Expert: Ray Paulsen - 2/21/2009

Question
Hi Ray,
I'm in Edmond, Ok and I am interested in buying a 2002 Toyota Tacoma from a local dealer. I think this place deals in Salvage titles and auctioned cars and such.  He is advertising this Tacoma as having an "insurance title." Is that a slick word for salvage or is that a fairly safe purchase? The truck looks pretty clean...

Answer
Hi Scott

Insurance title is a new one on me, the way I read it anything having an insurance title is an accident repair, which spells Salvage or maybe major damage.

Your simple solution is ask to view a history report to find out extend of damage, if dealer will not supply you walk away.

You can also go to my website  http://www.usedcartips.org/  click on AutoCheck and for a few bucks enter as many Vin #'s as you want for 30 or 60 days, and get full history on any vehicle you may consider.

Simply get the vin # of the 2002 Tacoma and find out for yourself, on the other hand as mentioned, if you feel this car is for you, then don't waste your money getting history reports unless dealer wont supply.

Ray