We Fixed our Escalade's Airbag System Under Budget! The Auction HACKS Just Lost out on Thousands!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
  • Join Dealdash & Get 100 Free Bids on your first Bidpack Purchase when you use code SAMCRAC at Signup: www.dealdash.c...
    Thanks to MyAirbags we were able to track down all the missing wiring for our Hacked Apart Safety Wiring in the Cheap Auction Cadillac Escalade. Let's install it, restore our seatbelts, and tally up exactly how much it cost to repair!
    Instagram: / samcracc
    Facebook: / samcracauto
    Email Me: SamcracAuto@gmail.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @MyAirbags
    @MyAirbags Рік тому +281

    Big thanks to Sam for the kind words and the entire Samcrac team for the awesome helpful videos. Glad we could be part of the solution.

    • @holgermessner851
      @holgermessner851 Рік тому +13

      You guys did a wonderful job 👏

    • @MyAirbags
      @MyAirbags Рік тому +6

      @@holgermessner851 thank you 😊

    • @Enzos.Muddy.P4ws
      @Enzos.Muddy.P4ws 8 місяців тому +3

      respect, guys! 👏

    • @Alex-wx9sw
      @Alex-wx9sw Місяць тому +1

      You guys got my respect, and a follow based on what I saw from this video. Glad there are honest, knowledgeable people still out there doing these kinds of repairs, to make projects like this possible.

  • @darincarlin
    @darincarlin Рік тому +187

    Not only would I buy one to fix as my daily driver, I would be proud. Saving money is always a big source of pride for me as well as learning how to fix the issues and be as self sufficient as possible. Thanks for all the hard work!

    • @tjnucnuc
      @tjnucnuc Рік тому

      You certainly save money and I’ve considered many times but you won’t get back what you bought it for/put into it and on top cars with rebuilt titles usually sell for about 40-75% less than non salvage vehicles so when you go to resell it prepare to be let down. Now if you don’t have a branded title car then yes by all means.

    • @327JohnnySS
      @327JohnnySS Рік тому +1

      @@tjnucnuc I depends on how damaged it is vs time or money to repair it on your own. As you know you have to remember is it a profit to flip or you are building your dream car? Off subject check out CB media. 🏁

    • @muskokamike127
      @muskokamike127 Рік тому +1

      @@tjnucnuc When I buy a vehicle I typically don't give a rat's ass what the resale on it or trade in value.I buy the vehicle that will fit my needs. I used to, when I was young and dumb and changed cars every 3/4 years but I learned my lesson (late). Now I'll drive them into the ground.
      As for "what you put into it" yeah, up here, used parts aren't as readily available as new ones and the salvage yards charge almost as much for used parts as new. I needed a cylinder head for my ford F150 and most yards wanted $800 for one, $1000 new from the dealer. If "you pull" they wanted $400. So it definitely isn't worth re-building it yourself up here.
      Even at copart, the added fees etc almost doubles the price of the vehicle if you're not a dealer so you're going to pay a premium on a written off vehicle off rip.

    • @rrr...512
      @rrr...512 Рік тому +1

      I do the same thing. In UK I buy car for 1/5 of market price. Fix myself and feel very proud. All done right no expenses spared. Airbags etc. I love salvage title cars. Because the main reason why they end up at the auction is because of accident. Not like private or dieler used expensive scrap

  • @mahatma171
    @mahatma171 Рік тому +662

    I have bought, fixed and driven many accident damaged cars myself, some for many years. As long as the repair has been done right, there is literally no reason to lose your mind over it.

    • @luketc1
      @luketc1 Рік тому +6

      Ever been in an accident in one?

    • @juliusskoglund5638
      @juliusskoglund5638 Рік тому +35

      @@luketc1 if the repairs done right there is no problem.😑

    • @dealerauctionnightmare4689
      @dealerauctionnightmare4689 Рік тому +18

      "As long as the repair has been done right"....that's the most important part. I know around my area, they slap them back together in hopes that no one knows what to look for.

    • @nickit22
      @nickit22 Рік тому +6

      ​@@dealerauctionnightmare4689 Definitely the most important factor. anything can be repaired it was all made by man. Question is do you wanna make sure it was done right?

    • @dealerauctionnightmare4689
      @dealerauctionnightmare4689 Рік тому +6

      @@nickit22 I would. Have you ever watched Vehcor videos? He does them right.

  • @Stormy177
    @Stormy177 Рік тому +104

    I've been a subscriber of yours for a few years now, and the Escalade repair is the best series you've done - possibly the best car repair series on UA-cam. It's great to see such a dodgy repair being turned into the calibre of vehicle it should have been in the first place.

