This week's salvage auction targets

I have my eye on a few cars at this weeks upcoming salvage auction (Tues morning.)  If figure the more eyes the better so lets "crowd source" these.  That is, I'll mention what I see, you tell me if you see anything I'm missing.  I'll be looking at the cars in person on Monday.  You can not bring tools or jump packs when looking at them.  

All the intention here is to repair and flip.  These are not cars I'd want to keep for myself.  Actually, yes, they are cars I would keep but I have no current need for keeping them.  

Prius.  Two of them.  These are my preferred targets as I know them pretty well.  

'07 Prius w/182k

Needs a Left fender ($100) in correct color.   Might need a bumper cover ($200) in correct color.   The current one is included but pictures don't show if it can be saved.  Needs a canister bracket and I have a parts car that can donate.  Green marker from the adjuster implies some denting to the driver's door but I'd probably not repair it.    Needs a rear hatch/latch area trim but that's a $50 repair.  
$4k target retail after repairs.  

'09 Prius w/213k

Nearly same damage.  One or maybe two front fenders.  Bumper cover might be savable.  Same retail price target of $4k.  

'05 Accord base model w/95k

Some rear bumper cover damage as well as some front bumper cover damage.  I'd only fix the rear and only because car-part shows a white cover within an hour of me for $100.  Rear seat covers might imply the car has been used for Uber or the real cloth is trashed.  Eager to see in person.  Probably another $4k target.  Maybe start at $5k.  

'07 TrackCcord w/218k

3.0L V6 with manual trans.  $100 bumper cover, $100 fender, $100 headlamp, or cheaper.  This car is listed as buy-it-now for $925 ($1,400 w/fees) but failed to meet reserve last week only bringing $225.  High mile, with a manual is not a car that would sell quick and requires the right buyer.  At $475 bid it'd be $814 and that might draw my interest.  I could be $1500 all in and then retail for $3k...maybe.  This will have appear to be exceptionally well cared for when I see it to keep my interest.  

'07 Focus w/86k 
https://www.iaai.com/VehicleDetail/40780554~US

I wouldn't do anything to fix the rear, side scuff.  $3k retail and would be a great car for a high schooler.  This car would retail for $3k but even at $2.5k it could be a deal if I could be all in for $1,500.  I'm eager to see it in person.  

'09 Saturn Vue w/102k 

All the world loves an SUV but do they love a Saturn Vue enough to make it a quick sale.  Being a low spec model means 2.4L and fwd only.  That's the right model removing complexity.  Generally just GM parts bin and 2.4L has a good reputation.  

The real question here, "does this just need two doors?"  I have found the doors, in the right color and trim (including interior trim) for just $150 each.  I'm eager to see this one.  I see that the passenger front seat has a tag highlighting in-seat airbags but from what I can tell, the driver's seat has not blown the bag.  This should then mean that the B-pillar has not moved...I think.  I'm unsure if the A-pillar at hinge mounting is distorted.  Failed to sell last week bringing only $225.  Its currently a by-now at $675 ($1,079 w/ fees)
I'm half tempted to jump on it but the A-pillar scares me sight-unseen.  I'll know more Monday.  

The junkyard Saturn Vue.  But, it doesn't have the pin stripe.  Also would need to rekey the door lock to work with the ignition key.  

I need to get back into doing flips. So for the mental exercise . . .

I know nothing about Prius’sss so I’ll skip them. I don’t think old Saturns will be worth the effort. Top targets for me – as well as others would be:

The white Accord, bumper covers and interior are fairly easy to do.

The Focus, I would see if I could make the scuffs less visible to make a better first impression.

Price wise I would need to get back to doing the local research.

Good luck

I live vicariously through your flips John, and am eager for them in part because you are a drill down guy that shares your wealth of knowledge with the rest of us via your updates and even as replies on our posts.

Also, I agree on that Vue.  Seems like a good idea with the exception of just how bad that damage turns out to be.  Additionally how common are cheap replacement doors?  Seems like low demand items but also low supply with as few as were sold new.

Carry on young man and know you have the thanks of a grateful forum behind you!

In reply to John Welsh :

Not to be a downer, but the white Accord is a DX. That means manual door mirrors, crank windows, and no A/C (unless dealer-installed). So check for the "A/C" button in the HVAC controls area as well as the compressor, condenser, suction pipes, etc under the hood. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that generation of Saturn Vue was notorious for serious rear suspension corrosion. But I think you're right on with the Priuses. GLWTA!

These are the crowd source tips I'm looking for!   Things I didn't know about and should check for. 

DX Accord, no AC: Check

Vue, rusty rear suspension: Check

Is that an AC compressor circled in blue?

Are those high and low pressure AC ports circled in red?

I have all of these vehicles saved in my IAA Watchlist.  Because I have them on my list I then got an automated email this morning that The Traccord sold via the Buy-it-now option.  Someone it taking it home for $925 ($1,400 w/fees.)  A great deal if you're buying the car for personal use.  Should net a sub $2k car when fixed.  

