Checking out a 1997

[snownskate]

It's a 5 speed, 90k, SR5, with a salvaged title...he said the front was probably hit but he doesn't know. New water pump and timing belt, rear end recently redone (did some towing or is this common?)

What else should I look for? Normally i try to stay away from salvage titles but the money's right.

Thanks in advance, this is my first 4 runner coming from a subaru.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I would get a CARFAX on it.

Also check the axel seals.

 

[DavidAlexander]

You should be able too find what caused the salvage. Look around for overspray or tape left from body work. Also if the carpet, dash, seats, etc. are too "new". Could be a fire or flood. If there is a trailer hitch, assume they towed heavy things. Most people really put their cars through the paces and one without any service history can be a gamble.

If the timing belt and water pump were done, the radiator hoses, crankshaft seal, front camshaft seals, belt tensioner and idler need to be done to prevent you from going back in. Its a good time to replace all the drive belts too. (a/c,alt,p/s) If they were concerned about doing the job right they would have done these too.

Although, if your mechanically inclined and this is a "good" one, this may be your lucky day. Low miles and a 5 speed.

 

[peter78]

I would get a CARFAX on it.

Salvage cars can be a real problem. It can actually be parts of different cars or it may not of even been in a wreck, it could be from a flood. It would really be nice to know why it has a salvage title.

 

[cobra2top]

Really check it out and really make sure this is the track you want to go down. There are a ton of Runners out there so really see if the savings is significant enough to off set any issues that may arise down the road with a re-built (tracking, tire replacements due to alignments, etc).

I did a similar thing years ago with a convertible mustang gt. I just graduated college and wanted a new one. I could not afford a new one or even ones that were used! I found a place that sold rebuilts and I bought it. It ran well and never had any issue but when it came time to sell I could not get anyone to look at it. I sat on that car for a long time before almost giving it away just so I did not have to look at it and pay any more insurance.

On the GT, I also was able to talk to the original owner to find out exactly what happen. In the glovebox the owners manual had the owners name and I ended up calling him before I bought it to find it was rearended on the passenger side. This matched the story from the repair shop. The car was totaled by the insurance company but he did not think it was too bad. So I felt a little better with the history, so I made the purchase. Again, the issue was the salvage just hung over the car and I always wondered if something was going to break down the road. Who could say if the thing was really rebuilt right?

Also just be warry of flood cars. There are a ton of them with all of the recent hurricanes in the south. Alot of those totalled flooded cars are starting to hit the market now so be very careful of those with the electronics.