Needing some suggestions/recommendations.

[Figmo]

Salvage title is a NO NO. You never buy anything with a slavage title. Dealers never buy a salvage title unit for a reason. I wouldn't want any Jeep or anything else that bad to go with a slavage title.If a dealer bought one with a slavage title, don't buy from them.

My 22 Rubi is Salvage title. Vehicle suffered a slow rollover that damaged the windshield frame, hood and some fixable damage to the top and the top of driver's door. Also, couple small dents at the rear of the bed. Only 10K miles on a 2 year old vehicle. Not bad.

Bought it at insurance auction for less than HALF blue book value. Got a new hood, windshield frame and glass, drivers mirror and drivers tail light. The rest I was able to fix myself. Used fiberglass repair on the top and repainted it with bed liner. Prob got like 3-4 grand into fixing it up. Looks and drives like brand new now.

Bought a VW Beetle for the wife a few years ago also on a salvage title. Again, about half book value. Reason was the convertible top was trashed and new tops cost more than the vehicle. Found a used top and good shape for $800. She still drives it in the summertime. Never had another mechanical problem with it.

There's nothing wrong with a salvage title. So long as you know WHY it was salvaged. Insurance companies will total vehicles for what most people would never consider to be "TOTALED". But, once they do, it's a salvage title. Whether that be because the vehicle was a crumpled ball of scrap metal - or the convertible top just has a rip in it.

From what the OP said - I wouldn't bat an eye at the salvage title on that Gladiator either.

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[RudeJeepin]

We had it thoroughly checked out and the only problem is a bad wheel bearing (common for a vehicle that has been sitting for a long time

Since you've already passed on the Mojave it doesn't really matter. But wheel bearings don't typically go bad just from sitting around. If it truely sat long enough for a wheel bearing to go bad, there would be other issues also. Like dry rot tires, belts, hoses, seals, gaskets, etc. Unless there was problems with the wheel seal or somehow the bearing was contaminated.

 

[Coldjensens]

I don't see anything wrong with buying a salvaged title vehicles due to stolen as long the missing or damaged parts are reinstalled properly. I wouldn't buy any that had been in an accident though.

Except, as we ;learned that your insurance costs massively more (more than double) and the insurance payout in a theft or total loss is massively reduced. Nothing wrong withthe vehicle, but insurance makes it impractical.

 

[Hunter#1]

My 22 Rubi is Salvage title. Vehicle suffered a slow rollover that damaged the windshield frame, hood and some fixable damage to the top and the top of driver's door. Also, couple small dents at the rear of the bed. Only 10K miles on a 2 year old vehicle. Not bad.

Bought it at insurance auction for less than HALF blue book value. Got a new hood, windshield frame and glass, drivers mirror and drivers tail light. The rest I was able to fix myself. Used fiberglass repair on the top and repainted it with bed liner. Prob got like 3-4 grand into fixing it up. Looks and drives like brand new now.

Bought a VW Beetle for the wife a few years ago also on a salvage title. Again, about half book value. Reason was the convertible top was trashed and new tops cost more than the vehicle. Found a used top and good shape for $800. She still drives it in the summertime. Never had another mechanical problem with it.

There's nothing wrong with a salvage title. So long as you know WHY it was salvaged. Insurance companies will total vehicles for what most people would never consider to be "TOTALED". But, once they do, it's a salvage title. Whether that be because the vehicle was a crumpled ball of scrap metal - or the convertible top just has a rip in it.

From what the OP said - I wouldn't bat an eye at the salvage title on that Gladiator either.

Don't matter, At the dealer level it's a No NO. It's not a wise idea to buy and sell a slavage title to a customer. Privatly , you can take the chance. Me I wouldn't do it. I don.t even like buying used. I have seen some of these teddy bears when they were traded in , run hard and put away wet. I don't need to take a chance to save money. Rollovers can damage an engine. What you do with one's own money is up to them. I don't gamble.

 

[Figmo]

Except, as we ;learned that your insurance costs massively more (more than double) and the insurance payout in a theft or total loss is massively reduced. Nothing wrong withthe vehicle, but insurance makes it impractical.

This could be a valid point depending on your insurance company. And certainly worth looking into before pulling the trigger on a salvage title.

In my case, I'm in the vehicle so little money I didn't bother to insure against theft or vehicle damage. I just put liability only on the vehicle and the cost was no different than any other vehicle. Hope the other guy's insurance will cover any damage or just accept the consequences myself.

