Tips on Buying Cars: Saab purchase, salvage title, ball bearing

Question
Thank you so much for your gracious offer to help!

I'm considering buying a '98 saab convertible 82,000 miles with a salvaged title. The private party and salvaged title blue book price (kbb.com) are the same, which is confusing to me. Do you know why this would be?

The price is $7200 and the seller's asking price is $5450.



The problems with the car that he told me about right off the bat:

1.)The AC only works for 3 minutes and then turns off. He says it needs a relay. He didn't really sound 100% sure. He also said he just had it filled with Freon and maybe there's too much in there???



2.) During the test drive there was a slight clunking sound at times. He had it checked out and said it needs a left front ball bearing which he says would cost a couple hundred dollars.

He says he would take $ off if I would fix these problems myself or he would fix them and the price would be $5450.





Is the AC and bearing problem as simple as he's making it sound? He is an older retired gentleman and seems trustworthy. The car felt good other than the clunking. I've heard mixed things on the salvaged title.



Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated as this would be a big purchase for me. Thank you so much!


Answer
Hi Daniel
I never have and never will consider buying a SALVAGE car no matter what the price,RE you having heard mixed things on the salvage title, here is my question to you...

If you bought a wood chair that you knew all 4 legs were broken at one point but now glued together...how safe would you feel sitting on it, never mind driving down the Hwy at 70 miles an hour
SALVAGE MEANS WRITTEN OFF BY INSURER...DONT BUY...

Look for a vehicle within your budget and if your not sure about it have a mechanic check it out for being road worthy...
I dont care how much money you save or how good it looks...the title on ownership will say it all...SALVAGE...

I would hitch-hike before buying a Salvage...

RE...the AC and clunking noice dont listen to bull story's from someone trying to pass their problems on to someone else, AC compressor problems will cost you huge money...

If you really want my help, find another car you consider and give me details...
Vin #
Price and your area code, and we will work together getting you fair value for bucks
Regards
 Ray