I have the opportunity to buy a salvaged 4Runner that has a restored title. It looks clean...passenger side door was the only part that was replaced. Frame is straight.

Specs:
2000 4WD LTD
64,000 miles
Desert Dune on Tan Leather
No locker

KBB Trade-in in FAIR condition is like $13,000. I can get it for $11,100! Seems like a HELL of a deal. The salvage part is what scares me though. But it has been restored and went through AZ's salvage vehicle inspection. Anyone know how riggorous that inspection is? Anything I should look for in a T-Bone accident? Any guesses on how much a salvage title should affect price?

 

It all varies on what the damage is, my rig has a salvage title, it was a theft recovery, all the custom stereo was stollen and the paint was keyed pretty bad, other than that, not a thing wrong. If it has a salvage title due to a collision, find out how hard it was hit and have a GOOD body shop or alignment shop check out the frame for cracks, evidence of repair, bends and so on. especially where they can get it in the air and really check it out. The biggest thing I find a salvage title does is kill your resale, because it scares people.

 

offer $10k at most. usually, it's somewhere between 30% and 75% of the KBB value depending on what was wrong and how well it was fixed.

you also will have trouble getting any financing if it's required...

 

I would not buy it. I think it is too much money for a vehicle with less than good history. Resell would be a pain. I am just saying I would not pay that much for salvage/ restored title NOR would I ever buy a vehicle like that regardless of price. That's just me

 

I agree with Eric. In my 4Runner selling experience here in AZ, which is pretty extensive, 75% of prospective buyers run a CARFAX report, and 90% at least ask about the history. The odds are against you, which will only prolong the selling process until you get that one buyer that doesn't care about the history. If you have the cash and want to sit on the vehicle for a while, then $10K might be worth it.

If it's from a dealer, don't forget about taxes...

 

I found it on ebay...bidding went up to $11,100 when it closed...the reserve was $13,900. No dealer...no financing needed. I'll check it out...but ya'll have pretty much solidified my worries. Im not too worried about resale sicne I plan on driving it for quite a while...Im just worried about paying too much and it's possible condition.

 

Had a carfax ran...came back with previously having a Dismantled title. I didnt think those were allowed back on the road? Anyway, I offered the guy $6k based upon the carfax and it could go lower after I inspect it. Waiting to hear back.

 

If there is no structural damage on a vehicle with a salvage tittle, look for possible flood damage. Sometimes you luck out and get a theft recovery with a salvage tittle, and it just has some parts missing that are easy to repair. I just picked up a lexus sc400, with about 120k miles for $2500, and I just cleaned it up, I have to put new pads on it, and I'm going to sell it for at least $5k.

good luck

 

Buying a salvage vehicle can be risky. If you are planning to keep it, modify and have fun with it, I would and amost bought a 2000 with 0 miles on it from tornado damage in OkC. It only needed windows and was half the cost of new at the time.

You can get a great deal in most cases. However, you are going on the honesty of the seller who may not have been the one who repaired the 4runner. I would inspect it closely to see if any of the body supports are bent or appear to have been repaired. Not sure on the dismantled title.

 

Also look for paint overspray on parts that shouldn't have paint on them and you can check the doors and panels for proper VIN # stickers and that will give more insight to what's been replaced.