Salvage title purchase

Hello,

I just purchased a 2006 Tacoma that was involved in an accident, which resulted in it rolling over on it's side. As far as physical damage is concerned, it appears to have been minimal. Slight dent on the passenger side doors (extended cab door included), and the fender. Doors open just fine and in fact, I was able to drive the vehicle from the auction to my home without any issues that I could recognize.

My main concern/question is what unseen engine problems I may run into with the aftermath of the rollover? I've only owned the vehicle for a couple days now and have not brought it in to a shop to have it examined. If anyone has ever owned or operated on a vehicle with similar background and can impart some knowledge, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

When a vehicle is on it's side or upside down, engine oil can leak by the end gap in the rings. When it's flipped back on it's wheels, the oil may not leak back down into the crankcase. If this happens and the engine is started, it can bend a connecting rod. If the engine isn't knocking, you're probably OK, but not 100% out of danger. Any time a vehicle has been on it's side or upside down, it's best to pull the spark plugs and crank it over to blow the oil out before it's started.

 

There was a noticeable odor of some type of fluid burning. Temps in Minnesota have been unbearable lately for me to do any type of work on it myself, would having the truck towed to a mechanic and having them do the task be the way to go you think?

Thanks!!

 

Since you’ve already driven it.
There isn’t anything in the cylinders now.
At this point I’d probably check the fluids and do a full inspection of the truck.
I think you would know by now if there was major damage.

 

If it was blowing blue smoke out the tailpipe, that’s the oil burning out of the exhaust that made it past the rings. It could take awhile to burn it all out of the exhaust. Unfortunately, you don’t know the history of when it was started after the incident. As mentioned, done is done. The engine is either going to run for another 2K miles, or it’s not.

 

Agreed! I am fully prepared to live with the consequences of my decision. I truly appreciate the feed back, getting a full inspection is definitely is top of my agenda.

 

05-06 possible head gasket and motor mount issues,and the fact that its totalled with a salvage title,sure hope you didnt pay more than $1,000,because thats all its worth ,if even that much.

 

Perhaps you're right about it's actual value, but it will be my perfect little beater until it can't any more.

 

From the photo the truck doesn't appear to have sustained much damage. What engine do you have?

 

4.0L V6 (1GR-FE). Manual Transmission.

 

I can say, a v6 with a manual trans doesn't stay on the used market for long. I was looking for one, with an access cab like you have instead of the larger double cab. I'd find one, say let me think about it, next day it's gone. Also, they definitely hold their value. Being a salvage title would bring the value down through. I spent months looking for one that wasn't 5k less than new.

 

I know what you mean, I was in the market for this very style of vehicle for a while myself. Market seemed to dry up, which was what led me to a salvage auction. Hopefully, it will be a good companion for doing odds and ends.

 

Very nice combination you found there.

Hopefully the mechanic doesn't find any major issues during the inspection.

Let us know how it turns out!!

 

Can I ask where you found such a deal? I have been looking for a deal like this forever....I like the project trucks

 

I used to work In collision repair for my x and her family. The shop owner found a Ford cobra at a salvage yard we did a lot of business with that had been rolled onto it’s top. Only had about 20k on it and the engine ran good. We cut the car in half through the a pillars and across the floor pan and welded in the whole section and roof from another car. That was over ten years ago and he still has it. Mostly we did frame work but a lot of rigs came in that had been rolled over or onto the side. If your not having any problems now and the mechanics give it the all clear then your most likely good to go.

 

Some of my most reliable 2nd vehicle beaters had salvage titles. Never an issue selling them either. Used vehicles are at a high demand right now due to the pandemic and I can guarantee you that a used Tacoma with a salvage title will have zero issues selling in North Texas at a premium price. Nicely done OP and welcome to TW.

 

Well THAT's not true.

 

I'm the proud owner of three vehicles with salvage titles, and two are Tacomas.

The first is a Corolla that I bought off a car lot. It was hit left front and seemed to drive fine after a cosmetic repair... but the wheel bearing went out three times until we replaced the entire spindle. No problems since. 30+ mpg and fun to drive.

The second buy was through a friend with a dealer's license. A 2012 4X4 4.0 Automatic Taco that was rear ended, 72K miles on it. A relatively quick repair necessitating a weld to replace the left frame from just in front of the back spring perch. New bumper and some salvaged parts from a wrecking yard and good to go. I rattle canned the truck because it was white... and I am tired of white. This is the quarter that was hit and the original bed panel after I pulled it out with a come-along.



I just bought another 2012 Baja Series, 68K miles. This one has easily repaired body damage but some more difficult mechanical damage. This one needs a wheel, tire, and left axle.



Because the vehicles have a salvage title I don't insure them for collision damage. Other than that, the ones I'm driving have done me right. I was leary of the frame repair for awhile but I take the truck on some brutal roads and tow with it and it's been fine.

 

How much did you pay for the most recent one? Man Id like to find a deal like that but have no idea what they are worth salvage.

Id probably pay 3-4k though

 

What would you pay for it with a clear title?