$7000 paint job

absolutely correct, Most totals never see public auction first go around. private salvage dealers only. have to keep in mind the volume of used parts in just collision repair . The ins co spec used a very high% of times. Used if its available almost 100% of the time. They are not letting go the salvage as they save money on the back end. It's been awhile since I've been in a shop, but even knowing the adjusters and their bosses etc never helped. It's a big circle. Once they pay off on the car it's theirs to mark the title however they wish , "Parts only" that vin will never see a tag. As like said it's big players , Copart, LKQ . The little guy can't compete when your buying a few cars verse 100's. The sum of the parts will always be greater than the whole. keep in mind salvage goes over seas. also a tremendous market.

Craigslist. is full of older cars 200k miles with one off colored fender and bumper and a zip tied headlight. One test drive and a lost tranny goes your profit margin. just sayin.