Salvage title cars offer the opportunity to get into a ride that would otherwise be unaffordable. Case in Point: Chris Steinbacher’s 2013 Rocket Bunny Subaru BRZ—transformed from a cast-off crumpled up wreck into a wicked cool ride.
Steinbacher bought the salvage-title Subaru BRZ at auction for a mere $5,400, including fees. It had suffered a serious front-end collision and the previous owner’s insurance company totaled the car. Fixing the body damage and replacing the exhaust system was the first step. The cost to replace the hood, side fender, bumper, lights, core support, radiator, wiring harness, AC condenser, and performance exhaust added up to $2,800. Another $2,000 was spent with a frame straightener, which included replacing the control arms and lower subframe.
With all the bits were back in place, it was time to add the eye candy. Steinbacher picked up an ABS Rocket Bunny wide body kit on eBay for $1,000, along with a rear wing and roof lip for an additional $310. Wider wheels, spacers, and tires cost $1,000. Paint was a learning process that “could have easily cost $600,” but ended up setting Steinbacher back roughly $1,500. He had never painted a car before and ended up repainting the car four times. The budget grew as he had to purchase many of the tools to get started.
Once the body and paint was done, a critical engine issue needed to be addressed. The BRZ wouldn’t start. Steinbacher resorted to sending the car to a Subaru dealership. The shop was not sure of the exact problem and suggested a wiring harness replacement. Out of frustration, Steinbacher started shopping for a second BRZ on eBay when he found a wiring harness for $350.
While he had never attempted any serious wiring projects before, the task didn’t faze him. After 11 hours in freezing weather, Steinbacher successfully installed the replacement harness. “That was the craziest turning point in this build by far,” Steinbacher said. The car started for the first time that night.
The total expenditure was $14,100. Steinbacher figures that the car is valued a bit higher that that. “I haven’t lost too much money on this car,” he mused. A good portion of the money spent was on items of personal preference (wheels, tires, body kit, and bits), rather than simply returning the car to proper working order and back to its factory appearance. “I buy most of my car parts on eBay. Anything that can be shipped, it’s my go-to source.”
Getting a rebuilt title in Oregon is relatively straightforward. The Beaver State is far more lenient than others. You make the repairs to the vehicle, buy a trip permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), then drive the car to DMV. The inspectors check the repairs, verify that the vehicle identification numbers match, and if all is well, a rebuilt title is issued. There are no emissions checks outside of Portland.
Steinbacher documented his experience with the BRZ in his [B is for Build] YouTube series. To him, it’s about completing a car project without being raked over the coals. But it’s more than economics. “If I bring it back from the dead and get it back on the street, I’ve earned the right to do anything with it,” he said. “This thing was going to the junkyard anyways. If I save it from becoming a parts car, I earn the right.”
See Subaru BRZ Cars for sale on eBay.
