It could totally work. 

Admittedly, I’ve bought totaled “salvage titles” vehicles from my uncle in the past & never had any issues. So if you have a good mechanic they are priceless. 

Another tip: it’s a bit morbid but it’s true that many older people have nicer cars & sometimes they are rarely driven. So upon death there are people who make their living purchasing those cars & “flipping” them. 

Kind of sad how predatory some people are. Death and divorce & most people aren’t thinking straight. Not a fan of that.