    • @congame11
      @congame11 Рік тому

      range rover l322 I think was the best

  • @rjnation5042
    @rjnation5042 Рік тому +117

    If the repairs are fully documented I'd feel safe owning & driving a car like this, Rj in Oz

  • @fiily1
    @fiily1 Рік тому +32

    Been buying salvage, retail wrecks for many years. I've saved more money than I could imagine. I don't plan on changing my tune, so I will continue buying used cars cash, and let everyone else finance them for 6-7-8 years.
    Sam, you're doing a great job showing people how to DIY, and save literally 10's of thousands of dollars if they are willing to do some very basic work. Keep up the great work, and God Bless you, your friends, and family..

    • @KrustyKlown
      @KrustyKlown Рік тому

      Exactly .. LOT's of great deals on Salvage Rebuilt vehicles out there if you know what to look for. Own 2 such vehicles myself... NO car payments.

  • @moniack
    @moniack Рік тому +89

    You need to put those handles back on the B pillars. They won't stay attached if the roof airbag deploys and the handles are not installed. The clip at the top doesn't provide much retention (I spent some years working on that platform).

    • @fozer7498
      @fozer7498 Рік тому +3

      Correct

    • @tosgem
      @tosgem Рік тому

      You dont know what in the heck you are talkin about. Internet tough guy and keyboard expert.

    • @phr3ui559
      @phr3ui559 6 місяців тому

      @@fozer7498ok

  • @philtowle4683
    @philtowle4683 Рік тому +11

    The seat belt guys were really good value. Good to know people like this still exist repairing parts that are quite often replaced with new.

  • @bgmcc907
    @bgmcc907 Рік тому +11

    I found my first car from an ad that said fine under hood. Turned out to be a misprint for fire. The seller ran his own mini junkyard, and had another example of the same make and model that had been in a collision. As part of the deal, he threw in the wiring harness from the wreck, as long as I pulled it myself. A few other items like a tire, brake line, fan belt, radiator hose, plastic clutch housing, and I was basically good to go. Drove that car for years. EXTREMELY worthwhile deal.

  • @PeterJames-cr1ul
    @PeterJames-cr1ul Рік тому

    Yes, I’ve owned several accident damaged cars over the years, good discount is always my motivation. I get to own a nicer car than my price range would normally allow. Often damaged cars are only cosmetically faulty. As long as the chassis is good, mend and make do …..

  • @aumetalmental8403
    @aumetalmental8403 Рік тому +20

    Given the depth you went into the car, I would take it. I mean, you didn't find anything major wrong with it through the diagnosis process ssooo yes

  • @jackbennett4623
    @jackbennett4623 Рік тому +2

    I have purchased and driven a salvaged car for 13 years and put 160k more miles on it. It comes down to how well the repairs have been done and was it a trusted repair service. Great video...

  • @richardcampbell7903
    @richardcampbell7903 Рік тому +33

    I don't have the stomach for the risk involved. This one came out great. You have a good eye at the auction, and you have good skills for repair. Now, if yours was for sale for 30k as it sits, I would buy it for sure......but then you just did all your repairs for free. If you added up all your hours, and multiplied that by how much GM charges per hour......you'd find your answer on why a dealership didn't do it.

    • @DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell
      @DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell Рік тому +1

      Main reason a dealer wouldn't fix and sell it is liability. No telling what kind of accident it was in. What if other systems are tampered but appear okay. This thing absolutely needed to be kicked to auction.

  • @johnrichards3666
    @johnrichards3666 Рік тому +4

    I would probably only buy a used /wrecked car if it were from the dealer and was certified with some kind of warranty. I imagine all the good work you did for $800 would be 10 times that amount at the dealership. You did a great job on this Escalade series. Very watchable.

  • @Ollie2846
    @Ollie2846 Рік тому +9

    You got a great deal. I would totally drive it daily even knowing the history. Once the last module is replaced should be good to go for years to come. Thanks for the great video.

  • @cleancutwoodworks
    @cleancutwoodworks 22 дні тому

    Thoroughly enjoyed watching this series. Well done getting this all sorted out. To answer your question, NO I would not buy a wrecked car even though it’s been repaired. It’s like dropping an M&M in a dog turd, fish it out, thoroughly clean and sanitize it, then tell me it’s safe to eat. Yeah… I’m not eating that.

  • @abrahamramirez7239
    @abrahamramirez7239 Рік тому +5

    This guy is a car genius ! Idk if his background was engineering but he seems to figure out the problem pretty fast ! As a novice car guy I would never attempt half of these myself out of fear of not being able to put it back together 😂

  • @docJamesE1318
    @docJamesE1318 3 місяці тому +1

    Not a problem getting a car that was in need of repair my Dad and Brother repaired a bunch of cars when I was a kid my first car was a salvaged 1981 Toyota Celica 5 speed ST ran great best starter car around.

