Looking at a 2012 with one accident report

Considering buying a 2012 SR 5 4x4 with 89,000 miles for $18,400. It looks in excellent condition, but Carfax says this...
08/31/2024
Damage Report

• Accident reported
  • Involving front or side impact with another motor vehicle
  • Damage to left side
  • Damage to rear
  • Functional damage reported
  • Vehicle towed

It was then report on 2/5/2025 with minor damage and claimed a total loss.

I really want one, but can't afford much. This would be my first 4runner. Any advice would be greatly appreciate! TIA

 

If this same damage occurred say on 08/31/2019 I wouldn't worry. Because any unknown issues would have come to light. With it being new-ish damage, I'd worry. I'd still consider it, but give it a really good once over. Inspect the frame. The report makes it sound that it got rear ended and then the 4Runner rear ended someone else.

I'd also want to know how many miles were put on it after it was repaired. If it was barely any miles: Red Flag. If it was driven for 10k miles, I'd guess that all is well and it was repaired properly.

 

Yeah total loss vehicles would be a no go for me. But that’s me. At a minimum I’d pay to have an independent mechanic look at it top to bottom

 

I wouldn't touch it. Keep looking and saving.

 

No need to get this.
There are enough examples available at ever price point. Keep searching.

 

Because the report doesn’t make sense, might be worth checking out in person. No harm, no foul for looking.

 

Are you seeking to resell it in a few years? Its value will be diminished by salvaged title. Make a rediculous low offer and if not accepted just walk away. You will either own it or feel good that you did not miss out on a deal.
The High asking price declares this dealer is seeking an un-informed buyer, and is willing to hold it a long time.
A bent frame can cause alignment issues which can make tire wear issues.

 

Salvage/rebuilt titles are a no go unless you know what you’re doing/know what you’re getting into.

I’d also look at an Xterra around that age since you’re on a tight budget. Depends on what you’re looking for out of your vehicle though.

Anything you want to buy though, you’ll want it inspected by a mechanic not affiliated with the seller.

 

I don't trust the fox.
My 4runner was severely damaged and towed. Thinking it would be totalled. But it was repaired. When I went to inspect it was pretty bad. From warning lights on dash to hard steering. Dealership got it back and I got myself a new 4R.
The the Fox it was a minor damage. When I met the new owner and saw the accident pics she was devastated how dealership said it was a minor fender bender.

 

$18400 is high for a 2012 even without a salvage title. Walk away.

 

the person above who mentioned reselling it later is spot on, people will seee the salvage title and avoid it - as should you. Plus the price seems high ESPECIALLY for a salvage title.

 

I'd like to chime in again. The others are right, that price is high, especially since we now know it's a salvage titled vehicle. That knocks like 30% off the value.

I found this one: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...ASC&startYear=2012&state=TX&clickType=listing

It has similar (but a bit higher) miles for less money. I don't know what the CarFax looks like this. As others have said, make a very low offer to the dealer. Dealerships try to fuck us, so you need to try to fuck him. Fuck him as hard as you can. If he won't let you, then walk away.

 

the one you listed is for 2WD. The OPs is 4x4 BUT i get your point and I think so does he/she. Its a salvage title - game over - walk away. Especially at that price. The weird thing is usually dealerships dont sell salvage title cars. Is this a dealership or a corner used car lot?

 

Lmao you indeed are crazy

 

Welcome. Yeah stay away. Higher will kept mileage would be better than the problems coming with this one at this price.

 

Not worth the potential trouble, particularly at that price.