Rebuilt, Salvage, etc... who has one? Opinions?

[9ine]

A few weeks ago I totalled my 97 limited... on the market now for a new truck and having difficulty finding a good one in my area.

I've owned a rebuilt BMW and Honda in the past, and did have my fair share of issues with these, although not necessarily because of an accident. Who has a rebuilt 4runner, what were/are your greatest concerns, and what are your opinions of these?

Toyota 4-Runner 2001

1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited for $7,990 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca

I believe around here if the damage is over 50% of the value of the vehicle it is written off, so it wouldnt take much to write off a $7-9k vehicle.

 

[JBurt]

The damage % that defines being totalled depends on the insurance company. If you know what the damage done was and you're okay with it then a salvage is an option.

Mine has a salvage title. It was in a front end fender bender before I bought it. You're right in saying it doesn't take much to total a 12-18 year old car out though. It needed a new bumper, valence, outer fender and some other minor stuff. I got pictures and and records of all work done from the body shop I got it from. I've been happy with it for the last three years, that being said though others have had different experiences.

 

[9ine]

Ya knowing and having pictures of the damage and work done would be great and definately take some worry off your mind... but these people don't have any. Guess it just comes down to checking the entire vehicle over.

 

[Millerad1651]

Mine is exactly like JBurt's truck. Fender bender which was easily fixed. I've had mine for two years no problems. The first one doesn't seem to bad, especially since he's owned it for 5 years since the accident, and seems to have taken care of it.
A good thing for you is that being salvage allows a lot of negotiating room. I paid $2k less for mine than I would have if it had a clean title...so you have some wiggle room. He won't get anywhere near $7900 with a salvage title...I'd offer $5500...

 

[IBallEngineer]

My FJ62 is a salvage title. It had an engine fire. I knew what I was getting and over 17 yrs. later, no regrets.

 

[SR5Runner97]

I'm biased. I would never buy a salvage title. I would own one if I was the one that totaled it. It's just what I was taught and it makes sense. yeah buying one is cheaper, but selling will be less too and a pain in the arse. Only a few people buy salvage titles so trying to resell it means you have to find someone who wants a salvage title, and wants your make/model. I'd save up till you can buy a clean title but that's just me and the guys above do make good points if they've been fixed correctly.

 

[JBurt]

selling will be less too and a pain in the arse. Only a few people buy salvage titles so trying to resell it means you have to find someone who wants a salvage title, and wants your make/model.

Assuming you eve think you'll sell it. I'm getting buried in mine.

all the same it is a good point

 

[PNW yota]

Something else to consider even if your salvaged rig isn't a lemon is what will happen in an accident. My last jeep I bought salvaged, and I did so with the mindset I'll never sell it so who cares?? It was exactly everything I wanted in a 4x4. BUT when a lifted F150 plowed into my back end and destroyed the rig, the prior salvage meant their insurance didn't want to give me $hit for the rig. Theyre first offer was literally a joke. I had to fight them hard for months to get an acceptable payout.

Because of this I'll never buy another branded title.

Just my .02

 

[shinyblackdeer]

Our 98 T4R is a rebuilt salvage that sustained front end damage. It had a good Toyota dealer service history post rebuild, so we didn't hesitate to buy it. If the price is right and you're able to research the VIN, don't be afraid to take a risk.

 

[BlackCat914]

Depends on what salvaged the title. Theft or accident, I'd consider it with a very thorough inspection. Flood salvage, especially salt water salvage, no way Jose.

 

[JBurt]

One other thing to think about along the lines of PNW yota's comments is how you want it insured. Talk with your insurance company about payouts, coverage, etc. I had mine fully insured the same as a car with a clean title and the payout would also be the same, but it is good to check first.

You can't control what kind of insurance other people have, but you can control your own.

 

[PNW yota]

Also if you pick one up it's not a bad idea to have an appraisal done. If you have a 3rd party appraisal value of your salvaged rig, then you have a huge bargaining chip if you ever find yourself in my previous situation. Would have saved me a lot of time and headache.