I was in a similar position w/ my 00 Runner. I had added a TJM and leather interior. They gave me a pay out very quickly, wrecked it Sat., had pay out number on Mon. I stalled saying I might buy it back, went up and swapped the interior and bumper, then called them and said it was theirs I never heard a word from insurance and received the full check, so I don't think they even noticed.

 

If you could, go to the yard or shop where it was towed to, just swap all of the stuff out. Thats what I did for a buddy of mine and I know quite a few people on a local forum does it all the time.

 

I paid more for my 4Runner's Insurance the first year than I paid to buy it!
Insurance companies screw people day in and day out.

 

It may have already been mentioned, but if all else fails then you could accept the offered amount less the salvage and retain the vehicle to part out.

 

I do car stereo stuffs for a living, and I pull all sorts of aftermarket parts out after the insurance company totals the vehicle.
as far as the insurance company knows, unless they specifically pay out for a special or aftermarket part, they only care if the factory installed pieces are still on the vehicle. they only want what they paid for.

 

if you w/ brand-name insurance companry, then they like to screw ppl. Search for smaller insurance company w/ the same benefit but at a cheaper price.

 

Well they said No No No and wrote me my check. They're going to let me just take out the stereo.

 

What's the buy back amount?

 

$1000 , and they're giving me $8600 minus $1500 for deductible and storage.

 

So just buy it back and part it out, you'll make money on the deal.

 

Ditto, you'll make almost half that back with your wheels alone (assuming they survived)

Erich

 

well I guess if anyone gets in a accident always have the truck towed to your place if you have the space for it.

 

I really don't know if its worth it to buy it back. I don't have anywhere to put it. I'm in college and i live in apartments.

 

and what do i do with it when i can't take off anymore parts and im left with half a truck. any suggestions.

 

You call the local wrecking yard and they come get it. Some charge a few bucks some pay you.
Me and my brother got a 82 and took that thing down to nothing. The tow truck guy had to drag it down the driveway on the frame. We made sure they brought a flatbed

 

I would definitely try and buy it back, You will make back a lot more than the 1000 you spend to buy it back.

 

Got any pics of it, I'll buy it from you for more than $1000.

 

That truck will sell for a pretty penny at the insurance auction that is why they don't want you take the parts. I say sell it the the Goat if your not going to part it out.

 

Yeah it's unbelieveable what wrecks sell for at insurance auctions, I've seen totalled 2003-2004 4x4 Tacos go for $10,000. I got out-bid on a 2004 that I had bid over $9000 on.

How many miles were on it and how bad is the damage? Was it rolled, stolen, t-boned, rearended or what?

 

Well now im not even getting my stereo. It's gone to who knows where. I seem to have answered my own question. Yes I got screwed. The search is on for something new!
Thanks for the advice everyone