Would you buy a wrecked 4x4?

[wa4x4]

I have gotten curious about this idea. You find a Toyota that would usually sell for 2-3k, but it has been hit and has body damage that you would just get wheeling anyways. If the frame is straight and it runs would you buy a wrecked 4x4? I know at least one member right now is rocking the salvage title on their toyota and have heard many people that have success stories. In my opinion it is a good way to save a few bucks on a project. But how would one get a hold of a wrecked 4x4? My thoughts were to call the insurance company and ask how to get a hold of one in the first place. I have had a few people tell me that they are directly sold to the junkyards. What do you guys think?

[Rocksurfer]

They hold salvage auctions, in Cali you get a salvage certificate and have to jump through all kinds of hoops to re-register it to be street legal. There are also lien sales that occur at tow yards where you can find little gems that have been rolled or banged up that won't have the salvage cert. since it won't get salvage status until it hits the insurance co. mill. You could get a complete undamaged vehicle from an insurance co. and it will come with a salvage cert. once the ins. co. pays it off and they recover it, it becomes a salvaged vehicle. At least it does in Cali.

[red]

it all depends on how its damaged. and make sure that if u are gonna buy it, inspect EVERYTHING.

[jimbo74]

i have been through the hoops in CA, its not that bad really, they make you get a smog, a brake and lights check, and verify the vin, thats it

[Rocksurfer]

i have been through the hoops in CA, its not that bad really, they make you get a smog, a brake and lights check, and verify the vin, thats it

Every vehicle must pass smog, the brake and light inspection can become an issue if the damage was to the front and headlight allinment becomes an issue. Brakes must have X amount of wear on the linings and the rotors, calipers and drums must be in excellent shape. The vin verification can be a PITA depending on the year of the vehicle. Some year models can be done at the DMV then other years must be done by the CHP, they pick and choose the years. If it is required to be done by the DMV it is pretty simple, but the CHP is a pain, can take up to 6 mos. to get an appointment sometimes.

[Hyena]

If it the engine, tranny, tranfercase, and axles work then i would buy one.  Perfect start to a buggy.  the frame could be bent but it won't be driving on the road.  don't need a cab for a buggy.  Wouldn't feel bad damaging the body either since it is already messed up.

[crapyota]

i would. but good luck finding one. here in WA i know that if the insurance gets it it goes to a salvage yard then your paying top dollar to get it..your better off trying to find someone who has a wrecked one that they bought back ,or didn't turn into the insurance company with hopes they would fix it. this scenario happens allot you would be surprised.
I bought my first mustang back after i rolled it.(ended up selling it after awhile just couldn't afford to fix it,and got tired of seeing it) wasn't badly damaged,
you have to take it into WA state patrol and get it inspected. (drive it in is what they want has to be street legal)
all they checked at the time was the Vin#
made sure all the lights worked
and doors worked,this is were i got the most talked to me about. the outside door handle was gone,but so was the window. it was sunny out so i just reach in to open it. this was for safety if i was to need to be rescued they have to be able to get into vehicle fast. hope this helps some WA4x4. whats your plans? do you have money? because cash talks just look around sometimes you can find a good deal out there. let me know i will keep my eyes out i could know where there could be some projects

[miks85yota]

here in ohio, if u buy it somewhere else, you have to have an out of state inspection where they run all the numbers to make sure they match and things like that. a buddy of mine bought a scout from michigan, and it was mint condition, and the highway patrol was going to confiscate it because they couldnt find the serial number after grinding almost all the paint off of  the driver side of the frame, and there was no number on the drivers door.but after calling international, they were told that some years dont have numbers on the frame, and the door number is on the pass. side. so they almost took it for no reason other than their own stupidity. and if you dont have reciepts for any replacement parts youve put on, they'll say they're stolen and keep your truck for having stolen parts on it

[*FFC*]

Heck yah I would, if the price is right

[brc]

I did in WA state I bought a 98 extend cab cummins in 2000 from a salvage yard and put a new frame under it and used front clip got a paint job and been driving it ever since.  Salvage title only hurts it if you are going to resale it I am driving mine to the tires fall off so I could care less.

