Buying a totaled Tahoe

[maxamillion125]

Easy kill. That center post might be in though, its probably going to need a slight pull. If you want to do it yourself, a large tree and a come-a-long. As far as the doors go - just replace them with used. Quarter panel - you can get a used quarter, end up doing more damage than needed to it, or just buy a new GM part. It will save you a LOT of time if you do the work yourself. Glue 90% of it, only welding around the tail light pocket and at the lower rear. Hopefully the hinges for that rear door aren't messed up, they can be a pain to replace. Also, that dog leg is going to need a pull too. Always do your pulls before cutting ANYTHING off.

As far as the value, I think I would buy it cheaper than $6k. Sounds like a bit much, given the work needed. Granted its an easy fix - but you're still going to have some good time and parts added in there. Id say own it repaired for $6k. Still going to have a salvage title.

---------- Post added at 10:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------



That's not a bad buy, the only thing that it being the same color will be good for is trimming out the door. They're still going to have to paint the quarter, front and rear doors, and blend the fender. Good luck getting the used quarter off in one piece without ******* it up. There is foam on the inside which has one hell of a bond to the metal. Only way to get it to separate is to hit it with the torch, which, if you're careful you can do it. If you've never done it before, you will easily warp the metal. Now you're throwing filler in it. More work, more time, more money.

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------



And Im not trying to discourage you, but have you ever done body work before? Its going to take a bit to get that quarter right, and that dog leg.

The center post and door hinges appear to be straight, I took a close look at them today. I did some research and like you said the Quarter panel is gonna be a SOB to replace. I might just replace the two doors and have a body shop straighten and quarter panel best they can and paint the scratches.

 

[fiatdale]

Quarter panels on these are extremely easy, good money makers if you know what you're doing, because you can replace the whole panel. No sectioning. Once the glass is removed you need to grind down all the spot welds and like I said, you can glue 90% of the new panel on. If you've never done body work - don't try it. If you want a shop to straighten the panel, it's going to be full of filler, I don't care how good they are. Maybe that's ok to you, maybe it's not, but there's a lot more to damage than that meets the eye. The C post can also be pushed in, making that new door not line up at all.

I repair shit like this everyday. There's always hidden damage you can't see on the surface, and you need to be prepared and have the proper tools to make it right. At $6k plus parts, and a salvage title, I think you're in too deep.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

NO WAY ive seen 03s 04s 4x4s and z71s for less then 5k not wrecked at all
and i also booked it in karpower thats kelly blue book software for cardealers and it only books for 7800 in that condition

---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------

at least dont pay 6k for it ive seen same year tahoes with no damage cheaper

---------- Post added at 12:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------

7800 is the book in fair condition wich is a generous book i would consider that poor condition and ins adjuster doesnt use NADA they use the black book wich is used by finance companys flooring companys and such

 

[maxamillion125]

NO WAY ive seen 03s 04s 4x4s and z71s for less then 5k not wrecked at all
and i also booked it in karpower thats kelly blue book software for cardealers and it only books for 7800 in that condition

---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 AM ----------

at least dont pay 6k for it ive seen same year tahoes with no damage cheaper

---------- Post added at 12:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------

7800 is the book in fair condition wich is a generous book i would consider that poor condition and ins adjuster doesnt use NADA they use the black book wich is used by finance companys flooring companys and such

In my area the cheapest 04+ Tahoe LT was 9k and almost all of them have more then 130k miles. I still think at the very worse if I put 1k into fixing it up and keep it for 4-5 years when I sale it I'm not gonna loose big. Keep in mind I'm not trying to buy this Tahoe and flip it. I want a reliable, mechanically sound vehicle with 3rd row seating for my family. All the reviews I've read about the 2nd generation Tahoes are very positive.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

id be willing to bet by the time its all said and done the body shop bill will easily be 2500 to 3000 bucks
yer best bet since you seem hell bent on buying it go to the junk yard and see if you can find a undamaged rear quarter panel and passenger side door sand it primer it either have it painted or doit yourself then call a windshield place and find out how much the glass for the quarter panel costs because windshields and quater glass like that usually break when theyre removed

 

[fiatdale]

Its a reliable vehicle no doubt. You're just going to have too much money in it. I can tell by your posts that we aren't going to sway you in the direction of not going thru with it, so let us know how it all works out. Speaking from a lot of experience on this topic.

 

[Red Rider]

I have a better idea. Buy this truck, then buy a second that has a good body but bad interior or something like that and make one good truck and sell the rest. If you have the time, you can part out the salvage truck and take what you need. You will come out ahead, and have extra parts, or can make some $$$ on what you don' t need.

Or just buy it and turn it into a wheeling truck. Leave body as is... but you still have to fight the title battle.

 

[maxamillion125]

The good doctor talked to his Insurance and they agreed to lower the buy back to 4k. I think its a no-brainer now guys!

 

[YukonXL04]

Cool, buy it and lets get a progression thread started!!

 

[fiatdale]

Still too much. Your choice, and you're going with it. Good luck.