  • @Demy26
    @Demy26 Рік тому +12

    One of the better series I have seen from you

  • @mauricetremblay1324
    @mauricetremblay1324 Рік тому +2

    I should have done that with my CC 90. One of the best cars I ever had that was scrapped by insurance. Great series on the Escalade

  • @troywilliams5301
    @troywilliams5301 Рік тому +10

    If you ever intend to sell it, I highly recommend putting the correct front grille on it. The emblem on it is not correct for that model year, and that's a dead giveaway that it's been in an accident.

    • @phr3ui559
      @phr3ui559 6 місяців тому

      what should it look like?

  • @newtcrew
    @newtcrew Рік тому +1

    You inspired me to pull the trigger on buying a 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum with front end damage. I knew I was taking a bit of a gamble, but knew what to look for after watching your videos. Love having it as my daily.

  • @justinhedrick1191
    @justinhedrick1191 Рік тому +5

    Hey Sam I work with Adas systems calibrations. It’s possible the replacement front radar you bought needs factory programming to code it to your vin before you can run the calibration procedure. I wouldn’t trust the the original flooded one works until you can test the adaptive cruise. A lot of vehicles will allow distance settings changes but you will not get an error until you activate the cruise control. Also not sure I would trust that unit on the highway at 80 mph without my foot covering the brake. Thanks for the videos man. I watch all the time.

  • @rodx5571
    @rodx5571 Рік тому

    As a master mechanic, i have taken the discount for mech issues and have fixed it myself. One car was previously crashed. The repairs were very well done, couldnt find the wreck. I inspected it very carefully. With a branded rebuild title i got it for less than half the going rate and have been driving trouble free for 4 years now. I did maintenance, timing belt, water pump, belts, brakes, spark plugs and boots.. and most recently tires. No regrets. i drive it across the country with no qualms about whether it will make it home.

  • @kentmckean6795
    @kentmckean6795 Рік тому +187

    The hacks that cut up the wiring, gutted the seatbelt mechanisms, kluged the front bumper sensors and wiring are the real looser's of this story. If they had done it right and spent $400-$500 for the right parts, they could have sold it for it's real value and put $10K in their bank account.

    • @Samcrac
      @Samcrac  Рік тому +58

      Exactly! What the heck. It's so strange they would do this to an expensive car!

    • @jmowens69
      @jmowens69 Рік тому +27

      Intentionally disabling safety systems with resistors raises all sorts of liability issues for which the seller is responsible incase you crashed and were injured. Those crooks should be in jail.

    • @user-od9iz9cv1w
      @user-od9iz9cv1w Рік тому +20

      Plus, they put lives at risk. You buy the car, fasten the seat belt and then God forbid get in an accident. Only to find out the seat belts have been disabled and you or a family member gets injured or killed. Disgusting.

    • @MFCSTUDIOS
      @MFCSTUDIOS Рік тому +11

      @Jamie Galvan how the sensors and seats belts were modified and bypassed tells me that it had to be a shop of some kind, as that isn't normal Knowledge on how to bypass those systems. Someone know what they were doing when they did that

    • @MFCSTUDIOS
      @MFCSTUDIOS Рік тому

      @Jamie Galvan right... I was just saying that the way it was "fixed" took someone most likely a shop or someone that works in one professionally to do. Hacks/bypasses like that definitely aren't common knowledge

  • @hightttech
    @hightttech Рік тому

    I bought a salvaged 1998 Ford Windstar with 13k miles; it looked and drove like new. I retired it at 412,000 miles with original engine and trans due to water in oil. That van was 👍👍.

  • @fredf4562
    @fredf4562 Рік тому +4

    Not a fan of accident vehicles, but I see how it’s tempting!

  • @user-od9iz9cv1w
    @user-od9iz9cv1w Рік тому +2

    I think these damaged cars are a great deal for people with the time and the skills to dig in and fix them.
    I love a good deal so I watch this channel and others to enjoy seeing you beat the system.
    But for me, when I want to drive, I want the car to work. First time every time. So I buy new Japanese cars that have amazing reliability records and then just run them. I pay extra, but I love the fact that they never fail. When I want a drive, I want to drive. Not work fixing crap.

  • @mikeLOL45424
    @mikeLOL45424 Рік тому +4

    This is an awesome series Sam. This is really a testament to how repairable and inexpensive domestic cars are. Image how much just the wiring loom would have been at an Audi or Mercedes dealership?!