But I'll try to call my agent after the holiday and ask what are the financial factors when insuring a salvage title vehicle with full comprehensive insurance. Don't really want it for this vehicle - but would be good info to know in the future if I ever do this again with a vehicle I WOULD want to fully insure.

Thanks for mentioning this.

 

[Janster]

My 22 Rubi is Salvage title. Vehicle suffered a slow rollover that damaged the windshield frame, hood and some fixable damage to the top and the top of driver's door. Also, couple small dents at the rear of the bed. Only 10K miles on a 2 year old vehicle. Not bad.

Bought it at insurance auction for less than HALF blue book value. Got a new hood, windshield frame and glass, drivers mirror and drivers tail light. The rest I was able to fix myself. Used fiberglass repair on the top and repainted it with bed liner. Prob got like 3-4 grand into fixing it up. Looks and drives like brand new now.

Bought a VW Beetle for the wife a few years ago also on a salvage title. Again, about half book value. Reason was the convertible top was trashed and new tops cost more than the vehicle. Found a used top and good shape for $800. She still drives it in the summertime. Never had another mechanical problem with it.

There's nothing wrong with a salvage title. So long as you know WHY it was salvaged. Insurance companies will total vehicles for what most people would never consider to be "TOTALED". But, once they do, it's a salvage title. Whether that be because the vehicle was a crumpled ball of scrap metal - or the convertible top just has a rip in it.

From what the OP said - I wouldn't bat an eye at the salvage title on that Gladiator either.

If you live in Pennsylvania….. You can’t legally drive a salvage title vehicle on the road. You have to convert the Salvage title to a *Reconstructed Title* . You can’t register it or get insurance unless it has a Reconstructed title. I‘ve never gone thru the process myself (was tempted to) with a 1992 YJ. There’s a lot of paperwork, a lot of time, and brutle inspections to go thru…. And I can’t imagine the headaches trying to insure it. It’s just not worth it (here in PA).
I bought another YJ…..I swapped parts (lift/axles), sold other parts, gave the tub & hood to a friend who built a rock buggy around it.

Depends on where you live….

 

[Figmo]

If you live in Pennsylvania….. You can’t legally ...

I've been on these message boards for a few years now. Can't even count how many times I've seen messages start just like yours.

Most people, if you ask then to name states that have highly restrictive motor vehicle laws, they'll instantly think CA or NY.....but reading these forums...I know better....it's good ol' PA.

The birth place of liberty!!

 

[Janster]

I've been on these message boards for a few years now. Can't even count how many times I've seen messages start just like yours.

Most people, if you ask then to name states that have highly restrictive motor vehicle laws, they'll instantly think CA or NY.....but reading these forums...I know better....it's good ol' PA.

The birth place of liberty!!

You get used to it.... It just depends on what you're trying to do and/or where you live. You could go forever and never get pulled over. I mean.... if you have a lot of POKE and you're driving around like a jackass or have red flags on your record.... they're more likely to pull you over.

It's rare to see beat up old rusty rigs on the roadways. Vehicles are much safer (physically).... at least where I am. You gotta worry more about the dumbass behind the wheel then the condition of the vehicle.

 

[Figmo]

Except, as we ;learned that your insurance costs massively more (more than double) and the insurance payout in a theft or total loss is massively reduced. Nothing wrong withthe vehicle, but insurance makes it impractical.

OK so I did call my agent today. Mostly curious because I have bought a few salvage title vehicles over the years and never had a problem flipping them for a profit. But I wanted to be aware of any challenges the buyer might face when I go to sell my next one.

Agent (State Farm, BTW) said that here in Montana, zero difference between normal title and salvage title as far as cost to insure it. Either for liability only or for full coverage. Insurance cost is the same. Only time the salvage title makes a difference is if you get into an accident and they declare it a total less (again). Obviously, the value you receive for your total loss will be less for a salvage title vs. a normal title since salvaged vehicles tend to carry a lessor value.

DISCLAIMER: She did tell me that this may not be true everywhere as each state has their own insurance regulations. So, even though you may be with State Farm Insurance in your state, its possible the costs could be more like some people are saying in this thread. She obviously is not an expert on the insurance regulations of all 50 states.

For completeness, I then called my bank. To ask about any challenges FINANCING a vehicle with a salvage title. Again, I'm sure this varies from bank to bank so you'll want to call YOUR banker, but my banker said "no problem". The only difference is they require a visual inspection of the vehicle in advance and a higher down payment (60% loan to value).

So the final answer is, "depends on where you live". Call your insurance agent and your bank if you are considering a salvage titled vehicle. Where I live - not a big deal. But your state might make the idea cost prohibitive to even consider.

