It would be good to find out what items were replaced/repaired in order to get it legal again.  Sometimes, it doesn't take much to total out a perfectly driveable and safe vehicle.  The cost for new 'factory' parts and labor is pretty high.  Just think of what it would cost you to have a new replacement panel installed at the local VW dealer.  This cost can often be circumvented, especially if you do the work yourself.

I once rebuilt a motorcycle that was 'salvaged'.  The insurance company stated that the total price for replacing each little component was more than $4500.00, so they totalled it out.  I purchased it for a whole lot less than that.   In order to get it street legal and inspected, I replaced a foot peg and a turn signal.  The rest of the damage was all comsmetic, some dents, dings and scratches.   There was nothing damaged that affected the integrity of the vehicle.  It was a cheap way of getting a motorcycle, and I didn't care whether or not I sold it later.

Granted, a car can be a whole lot more involved.  But I really feel that if you can find out the history on it and why it was salvaged, you may get yourself a good deal.

David

David