Buyer Checklist
Is This Salvage Car Worth Buying? A 5-Step Checklist
Every salvage car looks like a deal — until you add up the repair costs, the fees, and the risk. Run through this 5-step checklist before you place a single bid. If the car doesn't pass all five, walk away.
Run all 5 steps in one go
RepairIQ handles PAV, repair costs, fees, and your max bid — in 2 minutes.
The 5-Step Checklist
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1. PAV Check
Find the car's Pre-Accident Value — what it's worth in clean, road-legal condition. Use Autotrader, eBay sold listings, and CAP/Glass's guides. This is your target resale and the anchor for every other calculation.
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2. Damage Assessment
Inspect the vehicle in person or study photos carefully. Identify the damage category (A, B, C, D / S, N), affected zones, severity, and whether it runs and drives. Check for airbag deployment and structural damage — these are the costliest repairs.
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3. Repair Cost Estimation
Estimate parts, labour, and paint costs. Get a body shop quote for structural work. Factor in ADAS recalibration, airbag replacement, and any hidden damage. RepairIQ gives you a low-to-high repair range automatically from the damage details.
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4. Fee Calculation
Add auction buyer fees (4–15% depending on membership), gate/collection fees, transport, and storage. These are easy to forget and can add thousands to the true cost. RepairIQ includes Copart fees in every calculation.
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5. Profit Margin
Apply the RepairIQ formula: Max Bid = Target Resale − Repair Costs − Copart Fees − Desired Profit. Aim for 15–25% margin (higher for beginners). If the current bid is already above your max bid, walk away — there will always be another car.
The Decision: Buy or Walk Away?
✓ Buy if:
- The current bid is comfortably below your max bid
- Your repair cost estimate has a healthy margin for surprises
- The damage category allows road re-registration (Cat C/D/S/N)
- Your profit margin target is 15%+ (25%+ for beginners)
✗ Walk away if:
- The current bid is at or above your max bid
- You can't inspect or get clear photos of the damage
- The damage is Cat A or Cat B (not road-repairable)
- The margin is below 10% — too thin for the risk
There will always be another car. Don't overpay because you're emotionally invested in winning one auction. Set your max bid, write it down, and stick to it.
Run the checklist on your next salvage car
Free RepairIQ calculator — PAV, repair costs, fees, and your max bid in 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a salvage car is worth buying?
Run the 5-step checklist: PAV, damage, repair costs, fees, and profit margin. If the current bid is below your max bid, it's worth buying.
What profit margin should a salvage car have?
At least 15–25%. Beginners should target 25%+. Higher-risk damage (Cat S, structural) deserves a higher margin.
What's the most important step?
Accurate repair cost estimation. Most buyers lose money by underestimating repairs — especially structural work, airbags, and ADAS calibration.
What fees should I include?
Auction buyer fees (4–15%), gate/collection fees, transport, and storage. RepairIQ includes Copart fees automatically.
Related Guides
Know your numbers before you bid
Free salvage repair cost calculator — UK & USA. No sign-up required.