Is it worth it to buy a potential out of state lemon

[icesaint]

State : Utah
Potentially buying from California/Michigan
I have been looking long and hard for a honda prelude, and have passed up a few good deals here and there, but the best ones seem to be ones with "salvage" titles.

Is it worth it to buy one of these? I am able to find them for as low as half the KBB private party value , or even close to half the private party value with it calculating in that there is a salvage title involved. The only problem is that there is no way for me to have the car checked out by a mechanic before buying it, because they are usually out of state, with my only option to be to fly in (which is not a problem at all), pick it up, and drive it home.
I am just nervous to buy a salvage because I read that it means that the car was damaged over 50% of its value at one time or another to repair. These cars I am looking at could probably be valued at around 10k, so how could a front end heavy - duty fender bender cost over 4 or 5 thousand (sellers usually say only bumper, front shoulders, hood were replaced) - Is it possible these cars got Salvage titles from small accidents not costing over 50% of vehicles cost and are probably safe (and a great deal ) to buy?

[roadsport]

I am a licensed, bonded and insured auto dealer in Ca.
Never, ever buy a car with a salvaged title. (unless you know exactly the extent of the damage and you are willing to keep the car until it or you die.)

If a car can be fixed by simply replacing a fender or hood, etc. it is not "salvaged" by the insurance company. Salvaged means that the damage to car has exceeded it's value! ( I recently had to replace the hood, fender, front bumper & headlight assembly on my sons Saturn and the bill was $2400.00. This included all work & paint at a first class body shop.)

The only exception to this is when a car has been paid off and marked "salvaged" because it was stolen and then later recovered. But usually stolen cars have been stripped for parts and if recovered still may have gone through extensive repair or reconditioning.

Cars for sale with salvaged titles have been reconstructed and you don't always know the extent of the damage and the quality of the repair. You may find the car looks ok but may not drive correctly or safely. Another thing is you may find it very difficult to sell a car with a slavaged title unless you give it away.

Believe me it is worth a little more $ finding a non salvaged car from a private seller or honest auto dealer who will always provide you with a Carfax/Autocheck Report and as much history as possible.

I hope this helps.