[h_curtis]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... AMEWA%3AIT

I can't really afford an Insight unless it has like 100k+ miles on it and I would be afraid of having to replace the batter deal. I was thinking if I just bought a hood, radiator, headlight and the other stuff, it may not be too bad. I know it is a salvage, but I am just looking for a runabout around town. Not really a trip taking car. Would I get in over my head with this car? Anyone know how much the parts would cost to fix this?

Thanks for any thoughts.
Curt

 

[ericbecky]

I don't know aboutthe costs of fixing it, but you should check your state's laws regarding salvaged vehicles. There are usually inspections that need to be passed before you can even drive it legally on the road. Also, check with your insurance company because they usually have restrictions before they'll insure it, too.

 

[Jim]

used parts

Hi Curt,

well, maybe a good way to find out how much it'll cost you to fix it is by checking around for used parts. You'll need to use the 'net, and probably do one of those nationwide parts yard searches.

New parts would probably be prohibitively expensive, hard to get, and would likely take a long time to get.

Good luck!

 

[Insightful Trekker]

The airbags will cost you more than a battery pack installed ($2100) and the reserve price has not been met so it remains to be seen whether or not this is a good "buy". The seat belts also have electrically activated tensioners and will likely require repalcement with the airbags and control unit.

Almost impossible to give good estimate of parts needed, but going by what the auction stated I'd _estimate_ $5000. And its not simply a bolt on parts repair so unless you've got the required paint and body experience 90+% of the work will have to be sublet.

The damage as stated makes this car a great candidate for repair and I would not hesitate to take it cross country after its fixed. A 100K+ car would be more of a concern until I had it checked out by my local trusted mechanic. Yes, you'll probably know more about the IMA system than he, but 90% of the rest of the car is conventional. There's a lot of basic stuff that will eventually wear out or break that is _more_ likely to leave you stranded somewhere.

HTH!

 

[Dgate]

It depends on how astute and handy you are at working on cars whether you should tackle this project.I would'nt hesitate if it were me as I have just completed a similar repair on a conventional but scarce car with success.
The trick will be finding another car thats in salvage to obtain parts from that are found to be needed(cheaper).You won't know exactly what is needed till you win this one and may be surprised as I was to find several parts were reuseable.Air bags and belt tensioners are available at less than dealer cost from specialist's or from a damaged car that has not had them activated.I was lucky in getting parts from a slight fire damaged one including bags,module,tensioners and front body parts in the same color as mine thus eliminating paint expense.Its no problem changing air bags but do some research and learn what to do or not to do as you will be handling explosives that are dangerous. If your not sure they can be changed out but not plugged into the computer,then get the dealed to commission the system for he can diagnostically check it for faults without accidently setting off anything.
If your capable GO FOR IT

Dgate

 

[h_curtis]

The car is up to $4200 already! I could probably fix it, but I see the cross member in the engine compartment is bent pretty good. The price is getting pretty high even if I did salvage much of it. I like the car and wish I could go for it, but there are days left to buy it and I'll bet it will get up over $5K

Curt

 

[james]

"The car is up to $4200 already!"

Well, I think that explains the insurance company I'm dealing with. They offered under $6K for totalling mine, with rather less damage than that one. So they take the car, part it out, and show a profit!

 

[h_curtis]

$5766.66 wow! I guess I can't afford an Insight.

Curt