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Should I buy this Scion tC?

• I'm looking at a 2006 Scion tC that I saw on Craigslist. It has 80,000 miles, and a salvage title. The miles are predominately highway miles, if it matters. It was in a collision that damaged the front part of the car, however, it has been completely repaired with OEM materials. The car seems to be in great shape, both mechanically and cosmetically. The interior is pretty immaculate, with the exception of two holes where air bags should be (one in the steering wheel and one in the dash). The air bags were deployed during the aforementioned collision, and never replaced due to their high price at the time (or so said the seller, anyways). The fact that the airbags need to be replaced is really the only qualm I have with the car. I drove it today, both around a parking lot and on the road. I got it up to highway speeds, and everything seemed fine. The engine sounds great, runs smooth, and shifts great as well. My friend and I couldn't find anything wrong with the car (other than the airbags missing), and he is mechanically inclined (that's what he went to school for). Of course, we only spent a fraction of time with the car, but the time that was spent didn't raise any issues that were too alarming to steer us away from the car. The seller is asking $8200, and this is approximately $1000 below what edmunds.com lists this car at. The only other caveat is that the car has a salvage (repair) title. Since it was in that collision, I guess it was totaled, and so this is why it has the salvage title. So, my question is, is this a good buy? 2006 Scion tC, 80k miles, and a salvage title for $8200? Thanks.

• Answer:

  What dude, I don't think so. I just bought a 2007 Scion tC with a rebuilt title and I paid 7,500. Did I mention mine only had 12,000 miles on it and it was a special edition. It is in perfect cosmetic condition, the seller put new airbags from the dealership, mine came with a stock subwoofer and the up graded sound system too. This guy that wants to sell you that car is ripping you off. Yes, it is 1k cheaper than the KBB worth price but a salvage/rebuilt car is always work 15-30% less and that is with it being completely fixed! Don't get desperate, I had a few guys want to sell me their rebuilt tC's for way to much and I walked away. Give it a month or two, also expand the search on craigslist to a wider distance from where at, this way you get more results. Do not settle for a tC that is not what you want, the one you want (color and price) will come, just be patient dude. The car is amazing, I'm sure you'll love it, but don't get ripped off just so you can drive it 30 days sooner than you would have if you would have otherwise waited. I hope this helps dude. =) Michael