That seems to be the competition at these low end cars with little repair needed, you'll often get beat out by people paying "retail" for a personal car rather than "wholesale" for a car and thereby leaving room for "profit."   It's all a gamble, and I'm a cautious gambler.  

Power steering pump is blue, A/C lines are there though, in red and looping up from the front.

RustBeltSherpa said:

In reply to John Welsh :

Not to be a downer, but the white Accord is a DX. That means manual door mirrors, crank windows, and no A/C (unless dealer-installed). So check for the "A/C" button in the HVAC controls area as well as the compressor, condenser, suction pipes, etc under the hood. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that generation of Saturn Vue was notorious for serious rear suspension corrosion. But I think you're right on with the Priuses. GLWTA!

Power windows are standard in this generation, and you can see the A/C lines in the engine shot. That one would be at the top of the list for me. 

I'd go with a Prius, you know them and have parts so it should be the easiest flip. 

In reply to EvanB :

I'm willing to buy as many as 4 of them but on Monday I'll go look, touch, and smell them all.  That will be the real test of if I want any and for how much. 

I just finished up with preview. The Prius are both as good as I expected. Both seem to have bumper covers that can be reused. 

The Ford focus is exceptional. The scuff at the rear side is white paint on red not red paint removed. I think it'll clean up nicely. Everything there says grandma leaned the car up against the white garage door opening while pulling out of the garage. 

The white Accord is great. The seat covers were removed and in the trunk. The beige cloth looks fantastic. AC did not seem cold, but it has AC. 

The Saturn is right out! More damage than expected at the door frame. I can only guess that the car was not running when hit and therefore that is why the side airbag did not go off. The b-pillar it's right up against the seat.

The silver Prius had some paperwork in the glove compartment from previous repairs. Refurbished Hybrid battery 3 months ago!  $1,400 battery.  Paperwork includes contact information to previous owner. 

White Accord had similar paperwork. Also showing two codes p1009, and p0973. Research to follow.

I've got until tomorrow to work up some Max bid amounts??

In reply to John Welsh :

As you would expect, I'm usually all about the Prius, but that Focus could be a super quick turn around, only needed a quick buff.  Plus low miles.  How long does the salvage process ( & follow up lag time for paperwork) take in OH ?

In reply to Indy - Guy :

Inspection appointments were running about 2 weeks out last time I did one of these.  Once inspection passes then legal that very day. 

In reply to John Welsh :

After the appointment, how long until you can sell it?

 It took  3 weeks and two days for the BMV to get the title paperwork to me. 

The day of inspection I can then go across th hall and gain clear title.  In theory, I could sell the car later the very same day.  No paperwork lag. 

I've done well or made fast sales on two nearly identical Focus in th past.  

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/cars-sale/solid-basic-transport-07-focus-zx5/135528/page1/

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/salvage-cars-know-when-to-holdem-know-when-to-fold/164801/page1/

A Focus isn't worth much before and a rebuilt designation doesn't make it worth much less.   But, I like these cars as real budget transportation.  They get surprisingly poor mpg with the auto trans but they're cheap to own.  23 mph combined is typically.  

I have a friend of the family's kid in mind for the Focus

White Accord showing two codes p1009, and p0973

P1009 Variable Timing Actuator. 

P0972 Shift Solenoid

This gives me some concerns.  

That focus is the standout. But with what looks like water damage up to the tunnel I would check it real close before I bid. 12 months ago that would have sold at darn near retail. I like those early cars they are decently reliable and they sell well. Not like the toyota's but still decent enough. Those carpets show everything though and could just be a shadow. 

Prius's are hard to get a lot of people flip just the toyota hybrids and they pay good money for the good ones so unless you get lucky or they are not at auction sometimes if its cheap its cheap for a reason you did not find. These guys know those cars inside and out. 

In reply to John Welsh :

The timing actuators usually set the code due to plugged up screens, an indicator of less than enough oil changes and or never driven hard.

Another 45 minutes before pre-biddng ends, and the Accord is already past my limit. Currently about $2,300, all in. 

I guess everybody wants an accord. I predict it's going to over 3,000

Pre bidding has ended and I've got the highest bid in on all 4.  

Focus $1,449 all in

White Prius $539 all in

Accord $2,349 all in

Silver Prius $514 all in

We'll see later today if my bids hold.  This is eBay style bidding where I put in a max and the price goes up as others bid. No guarantee that I'll meet the hidden reserve on any.  

I expect to not get the Accord but I feel confident on having the highest bid on the other 3 ( but not sure if I'll meet reserve.)

I just checked in on the Accord.  Went for $2250 or $2,959 all in.  

Not for me, too close to retail price. 

Looks like I own a silver Prius for $1,154 all in.  Happy.  I would have gone near double that.  Happy.  

I expect to be $300 more for a $4k car!

Speaking of going double...I now own the white Prius too at $2,074 all in.  It took my Max bid to win.  

John Welsh said:

I just checked in on the Accord.  Went for $2250 or $2,959 all in.  

Not for me, too close to retail price. 

Someone is buying that to drive vs flip is my guess.