Hey all,

My 2002 was rear ended and has some frame damage. Insurance totaled it. Totally bummed. Truck has 215,000 miles and has run great for me the last 14 years.

Cosmetic damage is minimal, they crushed my tow bar and that is what cause the frame damage.

Do I keep it and pocket the money or do I total it?

Any advice greatly appreciated. I'm just so bummed to have to let it go when it is still totally drivable, but what is the best move?

Take the money and total it then buy it back, if you think you can fix it with the leftover money, then I'd do that

Depends, how comfortable are you with owning a salvage title?

Bent and stretched Frams are really best to scrap. Now, swapping a good frame is another story. Unless you're a complete diy mechanic who can weld fo aurobody and mechanic .

Mostly, it's better to get another ride.. This is coming from someone who does all 3.

In the end, it's always your decision, and do what's best for you.



Sent from my SM-A536V using Tapatalk

if you like the rig and plan to keep it for a few more years, buy it back! Salvage title is no issue until you sell it, and then you can explain why it was totalled. And you got the buyout from the insurance company, so you are unlikely to lose money. I bought a salvage '87 Toyota Hilux in '88, put 190k miles on it with no problems, and I had to inspect it to determine why it was salvage. In your case, you know exactly why, and you have stated that it is not a structural issue, unless you plan to tow a trailer perhaps?

Compare to the cost of buying something used or new!

As someone who has done a DIY frame swap, I can assert that no welding is required, as long as you get a compatible frame (V6 or 4cyl.) That said, I do not recommend it unless you really love your rig. It's a ton of work. See link in my sig. An overhead hoist would make it tolerable. I would not do it again without one. Ironically, my new house has one in the garage. Guy was a serious DIY mechanic. Great workshop next to the garage, too.

salvage title can be no big deal. Esp if you plan to keep...how bad is the frame "bent"
My current 4runner has one. But every door and fender still has the correct stickers with vin...air bags had not been deployed...no frame damage. This will be my 2nd year with it, person b4 me had it 3 ( military transferring out) Salvage title was from 2015. A large branch fell on roof..they beat it out ok....but prob by owner...but sunroof still works and seals

The real key is how it drives. A bent rear axles spells all sorts of headache as parts break that shouldn't. A bent tow hitch and rear end might mess up the rear wheel alignment a bit but I'm not sure it's a deal-breaker if you like the 4Runner. Try and negotiate the payout price. Bring up local car values, things you've done or restored to add value (saying you fixed an oil leak doesn't count, think like new parts, new tires, upgraded sound system etc.). Unless you plan on buying it back, then you'd end up paying a little more to buy back the totalled vehicle.

It *sounds* like the insurance is totaling it b/c of the book value of the vehicle and cost of parts to fix it, not b/c it's structurally totaled.

In this market where used cars are selling at a premium, my opinion is the insurance company is going to sell it at auction for a decent profit.

Personally, I'd buy it back if it's at all reasonable to do so (assuming you are happy with the vehicle's reliability to this point). These things are getting old and it's hard to find one you trust. Sure you could total it, cash out and try and find another one.....but again, they're getting older and harder to find in decent shape.

I'm also comfortable doing frame work, so your aptitude for that sort of stuff will factor in as well.

Best of luck with it. It sux to deal with if it's a vehicle you have your heart wrapped up in...not to mention substantial money in upgrades.

That is for sure. When I bought my 3rd Gen and moved on from my 1st Gen Toyota Pickup, it was the Pickups and 2nd Gen 4Runners that were the off-road rigs with scrapes, rollovers, and massive trail damage as those were cheap, old and fun to goof of in. Today, the Pickups and 2nd Gen 4Runners are gone as most of the engines have failed and replacement parts availability like engines and transmissions are next to none. Now it's the 3rd Gen 4Runners that are getting lifted and show all the trail damage and we are nearing the point where engine and transmissions are getting harder and harder to find. In another 5 years the number of 4Runners on the road is going to decrease dramatically.

Bottom line is, if you like 4Runners fix it. The good ones are getting snatched up and the bad ones are being send to the scrap yards.

I believe this answer is state-dependent.

At least in my state (Colorado), the salvage title means the car becomes un-insured and also the plates have to be removed.

You have to prove to the state the reason the vehicle became salvage is sufficiently repaired, only then can you re-register it on insurance and also get new registration/plates.

That process is such a ***** that I can't imagine ever pursuing it VS taking a buyout/total.

Is it not like this where you live?

Source: How to Get a Rebuilt Title in Colorado | GetJerry.com

This kind of tool could help. Might be measurements in the shop manual for straightness.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/10-t...t/PA0008667834

OP is in California. He'll have to take it in to have the DMV inspection done and then it will be issued a rebuilt title Register Your Revived Junk or Salvage Vehicle - California DMV

If it was me and the damage wasn't bad, I'd buy it back and fix it