Non runner discount

Every once in a while I come across one of those ads that says "it only needs", "it runs great , but".... Problem is, as we all know, if it isn't running, a myriad of problems could exist. So, what is an appropriate discount?

When I see things like that, I think:  What is the value of the car if I have to replace the motor?  That's the discount.

And ecu, trans.......

In reply to markwemple :

Approximately 40 percent of the parted out value of the vehicle. 

Just needs.. X.. usually means, "I can't afford to fix it and I owe more than it's worth, even if fixed."  

Rons said:

In reply to markwemple :

Approximately 40 percent of the parted out value of the vehicle. 

 

Could you elaborate please? Are you actually going into a purchase knowing the part-out price for each car? Are you basing it on, say, salvage yard pricing? Do you add a "currently popular" tax to the parts? Thanks

2GRX7 said:

Could you elaborate please? Are you actually going into a purchase knowing the part-out price for each car? Are you basing it on, say, salvage yard pricing? Do you add a "currently popular" tax to the parts? Thanks

I would look at just a few things that are easily salable... wheels, trans, etc. and consider a weekend's labor to pull it, and factor in a couple hundred dollars scrap value.  If you can buy at a price that makes that a comfortable break-even for you, it's hard to lose.  As you gain more experience with a certain platform you can size up a car pretty quickly.  

There's a lot to be made on parting out a complete car if the parts are in demand.  It just takes time and patience, and that's a factor.  

What if it's "needs a starter and I don't have the funds to pay a mechanic" ?

If you can tap the starter with a hammer and verify it runs before buying you’re a step ahead. This might be tricky with the seller standing there. 

In reply to markwemple :

Its probally not the 1st time they could not afford a mechanic. Expect other issues once 'running'.

markwemple said:

What if it's "needs a starter and I don't have the funds to pay a mechanic" ?

I tell them straight up if i can not hear it run i’ll make them an offer based on the assumption that i need to replace the engine.  I’ve never had someone not understanding where i was coming from.  Unless it’s a wreck that won’t start because no battery, then one can generally assume it was in running driving shape prior to being wrecked.  

Anytime a car won’t start, vehicularly ignorant people assume it’s the battery or starter.  They’ll try to jump a vehicle that’s cranking.  Never believe that line.  

In reply to Rodan :

Yeah, TIME always seems to be that monkey wrench that's so subjective... For pricing, I've always used a local yards' pricing sheet to price parts i'm selling. Hum, looks like I need to add a labor fee to the sales price!

Oh, and I've never paid over $800.00 for a non-running car-just didn't feel right that a new engine for the car placed the total costs over the KBB value of the car!

OK, does it matter if its an e30 325i? (now I'm getting into that area where most of us have a soft spot)

4dr, 5sp.