Thanks enderland and surfhb! So the car actually does have a clean title... But does that make it all the more suspicious?
Also, I'm in the Denver area and the vast majority of cars I've looked at (I could be missing something!) in the ~$5,000 price range usually have about 130,000 miles. I drive about 10,000 miles per year, so I was hoping for something less than 100k miles... BUT this car does have a questionable past.
If insurance would have got a hold of it, it'd be salvaged for sure.
Forget the under 100k mileage at this point. That car is a 100k mile vehicle for all intents and purposes. Now, if you do your due diligence and have patience, you can a fine vehicle under 100k for a good price. I just sold a perfect 2007 civic with under 70k for $7900 and friend just bought another civic with 60k for $4000 from some old lady.
Are you in a hurry or does spending a little more hamper your budget or future FI plans? If the answer is no then I'd spend a little more time or money getting something you know is tip top.
You'd be shocked at the good deals out there if you spend the time looking. People get into financial binds, the elderly stop driving, ect. There are people who make lots of $ buying and flipping cars because those deals exist :)
Btw.....what's up with the seller not mentioning the MAJOR frame issue in the ad?! Jeesh!