Two times I’ve bought at salvage auctions. I’ve bought an ‘03 Cooper through Copart, had to use a broker but the process was actually very easy and I got very lucky with the quality of the car (although after owning it for two years it’s now sitting in the garage waiting on either the timing chain or supercharger to get replaced, but that’s not really relevant). Second time was an 09 Cooper that’s getting caged to go racing, bought from salvagebid who is basically a broker for IAAI. It’s a bit more of a basket case, runs and drives but the clutch is all but gone and it had a rodent family chewing on wires.I recall someone on the board purchasing from copart? Can whoever this was chime in. Is it easy to do?
Both times the car took minimal repairs to bring it back to ‘previous salvage’ title status and get back on the road. I’d definitely do it if you’re looking at a fun, extra project car (in fact there’s a E36 M3 through IAAI that is calling my name right now). If it was going to be a daily or primary car, I’d probably stay away though. I just don’t think you get much bang for your buck on the newer stuff.