Used car buying issues

[lovemysvx]

Im just a 19 y/o who doesnt know a whole lot (but trying to learn) about cars, and looking for an outback at the moment, and I've been on this website for quite some time, and I am hoping some of you can help me out.

I've recetly found a 98 Oubtack on portland's craigslist.

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/car/323071605.html

I carfaxed it, and it indeed has a wreck reported on it, which was repaired on 05/26/2003. Almost 4 years ago. From what I understand, wrecked/salvage/whatever are not always the best buys, however I have had a few friends talk about buying a car that doesnt have a clean title, but has been running fine for two years since then. What is your take on this kind of car? Its been running fine for 4 years since the accident (so I've been told), does that mean its good to go?

Of course before I bought this car I would take it to my personal subaru mechanic, and have him take a look, but before I started being serious about it, I thought some of you might have some input! thanks!

[huck369]

I usually buy my cars damaged, and fix them up, and have had good luck with them....if it's doing fine 4 years after the repairs, I think it'd be fine, plus you can use the old damage to talk them down on the price

[Crazy_pilot]

In some cases cars (like the SVX) tend to be declared "Totaled" for relatively minor accidents. Depending what the damage was it could have no lasting effect on the car. A salvage title will murder the resale value of the car, but the car could be just as good as any other.

[ensteele]

I wouldn't worry about it if it is running good now and in the past. I would use the lesser title to get a better price like was mentioned before.

[lovemysvx]

Thanks for the input fellas!

[It's Just Eric]

Id more likely buy a car that was totalled 4 years ago than one that was in an "accident" the year it was sold. Working at a bodysho for some time, I can tell you that Ive seen (and helped fix) some cars that just shouldnt be on the road anymore. One that specificly comes to mind is an 06 gto we did..the kid hit a pole "at 30" and needed the passengers side frame rail, apron, fender, door, hood, engine cradle, rad support, and everything attached to the aformentioned parts replaced. Needless to say the car was there for a long time...had it been any other body shop in the area, the car would have been totalled and sent on its way (Theres alot of politics behind that actually)

Best advice....Look at the car. Your probly an ametur car looker atter, but this further makes the point. if YOU can tell what was damaged int he accident, it likely wasnt repaired right. Keep in mind paint has no mechanical value...but look for paintwork, and if / when you find it, look at everything behind it. All should be well, and if it isnt, point it out, ask about it, use it to barter, ect.

[ensteele]

I just looked at the ad again and it looks pretty good. I would go look at it and see if you can tell if the damage was fixed right or not. If it looks good, that would be a good one. The price is pretty good as well.