idea for work for Body shop in slow times

[managing1]

Our body shop is dead in the water, as are the shops we sell parts to. Most of the other shops are working on old project hobby cars for people. I was wondering if our dealership purchased salvage auction cars and fixed them for resale, if there is a downside I am not seeing. My dad's business fixes wrecked semi-trailers and he always keeps a few of wrecks around for slow seasons. He also sells new and used trailers so it works for him. It seems to me we should do the same.

[camaroman]

I don't think it would be a good idea if you are getting cars that have been totaled and would have to be titled as reconstructed for resale. New car dealer selling R-titles isn't a good idea in my opinion.

[managing1]

That's the sort of thing I would not have thought of, not knowing those ins and outs. Thanks.

[texaslp]

I was thinking the same thing. Too much liability. No matter how well you disclose it as a salvage vehicle, and no matter how many documents the customer signs, at the 1st sign of problems with the vehicle, they will be demanding their money back and calling their lawyer. People have much higher expectations from a new car dealer than from JJ's Used Car Lot.

[bigGman]

I tried it years ago. Purchased cars from auction that were damaged, not totaled. Fixed and took back to auction. Barely broke even. Had to sign up at auctions to be able to buy/sell for our store, had to wait hours to rep the cars that I took to sell. Worst of all had to spend WAYYYYY to much time at auctions surrounded by used car managers and wholesalers.