R Title and value

[BiXLL]

Hi all,

I used to have a 2005 Altima and am in the market for another now. I ran accross an add for a 2009 Altima with 10,000 miles for $13,500.00. Called the guy and his accent is so thick I could hardly understand him, but from what I got, car was hit in rear, repaired, and has R Title is reason selling so cheap. This appears to be about $2000.00 below NADA, but how much value does an R title take off a car? Also, your guys opinions, go for it, or ran very fast????

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.o....html

Here is pics of damage before repair

Modified by BiXLL at 9:14 AM 3/10/2010
Modified by BiXLL at 9:15 AM 3/10/2010

[bundy26]

I would def. check it out , it doesn't look bad after the repair.

[BiXLL]

I am wondering what that R title does to the value of the car though. I mean if I go to sell it or trade it in. How much below book should I get this car for, for it to be a good deal?

[Eikon]

The value of a car with a "repaired" title will be very close to that of a "Salvage" title. Probably at best.. 60% of the value of a straight car.

That Altima looks like it sustained some serious frame damage to the driver rear. Looks a little scary to me.

[BiXLL]

Again, very thick accent so had hard time understanding him, but he stated no frame damage, simply sheet metal. R title in Pa. is Reconstructed.

[Eikon]

reconstructed / repaired / salvage... mean the same thing to most people - major accident! Naturally nobody will pay even close to full retail.

The car has frame damage... it's a unibody frame.. Look at the trunk... clearly that frame had to be pulled way out. I promise it's not straight.

[BiXLL]

so are you saying you think I should stay away from it?

[Eikon]

Yes, that's exactly what I think... I wouldn't buy that car.

What's your comfort zone? 09, 08, 07, 06? How many miles? CVT, Auto, manual? 2.5 or 3.5?

how bout this one?http://www.theautotoystore224....80947

http://northeastauto.motorphot...17826

[BiXLL]

Those are some good alternatives, but I am going to see what I can do with this guy. Here is an email I just sent him, lets see if he responds.

Quote »I have been doing some research. First off, the Altima is a unibody frame construction. With the amount the trunk was pushed in, there is no doubt that the frame had to be pulled back into place, its just a matter of weather or not it was pulled back 100% to specs. Next, a newer vehicle with an R title is valued at approximately 60% of published book. The R title also cancels out any remaining mfg. Warranty. I looked up NADA value on the car and "clean retail" price for it is $19,625.00. 60% of that is $11,775.00. I realize that is far below what you advertised, but unless you are willing to come down to that kind of price, there is not much sense in either of us wasting our time. Even at that price I would need to check it over thoroughly and perhaps even have a body shop check the straightness of the rear before buying. I do have the cash, but I do not spend my money foolishly. Thanks for your time, Bill[/quote]

[googlybear]

I don't think it is worth it. For an extra $3000 - $4000, you can get a 2010 brand new.

With the snow in the car, there will definately be water damage and potential rust. You will probably need to place some of the interior.

Body damage like that is at lease $2500 in repairs. It's not a little dent that you can just pull out.

[malnevets]

i dunno bout that, i've seen many many altimas with clean titles go for that price. they do have more miles on them tho.

[BiXLL]

I ended up passing on the deal. I decided if I was going to get a car that new, I wanted the mfg. warranty onit. I was also concerned about resale value with the R title. Not to mention unknown problems down the road from the accident it was in, I walked away.

[BiXLL]

OK, here is new part to the story. I told the guy I would give him $11,000.00 for the car, and to let me know if he changed his mind. He emailed me last night and asked if I was still interested. What do you think now?

[Eikon]

That is a nice price...

I think Bill, it depends on your long term goals for the car. Understand that if you only plan to own it and drive it for a year or two.. you'll have a very hard time reselling it. It is very difficult to resell a car with a branded title (salvage, repaired, rebuilt, etc...) If you have to sell it in a year or two, be prepared to be very frustrated and take a low price for it.

If, on the other hand, you plan to own it and drive it for a long time... say 140k miles over the next 7 years... Then that resale issue isn't such a big deal. By then, you will have definitely gotten your $11k out of it and it shouldn't matter much at that point what you sell it for. So if this is the case, it would be a good purchase at such a low price.

If you are seriously considering it, it is a must that you get it checked out professionally. Make sure someone inspects the underside and inside of that trunk area to see how well it was repaired. More importantly... check the alignment! If the alignment is off badly and can't be adjusted correctly, it will create years of headaches and you'll want to avoid it.

$11k is pretty temped huh...

[BiXLL]

Oh man, you have no idea how I am ripping myself apart trying to figure out what to do. I generallly do keep my cars for long periods of time, and I could pay cash for this car. I have also been looking at the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, GREAT CAR!!!!! Its just that I have been debt free for so long I am having a hard time pulling the trigger. I have always been a loyal Nissan fan, and had a 2005 Altima and loved it. At the same time, I really like the Sonata, it has the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty, 10 year 100,000 powertrain. But again, it comes with 5 years of payments......what to do, what to do!!!

[realmac]

I would still pass. You can get some 07s and 08s for 13-16k depending on where you shop. I'm not sure what their history is. Some would be eligible for a 7yr/100k mi warranty. Vs this model that could have an issue a few months down the road and you are basically stuck with. Also, why'd you get rid of the 05 Altima?

[BiXLL]

Had the 05 on a 30 month lease. I have passed on it again, I am buying a 2011 Hyundai sonata.

[Eikon]

Probably a good choice passing on the Altima.

The hoondeye on the other hand...

[BiXLL]

LOL, I forgot where I was posting when I said I was buying the Sonata!!!! I still got my 3 240sx verts and my titan though!