 

[Rusty PW]

If you live in Pennsylvania….. You can’t legally drive a salvage title vehicle on the road. You have to convert the Salvage title to a *Reconstructed Title* . You can’t register it or get insurance unless it has a Reconstructed title. I‘ve never gone thru the process myself (was tempted to) with a 1992 YJ. There’s a lot of paperwork, a lot of time, and brutle inspections to go thru…. And I can’t imagine the headaches trying to insure it. It’s just not worth it (here in PA).
I bought another YJ…..I swapped parts (lift/axles), sold other parts, gave the tub & hood to a friend who built a rock buggy around it.

Depends on where you live….

Years ago. My one brother in law worked for 51 Auto Wreckers. He would get in what they call 10 precenter's. Totals that were within 10% of the vehicles worth. Most would only need a front clip and some minor body work and paint. He would rebuild them with parts from the yard. i did the mechanical work, and a close friend would do the body and paint work. My first wifey drove 2 of those cars for years. My flavorite one was the 2 door 1988 Olds 88 with the 455 motor. Huge car. With L60 tires on all 4 corners. It looked like a NACAR stocker. My brother in law didn't have any issues sells the cars.

 

[Janster]

Years ago. My one brother in law worked for 51 Auto Wreckers. He would get in what they call 10 precenter's. Totals that were within 10% of the vehicles worth. Most would only need a front clip and some minor body work and paint. He would rebuild them with parts from the yard. i did the mechanical work, and a close friend would do the body and paint work. My first wifey drove 2 of those cars for years. My flavorite one was the 2 door 1988 Olds 88 with the 455 motor. Huge car. With L60 tires on all 4 corners. It looked like a NACAR stocker. My brother in law didn't have any issues sells the cars.

I believe it…. In the hands of capable folks who know how to operate tools.

I don’t blame Pennsylvania for being as strict as they are…..It doesn’t bother me. We keep it legal or we know how to get around it (yearly inspections, etc).

Afterall…. there are people who own tools who shouldn’t own tools. There are folks who slap shit together and think it’s perfectly fine. Even back in our younger days offroading…. perhaps my husband and I over-think shit…but the stuff we saw was mind boggling.

 

[Stan H]

HI;

After looking at and then for a Gladiator for years, we are getting ready to buy one, possibly this week. We will be new to Jeeping and Gladiators. Our experience is limited to having ridden in Jeeps a dozen times and driving one off road four or five times.

Yes we already understand they are not real comfortable or proficient at street driving and not really long distance freeway vehicles. We are mostly getting a Gladiator for exploring, wilderness, cruising topless, and short local sightseeing trips or errands.

We are looking at a 2021 Gladiator Mojave. Salvage title, but we are comfortable with its condition and history assuming it is a very good price. Looking at prices for 2021 Mojaves, they seem to range from $36,000 to $45,000 with no discernable reason for the price difference. The one we are looking at has very low miles but a lot of them have low miles. Is there a "Normal" more defined price range for an unmodified 2021 Mojave? Is "normal" closer to one end of that scale or the other?

I did find the 2021 Gladiator listed as the worst year Gladiator to buy on a website. This was apparently based on statistics for repairs. It makes sense because it would have been built during 2020 when everything in the USA was in shambles and workers were spread really thin, parts were hard to come by etc. Statistical reporting is not always the most accurate way to evaluate things, but it is a starting point. Anyone know whether the 2021 models are generally worse than other years? Reputation? Experience? Worked in the factory? IN the RV community it is a well known maxim - "Never ever buy any RV made during 2020" Did jeeps experience the same massive quality decline dur to Covid?

The tops of the doors and the window surrounds are black to match the hard top. It looks nice, but I have never seen this before. Was this an option? Is it a common mod?

We will eventually tow the Gladiator behind an RV where we will live full time or nearly full time. We plan to get a rack for two Kayaks on top of the Gladiator and put two E-bikes in the back. Any recommendations for a type of rack that can support two kayaks while traveling at speed? Is there any kind of stand or rack to put in the bed to make it easier to carry bicycles in the bed? We would prefer the kayak rack to be removable, or at least low so we do not have clearnce issues with trees when not carrying the kayaks.

Is anyone familiar with the Blue Ox towing system? Will we need to replace the front bumper to use it? I plan to get a winch and I may as well replace the bumper while installing the winch, if I am going to have to do it anyway.

I have done a little off roading in my 4x4 pick up recently, and long ago with a friend in his jeep, but I am certainly not experienced or knowledgeable, other than I know that is is really fun. Is there a good place to learn how to do things properly, avoiding getting stuck, getting over trees or rocks properly, the right way to winch, how to help other people get unstuck, etc? Is there like a jeep school or something?