[jimbo74]

Every vehicle must pass smog, the brake and light inspection can become an issue if the damage was to the front and headlight allinment becomes an issue. Brakes must have X amount of wear on the linings and the rotors, calipers and drums must be in excellent shape. The vin verification can be a PITA depending on the year of the vehicle. Some year models can be done at the DMV then other years must be done by the CHP, they pick and choose the years. If it is required to be done by the DMV it is pretty simple, but the CHP is a pain, can take up to 6 mos. to get an appointment sometimes.

as far as that goes, i replaced the bed, with that new (well used) lights, put the stocker fronts back on as i had clears, and jsut replaced the pads, rotors, shoes nad drums.... my truck is an 85 and dmv did the vin check... with a small amount of tweaking i did myself, my truck passed smog

[wa4x4]

I have money right now, I just can't stand paying more for a truck that is un-dented or whatever. I have looked at a few trucks, and was just curious basically. I may have a little bit less money soon, looks like the Subaru is getting some mods. Nothing too drastic, but a little bit of a make-over.

[Rockdiver]

If you want a wrecked 4x4 find a dealer willing to buy one at a auction for you  for a small fee.  I know of a few Insurance auctions that sell to dealers . Everything from stripped to totaled insurance jobs. Some dealers get and fix up to sell . Lynn

[Rockdiver]

Try     www.copart.com

[86ToyRun4x4]

My wheelin pal has 87Runner that's salvaged title (bent frame). He didn't know when he got it at first. Looks odd following him on the highway, as the body is definately off center although he's driving straight. Keep waiting for parts to fall off, but that's another story .

[Gittinit]

My 85 was wrecked when I purchased it but I don't regret it at all. The frame was actualy bent just in front of the trans crossmember,just in front of the steering box and about 3/4 of the way across the front crossmember. I used 3 trees 4 chains and a heavy duty 3ton comealong(CHAIN TYPE),and straitened it up(not perfect but it works).  After building a drop spring hanger,and crossover steering ,I have absolutely no issues. I say go for it.



I didn't even notice the date wow!!

[jimbo74]

wow this is an old thread

[*FFC*]

Where is wa4x4 these days anyway

[skid]

Another option, put a bug in the ear of some local body shops and towing companies.  Good way to get a clear title before it turns salvage.

[mudmaster]

Where is wa4x4 these days anyway

X2

[toyotatuner]

i did. twice

1991 Toy P/U x-tra cab, wasnt a "wreck" persay, but it needs a lot of work, 500 bones, not a bad deal at all, so, a little more searching, and i found a whole 'nother 
so i got a little work trade going on w/ my buddie for it, all in all, 500 + my labor, and some labor on a side job. Damn i came out like a bandit.

Other truck is a 1990 Toy P/U std cab. When I bought it had a salvage title, apparantly the previous owner(pretty obvious) had a front end collision, bought it back (in CA, in fact) and replaced the front clip (fenders, bumper, rad. supp, grill, hood). Drove it for 30,000, moved here, and sold it to me, in "well" condition. Been drivin' it for 2 years now, and no probs yet.

[wa4x4]

Where is wa4x4 these days anyway

I'm Baaaaaaaack. I was way into the Subaru thing, but I'm coming back to 4x4ing and slowing down modding the roo.

[mudmaster]

  ..................................................back

[toyotaboy]

i did it..it isnt hard to get on ebakc on the road... there are like 3 simple rules to get it on teh road.. no hoops

[Hottrod81]

I don't think it really matters if you buy a vehicle with a salvaged title and you are going to turn it into a crawler.  All of the parts are going to be changed anyways.

[Blingn]

When i bought mine it was pretty straight.  But now it looks like it has been in a bunch of accidents.  If you are going to trailer Queen it, cage it and green sticker it I would say go 4 it.  But if you want it 4 your daily driver and wheeler be very careful and inspect it.

[Yota85]

a cheeper wrecked 4X4 that will get beat up on the trail, is better than a uesd more expencive 4X4 that will get beat up just as bad as the pre wrecked 4X4. just my thoughts.

[alwayzbroken]

Towing companies are the cheapest. A lot of times vehicles get towed and the person doesn't pick it up right away and soon learns that the storage fee is more than the vehicle is worth. Sometimes if you pay the storage fee and tow bill the company will just sell the vehicle to you before they junk it. We have gotten many this way for very cheap with nothing wrong with them.