If you’re like many enthusiasts, you likely spend a lot of time browsing through used car listings with no particular purpose. It’s simply part of the experience. From project vehicles and rare finds to old favorites and questionable backyard modifications, there’s always something interesting. Thus, we present a weekly overview—a journey through the eccentric world of online classifieds—this is The Drive’s Craigslist Safari.
Among the questionable choices on Craigslist, purchasing salvage-titled exotic or luxury vehicles might be the quickest route to financial disaster. While salvage titles can indicate serious issues, they don’t always reveal hidden dangers. For instance, a car can be labeled as salvage if it was stolen and later recovered, even if it was totally fine condition. Similarly, a vintage car that’s been lovingly restored after suffering damage can also bear a salvage title.
However, there are also cars like a seemingly pristine Land Cruiser that has been meticulously rebuilt after a severe accident, or this 7 Series BMW brought back to life by a skilled innovator. Neither of these vehicles would probably be an ideal addition to your garage — ideally — but they certainly pique curiosity with the question: How bad can it really be?
If you dare to explore this week’s selection, follow the links provided in the titles below.
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque S
Here’s your risky pick for the day. Priced at $24,950, this 7,773-mile 2020 Range Rover Evoque S is available for about half its original cost. However, there’s a significant concern: the entire driver’s side is severely damaged, likely from a T-bone accident or an ill-advised attempt at drifting.
The damage is considerable and may jeopardize the structural integrity of the car. While the dealer asserts it remains drivable, there are no specifics provided about its post-accident performance. If you have some free time, you might also want to check out the seller’s collection of damaged Ferraris.
1998 Acura Integra Type R
Very few Integra Type Rs made their way into the United States during its four-year production run in the late 1990s, making it a legendary model in the import tuning scene. While immaculate specimens have fetched high prices in recent years, this one has some challenges. Firstly, it possesses a salvage title due to a reported theft, which is a relief.
Moreover, there’s a long list of modifications and bodywork performed on the car, with no insights provided on the installation quality. However, even if driving it is not your preference, the parts could sell individually for more than $15,500. Our suggestion? Drive it—after all, that’s what we advocate. With a newly rebuilt B18 C1 engine, a Garrett 35r Turbo, and a claimed 350 horsepower at the wheels, it promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience without the worry of damaging a pristine show car.
Pontiac Fiero-Based Lamborghini Diablo Roadster…Thing
Now, $16,995 for a replica based on a car from 1984 that was never particularly impressive might not appear to be a great deal, but it is salvaged and significantly cheaper than a real Lamborghini. It’s not unusual to find exotic car replicas built on used Pontiac Fieros. In fact, the number of “Fier-borghini Diablos” on the roads may rival that of authentic models.
However, contrary to the seller’s original claim that the vehicle runs and drives, it seems more accurate to describe it as suitable for “parking lot drives.” This project requires someone to bring it to completion, and even then, it may not meet expectations. Some kit cars come equipped with many OEM parts, but this particular model seems to be an exception. According to the listing, the only components truly resembling those of a Diablo are the headlights, which incidentally share a design with those from the Nissan 300ZX of its time.
If you’re in the market for a flashy kit car, this may not meet your requirements. Nevertheless, it certainly has an interesting appearance. Unlike many builders who opt for an LS V8 or similar engines, this model is still powered by the original 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the four-speed manual transmission. That engine lacked performance even when the Fiero was first launched, and given the modifications, the added weight may compromise any modest gains in power.
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