Buying salvage title vehicle

[schmoe147]

I'm LOOKING at possibly buying a used truck that has a salvage title

do to flooding. The vehicle has had 40k put on since the flood with no issues what so ever, I know this as the vehicle is owned by a relative of mine. I would be saving about $9-10k comparing to vehicles without the salvaged title. Should I stay clear of this purchase or take a

chance. Thanks

[elkrivermn]

I purchase salvage vehicles and rebuild them to drive for a few years then I sell them. The key is FLOOD run as fast as you can from this one. My dealer will not even buy a flood car nor will I. Bad news just trying to save you a big headache down the road!!!

[corncob]

I bought a salvage vehicle , and , was shown pictures of the damage prior to repair and the repair bill...I bought the vehicle and got a great deal....Image autos, Alexandria.

[Scott K]

I agree, "flood" is the key runaway word.

Lots of electrical in vehicles today, all the sensors, modules, wiring harnesses, on top of just moving mechanical parts. Lubricated parts, wheel bearings, etc..

Then add in mold in the interior, its there. You may not be able to see it, but if it was under water, and wasnt dried out good right away, it has mold.

[laportian]

I had a 97 GMC that went in the lake. I dried everything out properly and never had any issues with it. I put another 40k on it before I traded it off. It happened in July so once I got it home I was able to open everything up and get it dry. I change all the fluids from the tranny to the diffs. I Pulled all the electrical connections I could and left everything sit like that for 10 days. I spraying everything down with an electrical dryer. I don't know if I could have had the same results if it had happened in November or worse in the middle of winter.

[Scott K]

Back in 97 there were only a couple modules in the vehicle, and if they went bad, are only a couple hundred bucks each. With todays multiplex systems, you can have 10+ modules in the vehicle, that all depend on each other to transfer information back and forth. The cheaper modules are $300-400, some reaching $1000. Instead of the car only have maybe 10 sensors back in 97, today there can easily be over 100 sensors, for everything from engine sensors, that are a lot more finicky on their measurements, to today, where you have sensors such as cabin pressure sensors, window height sensors, water sensors for the windshield, seat weight sensors, seat belt sensors, etc... WIth each of them costing hundreds of dollars each.

Also as much as they want to make you believe, the wiring harnesses today arent made better then years ago, and they will corrode inside really easy if they get water in them. Flood vehicles are a nightmare for mechanics.

[rundrave]

Used truck prices are insane and I know I at one time I was also considering a newer salvage vehicle then I realized your pretty much void of any factory warranty or recalls.

Ultimately what steered me away was not knowing if the airbags or other safety features would deploy or work correctly when needed. I'm not willing to risk a life or safety of my family just to save some $

[JollyJoker]

Correct me if I have heard wrong, but I thought you could not get a loan on a salvage vehicle because you won't be able to find full insurance coverage?

[Scott K]

Correct me if I have heard wrong, but I thought you could not get a loan on a salvage vehicle because you won't be able to find full insurance coverage?

As long as it has been certified and inspected, they will allow you to cover it.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

My experience has been that you get what you pay for. "Flood" doesn't sound too good to me. I once had a very nice vehicle that fell off of the lift at the dealership and even though they fixed it, it still had a "salvage" title which meant way less resale value. I'd pass.

[CAMAN]

I understand everything a flood could have done to this truck, but what sticks out to me is it had been driven for 40k miles afterward apparently without issue. Even on heavy driving that is at least a year but probably closer to 3 or 4 years with average driving. For me that is more than enough of a "shakedown cruise" to find the bugs. And honestly, unless this relative wasn't close or didn't particularly like you why would he try and screw over a family member if he knew the truck was a lemon? Honestly if there are no noticeable problems I would jump on it if it were the right price. Life is a risk no matter what path you take. Even a brand new vehicle will give you the possibility of something expensive going bad after the warranty is up.

[fishing tech]

The problem with a flood vehicle is not mileage. It is time. Time for the corrosion in the wiring to take place which is about 5 years or less. Good luck but I would walk away.

[MNice]

Depends, maybe all the wiring was replaced. My buddy does some repairables and has done a few floods, replaces every stitch of wire.

[schmoe147]

I should add all wiring has been replaced, it was fresh water. still a little nervous though what else does a flood affect. I heard mold is a big issue with no real fix

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Just my but if the car is running so well, why is the person wanting to sell it?

Any future repairs, no matter how insignificant could be a strain on your relationship with the family member.

I'm not trying to disrespect here, but are they trying to sell it to you because they would get robbed on it for a trade in?

Just things to consider.

To me, I would just keep looking around, check in with smaller banks or credit unions, they offer great rates on 4 to 5 year loans to get you a good vehicle.