If I recall correctly, salvage titles occure when the cost of repairs is something like 80% of the value of the vehicle. One clue to the extent of the damage when the vehicle was damaged. In my case, the rig was an '88 model that was damaged in '91, according to Car Fax. Gotta love CAR FAX!! That means it probably cost many thousands of dollars to repair whatever was damaged. Very scary.

But on the other hand, if it was more recent, the rig might only be worth a few thousand dollars. A small fender bender or a theft where the seats and wheels were taken, might be a enough to cause a salvage title.

For me, its not worth it. I was just attracted to the truck because the extremely low miles. Considering the salvage title, the price wasn't that great. Especially if I'm not actually looking for another truck.