    • @malice6081
      @malice6081 Рік тому

      Yeah, but still wiring looms can be soldered with new wires and connectors if needed. Domestics are easier to repair because parts tend to not need to be shipped across an ocean.

  • @kneedeepinit
    @kneedeepinit Рік тому

    One of my trucks is a 2014 ram 3500 diesel. It was totalled with a salvage title. So far, 60,000 km, 4 years , and zero issues. Right now, I can sell it for more than I paid for it 4 years ago

  • @ianmcclory9297
    @ianmcclory9297 Рік тому +18

    Absolutely a great deal at less than $30,000 all in it’s a bargain the accident seemed to be minimal and the diy could be solved by just about anyone 👍

  • @walterfrickmbafmpcdmcfpp87
    @walterfrickmbafmpcdmcfpp87 Рік тому

    I purchased a 2015 Enclave Premium with all the options & 49K miles in March 2020 with that was a rebuilt salvage title. I have replaced normal wear & tear items only. The AC condenser was not replaced by the people that repair the damage and the bumper cover isn't attached correctly - but no other issues that you wouldn't have with any car that now has 192000 miles on it. Back in March of 2020 my Buick would have originally at around $26,000 for 49000 mile vehicle.
    This is my second salvage rebuilt title vehicle and I would buy a third.

  • @ericcoates3271
    @ericcoates3271 Рік тому +4

    As long as you repair it right its a win win all the way

  • @budtoo2636
    @budtoo2636 Рік тому

    I found the escalade deal of a lifetime. Got a 04 escalade esv platinum with 26,000 original miles. No issues, clean title. Just few dings n scratches. Old man had it n let it just sit in his garage for 14 yrs. All I had to fix was dragging brakes in rear. Got it for 2 grand Got $600 in parts and wife's been driving it for 2 yrs now with no issues

  • @piratewazza
    @piratewazza Рік тому +6

    Absolutely worth the time and money, a sweet project, love your work from New Zealand Fan

  • @BMWCubsMan
    @BMWCubsMan Рік тому

    My current daily (Acura TL) was in an accident. I knew it going in. Inspected the repair areas. I’ve had it now for 6 years and 90,000 miles later it’s been the best car I’ve ever owned for dependability

  • @platinumridezplatinumridez8245
    @platinumridezplatinumridez8245 Рік тому +11

    because of logistics now and some other factors, insurance companies are now often totaling cars that are only needing minimal repair. If the car didn't need frame work or major suspension work from an accident, I would absolutely fix and daily drive something like that Escalade you found!

  • @hydrocarbon82
    @hydrocarbon82 11 місяців тому

    A trick with the sway endlinks: with the sway still attached on the other side, jack the unassembled side up. It will keep the sway bar in place but compress the middle bushings. Bonus if you can jack it up by that endlink bolt.

  • @badtothebone346
    @badtothebone346 Рік тому +3

    I couldn't do what you did because I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as so in uncovering everything that's wrong with the car. I would have to trust that the place I purchased it from fixed it correctly back to factory specs. It's kind of like buying a flipped house, you don't know what the person is hiding underneath the freshly painted walls. You do a fine job of fixing all the problems, I would buy a car from you.

  • @timmusician5060
    @timmusician5060 Рік тому

    I think that the deal that you got is one of the indirect perks of being an expert in what you do.
    As someone who doesn’t work on wrecked cars I would know what I was looking at enough to know if I could have peace of mind driving that car. Especially if/when any new issues present themselves. That’s if I were to try to work on it myself.
    Although, if I were to buy one from someone like you then I might consider it.
    I think that having a UA-cam channel is a good tool & element to have in a business where trust is currency & an asset.

  • @hilto4534
    @hilto4534 Рік тому +3

    Great series on the Escalade. Wish we could get the range salvage cars like that here in Australia. Most of our salvage cars are not allowed to be re-registered, just parts cars. 😢

  • @anotherpeasant
    @anotherpeasant Рік тому

    My wife's DD (2017 Outlander) was in a front end collision, obvious by the paint on the front bumper. Before buying we had a CarFax (showed the collision and repair), I had the dealer put the car on the hoist and take a full video for me (customers not allowed in the bays for insurance reasons, naturally) for me to inspect before even test driving, and then most crucially I took it to my local trusted and well reviewed garage for a pre purchase inspection. $120 for a professional to hands on inspect is well, well worth it if you're going to spend five figures on a vehicle whether it shows an accident history or not and even if you're an experienced mechanic yourself. A fresh, non biased set of eyes and hands can save you big time in the long run.
    10 grand saved is a good day, brother. Good onya.