My insurance company quoted the gladiator at $272 per month. Our five other cars only cost $500 per month and two are full coverage plus one is valued higher than the gladiator. I expected the Gladiator to cost a little more than other cars, but this is a huge difference. Is that a normal cost for insurance on these?

My wife is the director at a library. The have small rubber ducks that they give away at various municipal events. Whenever I see a Jeep it seems to have dozens of those small rubber ducks on the dash. How many Rubber ducks do we need for proper Jeeping?

Any other suggestions or comments, things we may want to know?

Thank you.

I have a 21'JT Rubicon 112,500 miles no serious problems.. Just a cam sensor.. replaced in 5 min.. i wonder if you can figure out why it has a salvage title ?? It is has a slew of putty in it . I wouldn't get it. Etc. Etc..
Those Ducks are just some people's weird way of liking otherpeoples property , I personally dislike them and they are as ypu know Not necessary for anything.

You Tube is a good place to start learning.

 

[Coldjensens]

I have a 21'JT Rubicon 112,500 miles no serious problems.. Just a cam sensor.. replaced in 5 min.. i wonder if you can figure out why it has a salvage title ?? It is has a slew of putty in it . I wouldn't get it. Etc. Etc..
Those Ducks are just some people's weird way of liking otherpeoples property , I personally dislike them and they are as ypu know Not necessary for anything.

You Tube is a good place to start learning.

The salvage title was because it was stolen and recovered after being paid off. No real damage (they stole the key fob and left a bunch of Pot in it). But it does not matter. Rebuilt title for any reason at all and the comp and collision insurance costs $2k a year more. They took 6-7K off the market price, but that is not enough to make up for the insurance cost.

 

[Coldjensens]

OK so I did call my agent today. Mostly curious because I have bought a few salvage title vehicles over the years and never had a problem flipping them for a profit. But I wanted to be aware of any challenges the buyer might face when I go to sell my next one.

Agent (State Farm, BTW) said that here in Montana, zero difference between normal title and salvage title as far as cost to insure it. Either for liability only or for full coverage. Insurance cost is the same. Only time the salvage title makes a difference is if you get into an accident and they declare it a total less (again). Obviously, the value you receive for your total loss will be less for a salvage title vs. a normal title since salvaged vehicles tend to carry a lessor value.

DISCLAIMER: She did tell me that this may not be true everywhere as each state has their own insurance regulations. So, even though you may be with State Farm Insurance in your state, its possible the costs could be more like some people are saying in this thread. She obviously is not an expert on the insurance regulations of all 50 states.

For completeness, I then called my bank. To ask about any challenges FINANCING a vehicle with a salvage title. Again, I'm sure this varies from bank to bank so you'll want to call YOUR banker, but my banker said "no problem". The only difference is they require a visual inspection of the vehicle in advance and a higher down payment (60% loan to value).

So the final answer is, "depends on where you live". Call your insurance agent and your bank if you are considering a salvage titled vehicle. Where I live - not a big deal. But your state might make the idea cost prohibitive to even consider.

I may look into that. We are going to make a Montana LLC next year to buy a motor-home. We could just have the LLC own the jeep and rent it to us at cost. IF the insurance is that much cheaper it may be worth it. I tried to run this jeep through Montana insurance quote, but without an address or name of the LLC it would not work. Maybe I will look into this. The problem is out insurance is a package deal. 5 cars, the house and a small boat. Without the bundle we may be looking at another huge cost. Maybe I should call you argent.

 

[Figmo]

I may look into that. We are going to make a Montana LLC next year to buy a motor-home. We could just have the LLC own the jeep and rent it to us at cost. IF the insurance is that much cheaper it may be worth it. I tried to run this jeep through Montana insurance quote, but without an address or name of the LLC it would not work. Maybe I will look into this. The problem is out insurance is a package deal. 5 cars, the house and a small boat. Without the bundle we may be looking at another huge cost. Maybe I should call you argent.

yeah - the bundle thing is pretty common.

I played with the numbers a couple years ago and found that if I moved all my high-dollar rigs to a low-dollar carrier - but left just our cheapest vehicle (wife’s summer car a VW Beetle convertible) - with State Farm, our homeowners remained the same. They still considered it “a bundle”

something similar could help you.

Also, instead of using the online app to get a quote, google an agent in the city you’re planning on using in MT and just call them. Even if you don’t end up using that agent, he/she would be happy to quote you.

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