Salvage and rebuild. Real numbers.
Some of you know, I like to buy lightly damaged cars from insurance auctions. Just wrapped up my 8th one over the course of several years. Thought I'd share what it's like using actual numbers.
2015 Lexus is 250 convertible. 51,127 mi. Damaged on front let side. No airbags blown. I hire out the paint and body work. Got a little lucky because several replacement components were in trunk. Still had to buy several components.
Purchase 8700.
All costs from auction fees to county tax at registration 5,900
Total 14,600
Clean title comp ~ 25,000
Taxes would be 2300
Total 27,800
