Salvage Titles?

[Schmiddyboy]

So I am currently looking for my first 4runner, preferably a 3rd Gen 1998-2000 4x4 5 Speed 3.4 v6. I plan to buy a stock truck and build it up completely! As I was doing my daily craigslist search, I stumbled upon this truck. Everything looks pretty clean, very low miles, and it's everything I want, minus the salvage title... So now I ask you guys, what are your thoughts on salvage titles? Yes or no, depending on the situation and condition?

The truck has claimed a salvage title only because it was taken for a joy ride, or so the owner claims. If I consider buying this car, I am going to do an extensive car history search, and take my dad's friend, who is a mechanic, with me to examine it. Here is the link: 1998 Toyota 4runner SR5 Manual transmission

So, what do you guys think? Help me out here!

 

[KidVermicious]

If the price is right and if you can register it in your state, sure. But salvaged because it got taken for a joyride? I smell a rat. Things that kill the deal:

1) State laws. In some states you cannot register a salvage vehicle for street use, or at least you pay a huge insurance premium. That's ridiculous.
2) Flood damage. Look very very hard for evidence of flood damage, look behind trim and under carpets and everywhere, because a flooded vehicle will always have gremlins in the electrical.
3) Frame tweakage. If the frame is tweaked too badly, it will be nearly impossible to align. This might not matter so much if you're going to SAS it.

Fact is, salvage title vehicles are nothing to be scared of and are frequently a good deal. If you're planning on building it up it's actually perfect, because once you turn it into a trail rig you're going to destroy it's value on the open market anyway. I would make sure the owner can provide proof of why it was salvaged though, a copy of a police report or a letter from his insurance company or something, because what you're saying he's saying doesn't make sense.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

If the price is right and if you can register it in your state, sure. But salvaged because it got taken for a joyride? I smell a rat. Things that kill the deal:

1) State laws. In some states you cannot register a salvage vehicle for street use, or at least you pay a huge insurance premium. That's ridiculous.
2) Flood damage. Look very very hard for evidence of flood damage, look behind trim and under carpets and everywhere, because a flooded vehicle will always have gremlins in the electrical.
3) Frame tweakage. If the frame is tweaked too badly, it will be nearly impossible to align. This might not matter so much if you're going to SAS it.

Fact is, salvage title vehicles are nothing to be scared of and are frequently a good deal. If you're planning on building it up it's actually perfect, because once you turn it into a trail rig you're going to destroy it's value on the open market anyway. I would make sure the owner can provide proof of why it was salvaged though, a copy of a police report or a letter from his insurance company or something, because what you're saying he's saying doesn't make sense.

And this is why I came here for direction I will for sure take into consideration everything you have stated. I'm not much of a knowledgeable car guy, but my intention is to learn the inside and out of my truck as I start to build. Also, this is why i am bringing a certified mechanic to check it out for me. He'll for sure be able to check out everything you stated. Thank you very much!!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So I got a CarFax report, and it was hideous. The vehile has had 7 previous owners, has been in 3 major accidents, and has had the engine rebuilt twice. Thank God for CarFax. The search continues!!!