a cheap car.

if carfax said the vehicle was in an accident and was a "total loss", i would take the printout to the seller and tell him to explain it. if he cant, i would walk away. carfax has an accuracy guarantee on its findings, so i would assume its more accurate then the seller, although if he is positive it hasnt been in an accident, its possible carfax is wrong and you should tell them about it. i would spend $50 and have the car checked out now and find something wrong and loose $50, then buy it and find out theres something wrong after the fact and get screwed.

if this car is going to cost $8000, you should have $9,500+ saved up just to cover any unexpected maintenance items before you buy it. if purchasing this car is going to take 100% of your savings, then dont.