This probably belongs in off-topic talk but ...

I need insurance advice from those who have had their cars totalled. I recently wrecked my 4runner (see this thread) and the insurance company decided to total out the 4runner. Would it be worth buying the vehicle back from the insurance company? How much does this normally cost? If I don't buy it back, am I allowed to take out all of the aftermarket stuff I've added to the truck (stereo system, aftermarket seats, turbo, etc)? If I DO buy it back, I plan on getting a front clip from another 4Runner and repairing the damage ... what are the disadvantages of having a "salvage" title?

 

Unless they are going to give you the value of the aftermarket items over and above book value on the truck, I'd demand that you get to remove the aftermarket items.

The only disadvantge to a salvage title is resale value. You won't have any. If you're going to fix it and keep it pretty much forever it doesn't matter...

 

If you want the truck keep it and fix it, tell the insurance your gonna fix it yourself, they will be more than happy not to have to pay out and your rates will not go up or see if their are any 4Runners coming off leases on this site www.leasetrader.com, take over the lease and then buy it at the end

Look at all these 4Runners http://www.leasetrader.com/auto/leas...e=22&model=114

This 1 is a 2000 Limited V6 4WD with 6 months left at 435, thats 2610 and the buy out is $18,106.40, thats 20716.40 for a truck that will sell for probably 27k when a dealer gets it, didn't you say your truck was only worth 14 or 15 grand, then a new 4Runner would cost you about 5 or 6 grand more after the insurance gives you a check, you can even watch till it gets to 3 payments.

 

Tell your agent he can shove it, you can take all that stuff off by law. The only thing they are entitled to is what was on the vehicle when it was sold. Not to mention, what they don't know won't hurt them. Hey they screw us every chance they get, what comes around goes around.

Todd

 

You can take those aftermarket parts off. The blue book value is only the value with those accessories mentioned.

Hopefully you don't have a loan outstanding. If you do, you're insurance company will pay your financial institution first. Then, you're financial institution will cut you a check for the amount above the loan payoff amount.

I don't know what you're financial situation is, but, if it was me, I'd upgrade to a 3.4. You never know how a vehicle is going to ride after a crash.

Just my .02