  • @miraclo3
    @miraclo3 Рік тому +19

    the fact that those seat belts had the safety features removed from them has me absolutely Furious

  • @matthewgreen3901
    @matthewgreen3901 Рік тому

    I bought a 03 civic with a bad 3rd gear syncro for just a couple hundred bucks. Just for fun. This was a project car for me and my girlfriend to spend more time together and also so she can learn about cars a little more. We did a complete transmission rebuild from just watching youtube videos right out of my garage 😂. We both learned alot from it, had fun and found it to be a fun hobby for us.

  • @ep411
    @ep411 Рік тому +8

    Too much hassle even with 30% off, but good for you, finally a project that is pretty much done! 😂
    The pricing sheet was great to see all expenses! 30k for 30k miles on an Escalade seems sweet!

  • @kennethiman2691
    @kennethiman2691 Рік тому

    I bought a 1996 Tacoma a few years back with 128k on the clock for $1900 rebuilt. Had hit a deer and had new fender, fender liner and hood. Possibly a radiator.
    In PA they have to go through an "enhanced" inspection.
    Run great. Drives great.
    It's not if it has been in an accident. It's how badly damaged and where.

  • @lukedavis436
    @lukedavis436 Рік тому +5

    People say I'm mad for liking the escalade.... I just enjoy the boxiness look of all the generations

    • @dbix11
      @dbix11 Рік тому +3

      I like the boxy look myself especially on mid 80s and 90s sports cars

  • @geppajibo9365
    @geppajibo9365 Рік тому

    Yes I will do again. I previously purchased a 2015 Honda accord with 23000 mile on for 8grand in 2017. My Honda is still going strong. Its has 130,000 miles on it. Never had any issues with it. I just do regular maintenance.

  • @GstarCurtis
    @GstarCurtis Рік тому +5

    I really hope you report those scumbags to the government.

  • @kirbywells2399
    @kirbywells2399 Рік тому

    Yes, I've done 4 or 5 of these. My best advice is to take the time on your pre-inspection to do your homework. I got a 2005 Cadillac Escalade SUV (3 rows of seats) for $1800.00 and drove it for 4 years!

  • @paulbarnfather2535
    @paulbarnfather2535 Рік тому +12

    Want to see you handing the finished product to "Step Mom" as you said initially it was for her. If you feel the car is safe enough to become her daily driver that show your confidence in the car

  • @garyalleccia2793
    @garyalleccia2793 Рік тому

    My loaded 1996 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 was 2 same color wrecks put together. One rear and one front with 20k on the clock. Built it in 1998 for around 7k including new paint. Looked and drove like new, no issues, saved around 10k and sold it in 2018 with 385,000 miles on the 4.0. For $1,200 with salvage title.
    Winner winner chicken dinner!
    Your Escalade was easy by comparison and turned out great!
    It's all a matter of doing the job right.

  • @AyySorento
    @AyySorento Рік тому +23

    While it may not be worth the time and money, I hope you try and explore any possible legal actions against the auction and/or the people who sold the car to the auction. Like you said at the beginning, would you feel comfortable driving a car that has been in a crash? Espically if the past people who worked on it disabled many safety features to make it look new knowing they would 100% get away with it. For me, yes, I would be comfortable if I was able to get the right car, but only if everything was documented, such as the crash and what was done to fix it. If everything was documented on this car, there would be no problem. The fact that people made it unsafe then sold it is a huge problem.

    • @_PatrickO
      @_PatrickO Рік тому

      Until it becomes a criminal act that cops investigate, there is nothing you can do. A lawsuit will cost more than anything you can get. The person you sue will lie, so you have to track down all previous owners and get them to testify that they didn't modify the safety systems.

    • @Oladavol
      @Oladavol Рік тому +3

      He said she said, prove it. Dead ends with energy and time never to be recovered

    • @Hacker4life
      @Hacker4life Рік тому

      AyySorento- you are correct it's not worth the time and money pursuing legal actions. It is abundantly clear that nefarious cover-ups were done, that is in violation of the law. But, such car issues makes great UA-cam content!👍

    • @jeremyreynolds4
      @jeremyreynolds4 Рік тому +2

      My guess is the dealer that sent it to auction found some of this stuff and didn't want to be liable if they repaired these systems and later it caused some sort of safety issue.

    • @CainXVII
      @CainXVII 21 день тому

      Messing with security equipment to cover up damage is criminal though. He should go to the police.

  • @schmick63
    @schmick63 Рік тому

    Lane departure is the camera in the windscreen, thus is working ok. The cruise control and collision avoidance are the front radar. They require precise positioning and calibration

  • @tracysmith6757
    @tracysmith6757 Рік тому +3

    Find you a empty parking lot and set a tall cardboard box to test you collision system.

