I bought an 06 XLT F-150 5.4 Liter super cab 4x4 back in January. The truck had 25,140 miles on it when I got it. It has a salvage title due to an insurance fraud deal. I paid $4500 for the truck. Not a type o, $4500! Its pretty basic. Cloth seats, vinyl floors(which I love, Easy to clean) , Power windows and locks. Thats about it. Ive added a Pioneer navigation piece, JL 300/4, 2 Eclipse Mono block amps, and 2 P3 shallow mount subs. I just ordered an Edge Prog., and a set of 20 inch wheels(below)

I have a set of Mickey T ATZ 40s I bought for $1350 thats going on them.

Ive got a price on a 6 inch Rough Country with 3 inch level kit, Add a Leaf, 3 inch body lift, 4.88 gears, steering stabilizers, and Magnaflow exhaust. $4300 out the door parts and labor, no tax.

I know its a good deal but is it really worth it to put all this money into a truck I paid $4500 for?

 

why not? better than paying 3ok for the truck then sinking more money into, in my opinion. I would do it

 

ha dang you really know what you want to do with it, already buying 40s. yeah sounds great but i wouldn't get a 3in. leveling kit, maybe a 2.5 instead and you could still clear the 40s.

 

We cant make that choice for you, only you can. You bought it, if its mechanically and physically fine, $4500 is one hell of a damn deal, so adding another $4300 still still cost less than going out and buying a 100% stock truck with 50k or so miles.

The answer is obvious

 

Yeah I want to but it really comes down to re-sale. As I said it has a salvage title and I hate to take a huge hit in the unlikely event I have to sell it. Its a great truck with no problems other than a ding here and there but thatll be taken care of within a month or two.

 

Your not going to get much resale on a non salvaged vehicle with those items either, those items do not add value, but if the truck is all sound and good, as long as you know the story behind it and can pass it on and be open and honest with your buyer if you sell it then there should be no problems, you bought a salvaged vehicle why wouldn't someone else buy it, if nothing is wrong with it, salvage is a stamp on the title and that's all

 

Part it out and buy an F-150 with a non-salvage title. The drivetrain as parts alone would pay you back.

 

I would never part out a perfectly running truck. I would use it as a shop truck before I did that.

 

hell you cant afford not to do it. If you get another non salvage title f-150 you could always swap parts.....Also even if it is all nice and has a salvage title you should still be able to get something out of it.... Even if you break even thats good..

 

agreed it comes down to the re-sale, but everything you are putting into the truck can be taken out and sold....and you would probably be able to get the 4500 back when you sell it...

 

I dont see me selling this thing but no one can predict the future. I just wanted to get a little input from you guys. Theres not a whole lot I could do now anyway cause the wheels and tires are here and lifts, gears, and programmer in shipping. Pics soon to follow.

 

I was in the car business years ago.......
Why a "salvage" title due to fraud.........
can you explain further.....I've never heard of a "salvage" title because of a payment/paperwork issue....there's got to be more to this.

Having said that, people usually avoid salvage titles unless they can "steal" it, which you came close.
Personally, I wouldn't pump that much money into it if there is any "inkling" that you'll sell in the future.

If you keep it til the wheels fall off, go for it!

 

The previous owner couldnt pay the notes. Instead of defaulting and killing her credit she called and reported this vehicle stolen. The insurance paid it off all while she was searching for someone to chop it up. Before she could get it to a chop shop the insurance company found out about it and it was sold by the insurance company by IAA which is a nationwide auction I deal with. The insurance company salvaged the title to relieve themselves of any responsibility of the truck after it was sold. We own a carlot here as well and this is uncommon but does happen especially on newer vehicles.

 

imo if i was going to keep the truck for the long run i would spend the extra bucks and enjoy the hell out of it and not worry about the resale value you got a great deal ENJOY THE TRUCK

 

I would look at it this way. If you plan to keep it, do it. If the truck didn't have a salvage title, would you put the money into it? Either way, if you sell a truck that has/or doesn't have a salvage title, the goodies are not going to help the price. Therefore, it makes no difference. You have already made the commitment to the vehicle by buying it. You now have the unique opportunity to personalize your truck for a lot less cash than the rest of us. Enjoy it!!