ironmanjay

I was looking at a 2008 F150 Lariate 4x4 5.4L Super crew with 37k miles that was priced at a reasonable price. The seller said he purchased it used with 10k miles and is trying to buy a house so we was selling it . I did a car fax and it stated that it was in two accidents and one totaled it for a broad side accident. The seller says he does not have any issues with the truck.

What is your opinions on salvaged titles.

Azuri

Step away and don't look back there are plenty of other trucks that have not been written off for sale.

11rangerZ520

It would have to be really cheap and have it looked over very well to even be considered. Salvage titled vehicles have horrible resell value and if you don't know how they are fixed it could be unsafe or have problems.

Firedaniel

If you can get it very cheap ok. But you would have problems selling it...

Red13

walk away fast. You have no way to know what quality of repair work was given to the truck. This should be illegal to sell. Be smart..

my67falcon

You can get a great deal on a vehicle with a salvage title. Some things to ask and consider: did they take pics of the rebuild, never consider a frontal repair, plan on keeping it for a LONG time and take it to a good bodyshop for an inspection.

katsdad

It would probably be best to stay away . I would only consider purchasing a salvage title vehicle only if it was well below reasonably priced and passed my inspection . I worked for a body shop and dealership that bought cars and trucks at auction and reconditioned them for sale . We would put in the time , money and effort to put out a great product , however there came a point when the money being spent would run up against the vehicles value and some corners had to be cut . I'm no longer in the industry , and would say our shop was above board on all respects , but there are many that aren't .

If you are considering a salvage title vehicle , go over it with a fine tooth comb . Check all panel fitment and clearances . Check for new body shims , check frame for new paint , welds and cracks . Check bumper fitment and attachment points . Check the suspension for newer parts . Check the wiring harness , see if it is in the proper position and attached properly at all points and not dangling any where , especially in the engine compartment . And of course drive it .

But be aware the resale value is at best bottom Kelly Blue Book . It could be a great truck that needed the doors and bed replaced and that put it in the "total" column for the Insurance Company . Or it could be hiding some permanent damage.

Be cautious ...

11rangerZ520

You also have to remember a truck that nice with only 10k miles on it had to be in a pretty good wreck in order to be totaled.

WarSurfer

This is one of those things that hinges on either your competence or a friends competence in the automotive arena. Just being totaled doesn't mean anything, Insurance agencies will total anything nowadays.

I bought a 2004 Cobra for 15k in 2005. It had 3k miles on it and had been 'totaled' by State Farm. I replaced the IC, the bumper cover and the k-member (all nuts and bolts stuff) and that was it. I might have spent $1,200 for parts and labor and I even had it checked on a frame machine - it was perfect. I drove that car for a year and sold it for 22k with a salvage title. There are good deals out there but you need to know what you are doing.

PistonPuller

Another thing to consider is a lot of insurance companies won't insure salvage titles.
I don't think I would touch an accident salvage. Maybe a theft salvage but again it would have to be very cheap in order to dive into that situation. As stated the resale value tanks.