  • @denniswphillips
    @denniswphillips Рік тому

    I have. My current SAAB 9-5 sat in a scrap yard in Largo for 3 years. Square tires! But I fixed it for less than $500. 30,000 miles ago no problems.

  • @mistereeize
    @mistereeize Рік тому +9

    When they go to that much trouble to hide something, it makes me suspicious. I also don't believe the mileage, looks like too much corrosion and the links in the front end have no explanation for having worn out like that. if it was low miles it spent time in water

  • @DerekMc64
    @DerekMc64 Рік тому

    Sam, People and pages like yours, would give me the confidence for me to do this myself on the right car, so yes to answer the question.

  • @GlennBerry
    @GlennBerry Рік тому +5

    Might need to check the airbag crash fuse, if it has such a thing, given the bodges done already, it may just be shorted out.

    • @fleaz4984
      @fleaz4984 Рік тому

      Blown fuses eliminate the connection, it can’t short out with a bad fuse

  • @fipfip3331
    @fipfip3331 Рік тому

    My daily driver is a auction car. Had airbag light on. Turns out it was just the wires were ripped on the drivers side seat.
    The engine had a few weeks before auction a spark plug ground strap break free and fall into the engine while it was running as I found out from the previous owners mechanic after I brought it. Amazingly it runs fine , compression is great and borescope shows the chunk melted/mushed into a the valve recess on the piston..
    Long story short definitely worth the risk if you get the car cheap enough.😂

  • @banderson1979
    @banderson1979 Рік тому +22

    So if this was a hack job and was fraud at the auction, why are you assuming they didn’t roll back the mileage?!?

    • @BlueCollarBachelor
      @BlueCollarBachelor Рік тому +2

      That's really hard to do these days. You can manipulate what is recorded in the future, but changing what is there already is difficult.

    • @Samcrac
      @Samcrac  Рік тому +4

      You know it's a good point, I'm sure it could be done on a car like this and if it's easy enough for me to check I will definitely do so. On the European cars they record the mileage on multiple modules so you cab uncover it. I'm not as familiar with GM cars

    • @Samcrac
      @Samcrac  Рік тому +5

      Oh and one other major point, the Carfax is pretty consistent with regular mileage increases, no big jumps or anything like that over a reasonable amount of time, that's the biggest reason I suspect no odometer tampering...

    • @banderson1979
      @banderson1979 Рік тому

      @@Samcrac cool, good series anyhow

    • @cscms28
      @cscms28 Рік тому

      the wear on those bushings are sooo suspicious... i hope the odometer was not rolled back.

  • @BradColemanisHere
    @BradColemanisHere Рік тому

    You did great. And yes, I would buy the car knowing it had been in an accident and getting a big discount. However, the kicker is I wouldn't be able to get someone like you to do a PROPER inspection and repair and show me how and why everything is fixed and working correctly.

  • @youandiryan
    @youandiryan Рік тому +1

    Awesome video Sam. I'm always excited when I go to your page and find some new videos

  • @josephstevens3357
    @josephstevens3357 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely I would!
    And what a pleasure to have the lifts for working on the suspension.

  • @backslide9008
    @backslide9008 Рік тому

    Yes. As long as there isn't any major frame/unibody damage or fire damage. I've repaired & assisted with repairs on many vehicles.
    It's also worth digging for information on accidents before writing one off based on a report on Carfax, etc. I got a smoking deal on my low mile SL55 AMG by researching the Carfax reported accident on it. I found the police report detailing the incident which was a simple parking lot hit & run. With the Carfax I was able to get $4k off the sellers asking price before I drove the 250 miles to look at the car. I confirmed the repaired damage was confined to the rear bumper cover & negotiated from that lowered price as a starting point. Best deal I've made so far on a car.

  • @paullee107
    @paullee107 Рік тому +1

    Normally I wouldn’t - but videos like yours give me help … I think in the future I just might want to investigate these types of deals!!

  • @rlejr66
    @rlejr66 Рік тому

    If the repairs can be done HONESTLY and for a reasonable price, I would take a shot. You have the ability and connections to get what you need. That is a key. Not many have that as an option. If you are having to not only pay for parts, but to also pay for labor, it is a totally different answer to your question. Nice job though on your part.

