I totally agree. Once an aircraft has been built and given an Airworthiness Certificate you would be rebuilding it.
If I were to buy a wrecked plane I would be wanting to get a complete one with 50% or more of it undamaged/minor. I would pay $4-10k depending on the damage, equipment and presence of the logbooks. Besides the airframe damage most have had a prop strike, so you are looking at an engine teardown/overhaul, new prop, engine mount, cowlings, etc. This adds up quickly and often costs more than buying a similar flying plane.