craigslist Buyer Beware of this Seller '93 Cruiser

Location

United States

For those that are in the market for a cruiser beware of this seller in Seattle, WA. Take a look at his ad, he claims it's a clean car but I ran a carfax and it was deemed a "total loss". I've tried several times to meet with the seller to just see the car myself but every time we've gotten to the day of meet-up he's canceled on me. He's also been dishonest about having a clean title on the car.

'93 Land Cruiser Seattle, WA

 

[fullfrontal]

A less sketchy craigslist ad certainly wouldn't have hurt his cause.

 

[StinkyPig]

HA HA! The ad says "good on gas" You know he's a liar.

 

[Kevin8086]

Flag the ad. I just did. After a few it gets deleted

 

[Strand4x4]

HA HA! The ad says "good on gas" You know he's a liar.

Trucks that do not exist get the best MPG!

 

[bajaphile]

Just was involved with a similar situation. I had a truck with a clean title, matching VIN on all panels, etc. Was trying to sell it and the buyer found a "total loss" on Carfax. I contacted the DMV and asked them how this could be possible... The DMV ran the VIN and said that it came up clean and no total losses reported. I contacted Carfax and a few days later said "Yes, we investigated and it was involved in an accident which resulted in a total loss".

Turns out since the truck's KBB was about $1200, even a small fender bender would cost for 75% of the vehicle value. The insurance company could mark it as a total loss vehicle. However, I believe the DMV has discretion on marking it as salvage or not? I don't know.

 

[h2opl20]

Just was involved with a similar situation. I had a truck with a clean title, matching VIN on all panels, etc. Was trying to sell it and the buyer found a "total loss" on Carfax. I contacted the DMV and asked them how this could be possible... The DMV ran the VIN and said that it came up clean and no total losses reported. I contacted Carfax and a few days later said "Yes, we investigated and it was involved in an accident which resulted in a total loss".

Turns out since the truck's KBB was about $1200, even a small fender bender would cost for 75% of the vehicle value. The insurance company could mark it as a total loss vehicle. However, I believe the DMV has discretion on marking it as salvage or not? I don't know.

So from I understand the state that you live in will determine whether a car is deemed a "total loss" or "salvage" vehicle. If the damage is between 75-90% of the total value of the car, then it can be deemed a total loss or salvaged.

I believe there is a process in which if they repair the car, it can be given a new title of "rebuilt" but only after it passes inspection.

Although, in your case im not sure how the car wasn't deeemed "rebuilt" if it was at one point "total loss".

I'm thinking of buying a LX450 that was involved in a accident. It was a minor accident, that was listed by the seller and it is on the Carfax. The one previous owner took it religiously to have maintence done at a Toyota dealership and has proof of records. Damaged was fixed at a Toyota dealership. No frame damage nor did airbags deploy. Anyone have thoughts on whether i should go ahead with purchase? Listed for $5999.