  • @rogerweiland6384
    @rogerweiland6384 Рік тому

    I have always liked rebuilding my oun cars. My first was my first car in 1986. I bought a 78 Nova with a clapped out inline 6 for $200. Then I bought a low mileage 77 Z-28 that one of my brother's friends wrecked after a long night of drinking, also for $200. A long weekend, a cheap set of headers, and a quick trip to the muffler shop for a full dual exhaust, I drove to school on Monday in the same plain jane Nova now sporting the Z-28's 350 4 barrel, TH-350 trans (with a B&M shift kit), a 3.73 posi 10 bolt rear diff, and the wheels from the Z. I kept the collumn shifter and the bench seat just to stay under the radar. If it were'nt for the wheels, you would'nt see it coming at all, untill it was too late. Not bad for a 16 year old kid and less than $1000 done in one weekend. This was my first of many rags to riches stories in my automotive history. Too bad U-Tube wasn't around back then, I could have financed all my projects for free!

  • @toddajmoon
    @toddajmoon Рік тому +2

    I would in a heartbeat, but Sam, I work at a salvage yard… builders are easier than people think(if you buy them the right way). Thanks for the great video. Remember Diamond Todd is always willing to help out with those pesky nickel and dime covers, seat belts, trim…etc.

  • @TheLkoler
    @TheLkoler Місяць тому

    Superb story. These are some of the best videos on UA-cam. Thanks for the education.

  • @davidschannel6131
    @davidschannel6131 Рік тому +1

    I got to say this is one of the best series I’ve seen of yours. I like how you want in depth and figure it all out and showed us how to source the parts our self for a good price.

  • @mitchelldecker7771
    @mitchelldecker7771 Рік тому

    One of the best cars I’ve ever had was a wrecked car. 2000 Chevy Malibu. Purchased for 400$. Previous owner hit a deer with it. Drove it for 2 years, hood ratchet strapped closed because the hood latch wouldn’t line back up right. Bought headlights from a junkyard for 50$ because the old ones were broken, other than that it never cost me any money. Just change the oil, put gas in it, and drive it. Air conditioning even worked.

  • @BobthePhotoGuy
    @BobthePhotoGuy Рік тому +2

    I feel that the documentation on what was repaired would play a big role!! If you could see what was repaired vs what you were told was repaired. This would be a big deciding factor!!

  • @Ayetheregosean
    @Ayetheregosean Рік тому

    To use the cruise control, on the left side of steering wheel you hit the cruise control button to turn it on then press the rectangle button down to set it. The gap adjust only works on cruise control it will not auto brake for you unless you have cruise control on

  • @rctillery73
    @rctillery73 Рік тому +2

    I absolutely would. I was at salvage cars FOR YEARS after working at the DMV and seeing people bring in salvaged vehicles to register. Of course, it was a bit easier back then wit all of the mechanics around CitiField in NY. 😂😂😂

  • @succ519
    @succ519 Рік тому

    After seeing these videos I felt the need to check my car. Bought it used and the dash was loose and the price was cheap. Happy to report all wires are in tact and airbags are good.

  • @ut90J
    @ut90J Рік тому

    Did this with my wife's chevy Sonic. Not crashed, but had overheated after a failed oil cooler gasket and flooded the cooling system with oil. It also needed a few maintenance items like a timing belt, water pump, belt tensioner, but I was able to fix it all for 700 bucks and a couple afternoons where a mechanic would have charged several thousand and weeks in a shop. Bought it for 4k in this condition and have put on 50k problem free miles since. It's still selling for like 6k right now.

  • @Dukefazon
    @Dukefazon Рік тому +1

    I'm happy that your outro music hasn't changed, I was worried after your previous video :)

  • @johnwinter9722
    @johnwinter9722 10 місяців тому

    I am late to the game, but the car looks great. Bought an identical one from my step mom after my dad passed. Yes, I would buy the car. Prior to the 2016 I had a 2014 that was sideswiped by a semi. $18k in damage. Fixed well and I bought it from my dad when we found the 2016. You do nice work, Sam, and I would not hesitate to buy one of your cars.

  • @johnrobertson2935
    @johnrobertson2935 Рік тому

    If it was a vehicle model that I knew would meet my needs, and I was confident that the work had been done properly, I would be happy to take the savings. Operative words "confident" and "properly". Thanks Sam

  • @roadeagle
    @roadeagle Рік тому +1

    I would by because of the savings and the ability to do what you did to repair yourself and with the help of great sub-vendors. Great video Sam. Be well.

  • @doronc.5297
    @doronc.5297 Рік тому

    Yes!! I would buy one like that at a major discount and sort it out myself, it wasn't a major accident and no frame damage or major component damage on it. I was a great catch on the SRS seat belt issue. All it all I think it was a great buy for you and really enjoyed your videos on sorting this one out!.

