Days always suck when they start like this

['05Train]

Doesn’t matter where you are - two identical Jeeps, one with a rebuilt title, and one with a clean title, the clean title will sell for more.

Everywhere, every time, without question.

 

[SPECWAR]

To bring my original question to conclusion, I would hesitate more to purchase a “vehicle” that had a frame or tub replaced more than I would one with a rebuilt title.

 

[ColoJeep]

It is, not that I would know about either. XJ for sale with minor damage. Rebuilt title was because my tail lights didn't work.
View attachment 491047

Sweet bobbed XJ ! no tail dragger on the extreme stuff.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

To bring my original question to conclusion, I would hesitate more to purchase a “vehicle” that had a frame or tub replaced more than I would one with a rebuilt title.

Your opinion. Most folk would agree that for safety’s sake and potential resale, a non-rebuild branding is the way to go. Even a car-fax with accident on vehicle’s record greatly affects resale… doesn’t matter how minor or severe the damage.

 

['05Train]

To bring my original question to conclusion, I would hesitate more to purchase a “vehicle” that had a frame or tub replaced more than I would one with a rebuilt title.

You are in an extremely tiny minority.

 

[97JadeTJ]

Rebuilt titles are fine if you know what was rebuilt and don’t plan on getting rid of it… But sometimes you don’t have a choice on getting rid of it and then it will affect the value… Insurance adjuster told me he could have given me another $2,000 if my wrecked TJ would have had a clean title instead of the rebuilt title…

 

[SPECWAR]

You are in an extremely tiny minority.

Little do you know how correct you are.

 

['05Train]

Little do you know how correct you are.

Oh I know full well. There's an internet full of testimony as to how badly a salvage title hurts the value of a vehicle. If you choose to ignore that, you've completely set yourself apart as a minority of one. There's a reason it's difficult to get financing and insurance on a salvage title, and it's not because they've got a reputation as reliable, safe vehicles.

 

[Shank]

I would absolutely own a rebuilt title TJ. I am also certain a clean title tub swapped TJ will sell for more than a rebuilt title. In fact, I don't even know if 90% of buyers would even know.

 

[SPECWAR]

I’ve purchased and resold many rebuilt vehicles and haven’t been to severely hurt on the resale.
Fortunately I have always purchased cash.

 

[Shank]

I’ve purchased and resold many rebuilt vehicles and haven’t been to severely hurt on the resale.
Fortunately I have always purchased cash.

I sold a rebuilt title TJ within probably 6 months of a clean title one 8 years ago or so. Probably took a 30% or so hit on the rebuilt title (though I profited plenty). Jeeps don't seem to be effected as bad as other vehicles.

 

[SPECWAR]

I sold a rebuilt title TJ within probably 6 months of a clean title one 8 years ago or so. Probably took a 30% or so hit on the rebuilt title (though I profited plenty). Jeeps don't seem to be effected as bad as other vehicles.

You have to find the right buyer.

 

[Vidar]

Done right, most buyers would never know if the tub, frame, or even the engine were swapped. Those changes are hard to discern unless disclosed. An R title, however, is very easy to see when looking at said title.

That said, I don’t really care either way as I’m not parting with this Jeep now or in the future. After pushing 21 years with it, it’s mine until the grave.

Hopefully the insurance adjuster still comes today with the snow we got last night. I really need to know which direction I’m going!

 

[Weasellee]

Thanks everyone for the replies and concern. Yes, I’m physically fine, and so was the other driver. Can’t ask for more from a collision like this.
As for other TJs, it’s really hard to find a good one in my area. Most are 4 bangers. Almost all have frame rot. And almost all are for sale for way more than they are worth considering they require work. The ones that have pristine frames? Those got for north of $20K, easy.
Adjuster is scheduled for early next week. I’ll make my determination of what I’m doing based on that. An R title doesn’t bother me as I’ve never had any intention of letting go of this Jeep. I’ve owned it since 2003, so it doesn’t matter what the outcome is, this Jeep is staying in my possession. However, if they offer me enough, it may sit and be rebuilt for my daughter, who is about to turn 13 and only wants to rebuild a TJ as her first car, and I’ll take the money and buy a JL or gladiator. I’m getting older, and am getting really close to wanting an old man car as my daily!

Prices are dropping

 

[Vidar]

Update. Adjuster was here today, even in the snow! Looked it over, asked some questions, took some photos, and left. He said the report will be done by later this afternoon. I'll find out if they deem it repairable and they will cut a check, or if it's totaled. If it's the later, he said it will probably take about a week to get me the value since it's so old. So I have to just continue waiting.

 

[Vidar]

Got the estimate back from the insurance company, but still no verdict. Cost to repair is $6500, which is right in-line with my guess. A parts total of $2882 versus my parts total of around $2400 (sourcing all the body parts from a part-out guy on Marketplace). I'm hoping they have the Jeep valued higher than that, as the only used TJs you can get around here for that price is one that has a 4-cylinder and extensive frame rot!