Help Me Buying a truck Without Seeing It How to protect Myself

I need some help I finally found a 2010 Tacoma Quad Cab in the southeast U.S. at a Chrysler dealership, problem is I am up in Canada and would have a hard time to look at it as I will have it trucked to the Northern States for me if I buy it. Truck is a 2010 with 7500 miles on it. The Autocheck report says it ok but can I trust this. How do I know this truck was not totaled and put back together. Are dealers in South Carolina by law have to tell you its a write off.

 

I think you can trust Autocheck only as far as how completely everything was reported. It's not uncommon a vehicle was in an accident and fixed without being reported on insurance and wouldn't appear. But a salvage title (for a vehicle that was totaled) would have to be reported...someone with specific knowledge of SC legal requirements for salvage titles could have more.

 

I bought my current taco sight unseen. I had been looking for weeks and i was very specific on what i wanted. Somtimes if it is the exact truck you want for the right price, you just have to roll the dice. Luckily it only had some minor scrathes on the front bumper and the rims were pitted and starting to rust. The rims were replaced by the dealer since it was under warranty. Most of the time if it has a clear title the only wrong with it will be cosmetic and not a hard fix....but you are taking a chance.

 

Have a member check it for you. Don't chance it.

 

Truck is in Spartanburg Dodge a 2010 Silver Tacoma long box trd. Problem is you probably have to be a autobody guy to tell if its been a rebuild. Is their any 3rd party company's in that area who can check it out. I think I will put a post and see if anybody can help me.

 

I think Carfax has a buy back guarantee if it turns out to be a lemon not listed in their report. Best bet is getting a TW member to check it out for you.

 

If it comes up clear in autocheck it doesn't mean it's never been in an accident. Although, any MAJOR accidents (i.e. written off) the vehicle would be issued a salvage title, and that WOULD be reported. Minor fender-benders, etc... if a third-party pays for it, it's not on any Carfax, etc... That said, fender benders are just that, and you shouldn't have many concerns other than a shoddy paint job, poor colour match, etc...

For the piece of mind, I'd offer a member here $100 or something to go have a good look at it. There's plenty of nice guys here from SC. Hell, any time I go there the people are great. I'm sure someone will help you out.

 

Maybe get a member in that area to recommend you an honest body shop. Then get the dealer to send it over there for a pre purchase inspection.

 

Not saying that it hasn't happened but it would be highly unlikely that a brand dealership would knowingly sell a salvage titled vehicle. Most won't even take one in on trade.

 

^This^

 

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I dont think a dealer would take a chance on the liablilty of selling a truck that has been wrote off.

 

You'd be surprised at what a used car manager will do if he's had a good month and needs inventory... and I fail to see what his liability is.