  • @elice05
    @elice05 Рік тому

    If I had the extra cash I most certainly would buy a vehicle like you did, fix it n flip it. You got a great deal on the truck. Kudos my guy. 👍👍

  • @tommycall355
    @tommycall355 Рік тому

    I just bought a used car and as I searched online, I always plugged in one owner/no accidents and ended up buying 2009 Acura TSX with 100k miles from the Acura dealer in town. I always search one owner/no accidents and read the service history. I realize it could still have been in an accident, but I do this and then always take it to a mechanic I trust to do a presale inspection.

  • @k.y.6148
    @k.y.6148 Рік тому

    My friend does what you do, and have a 2014 Equinox that was wrecked. Best car I have had!

  • @mikejohnson599
    @mikejohnson599 Рік тому

    bought a fixed 2016 altima with salvage title with a beautiful job done at almost half market value and driving it with absolutely no problems for 2 years but i knew from my previous altima that they can be hit high in the front end and sustain non life threatening damage

  • @nistb2123
    @nistb2123 Рік тому

    Have to do a full inspection in the dealership. Check frame and anything related to safety. If it turn out fine, is good.

  • @ahmedkamla2109
    @ahmedkamla2109 Рік тому

    Great video. Thanks for sharing! Yes I am rebuilding cars for around 5 years as a side job for myself, family members. I feel so happy & rewarding each time I finish rebuilding one. I enjoy watching your videos & had subscribed a while ago. Keep up the good work.

  • @chrislongbeard
    @chrislongbeard Рік тому

    My daily was in about 4 minor and 2 major accidents before I bought it. Major being it had to be repaired by a shop to be driven. The second one is when I bought it, complete nose and rear bumper. So for 2k for the car and 700 in used parts the same color I had a 80k mile 2010 Accord coupe with a clean title. Have put 50k on it since with zero issues.

  • @mariodesmo
    @mariodesmo Рік тому

    As long as the repairs can/are done correctly, Hell Yea!
    Ten grand, IS TEN grand!

  • @tracysmith6757
    @tracysmith6757 Рік тому

    I would definitely by one with FIXABLE issues to save on the price. A smart way to buy one as long as the problems can be sorted for a fair price. Good job!

  • @mbgaines
    @mbgaines Рік тому

    My current daily driver has a salvage title 2014 Ford Fusion 83966 miles when I bought it for under 12K. It had some front end damage. Bought from a dealer that did some shotty repair wort, but looks good and runs good.

  • @unclerudy9797
    @unclerudy9797 Рік тому

    Great truck in the right color with some relatively easy and inexpensive fixes. Well bought ! Thanks for posting !

  • @CopperCanyonTerrapins
    @CopperCanyonTerrapins Рік тому

    Now this is the type of Samcrac content I subscribed for years ago! Please continue to put out these types of videos!

  • @TwistedMe13
    @TwistedMe13 21 день тому

    19:43 Depends on the damage and the drivers for the airbags. If the explosive component driving is Sodium Azide... No. Or at least not without stripping the cabin down the metal and decontaminating each part piece by piece.

  • @a2cryss
    @a2cryss Рік тому

    Not only would I drive a previously damaged car, I currently do drive one that I got from an auction and fixed. With the current market, it is worth double what I have into it. I planned on selling it but high gas prices have stopped me since it is a plug-in hybrid and I only need to get gas once every 2-3 months.

  • @jettanner
    @jettanner Рік тому

    I have always wanted to buy a accident vehicle, but just do not have the money. BUT, if I did, I would like to do so, and have someone like you, help me. I learn a ton from your videos, and I find it fascinating. So, if I had the money, I would, but since I do not, I won't.

  • @roterakaten636
    @roterakaten636 Рік тому

    Ding ding ding. Sounds like a winner.
    What like 10 hrs to fix everything?? That's 1000 an hr you just paid yourself plus the income off this video that never stops. Man winner.

  • @mattstratton7740
    @mattstratton7740 5 місяців тому

    I own a 2014 Ford Fusion SE which I bought in 2018 for $11,000 with 63000 mi. Carfax showed it to have been in 1 minor accident which required a drivers side door skin repair & repaint. This Carfax report was consistent with the vehicle history given by seller. I have never had the car in for any mechanical repair. Only regular maintenance & upkeep. I had to do what any used car buyer does: try to make the best decision possible based on information gathered before the purchase. Even with a new car purchase you take a chance, ask any Mopar owner.

  • @nickwarner8158
    @nickwarner8158 Рік тому

    I just drove around an Envoy that I put back together after meeting a large deer. Nobody can tell it happened but me. If I was buying a car repaired by someone else I'd be interested, but would definitely be putting it on a lift and doing a very close inspection to determine how well the repairs were executed and how substantially the vehicle was damaged