Buying donor cars at auction?

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 1:36 am

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I am looking for some feedback from those that have bought a wreck at auction. Any details would be good.... the process, good buys, nightmares etc. Pickles is pretty much all I have been looking at for a donor car for a EJ conversion. Any thoughts on what the car in the link is likely to go for? I am looking to build a very unique 1992 Brumby using a EJ25 and If i could pick one up cheap enough it will start sooner rather than later.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

http://www.pickles.com.au/damaged/vehic ... -202094673

Cheers

Chris

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:01 am

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole, passenger side head will more than likely be stuffed, if not all the idlers cam sensor etc etc, possibly even valves will be gone, get something that's been hit in the bum or side, much easier. I'd say 4g minimum if it was in Perth, I've bought plenty.

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 5:10 am

Thanks for the feed back. I didn't plan on bidding on this one as I am in Brisbane and the car is in Sydney. Just wanted an idea of what cars in this shape go for.

Keep em comming so much to think about I am sure there is heaps I need to know between now and the build starting.

Cheers

Chris

Outback bloke · Post by **Outback bloke** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 7:31 am

Car likes that one are good to buy if you have a "fixer" that has been hit elsewhere. Front end damage is very expensive, especially once it takes in engine components.

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:24 am

The donor car will be supplying the conversion of a 1992 Brumby.

Cheers chris

Post by **Alex** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:54 am

be careful....because you cant start the car either. Subafury matt learn this the hard way, a wreck he bought had massive bigend rattle, making it useless for a conversion. It also had low km. Just be careful.

alex

Cam · Post by **Cam** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:16 am

I think you've got to ask why the car has been written off, mine was because of front end damage and bent chassis rail, was fairly lucky with the motor, only needed a new timing belt cover, rolled cars are usually good if they haven't been run for long upside down, also massive rear end(read missing or compressed to nothing) are fine. The ones which appear fine body wise i'd stay clear of as they're more of a gamble motor wise.

Also watch out for the wrecker who buys all the subaru's(at any price), in perth anyway...

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:37 am

oops double post

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:38 am

Thanks for the info, i was specifically looking for a roll over or a rear end smash. I'm in Brisbane is there any other places other than pickles that do smashed car auctions that i can look at online?

Cheers

Chris

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:50 am

Fowles
Either of the 2 low K Outbacks would be good but you'll probably be looking at about 5g minimum.......though if you had the room you'd probably get most of your money back, I'll take the front struts lol.
http://www.manheimfowles.com.au/find_bu ... iew_detail
http://www.manheimfowles.com.au/find_bu ... iew_detail

http://www.manheimfowles.com.au/

OKsubaru · Post by **OKsubaru** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 1:47 pm

One thing to consider is how some insurance companies assess vehicles that have been recovered stolens in varying condition. A cylinder compression test is done to assist their process - just how to assist this decision of write-off or repair, I do not know