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Hi, i am lookind at bidding on a Mazda sp20 2000 at an auction that has been stolen and recovered. There are two the same, one with a ripped out ignition- no key and one that just needs new passenger lock and key- they estimate their selling at $3500-$4000 each, is this a good value for the car considering what would need to be repaired? Is it a good idea to buy a stolen and recovered car in the first place?Also can a pre-purchase inspection be done on them if they do not have keys? considering we wont be able to even test drive the vehicle ourselves. Thank you so much for your help :-)

If engine immobiliser units are not fitted, it is quite likely the engines have been started and the vehicles driven. Ripping out the ignition is normally the way to release the steering lock so the steering wheel can be allowed to turn.

An immobiliser unit is part of the electronic system which does not allow the engine to start unless a coded ignition key is used. A lot of used imports are not fitted with these systems which makes them an easy target for thieves.

An auction is risky at the best of times however, those risks definitely scale new heights if the vehicles have been stolen. Who knows just what has happened.

If you have to pay somebody to repair the wiring and get the engine started, we recommend you get some estimates from your local garage or preferred repairer before you go to auction. It may be worth asking a mechanic to have a look at the vehicle and see if they can spot any obvious and expensive faults. Paying them for a quick look may be the best investment you have ever made.

Vandals never take cars apart in an orderly fashion, and no doubt there will be other reasonably costly cosmetic interior parts which cannot be reused which can drive up repair costs.

Be very careful and assume nothing.