[SactoJim]

I'd be more cautious on later model vehicles that are salvage because they are more complex and expensive to repair correctly. A total is based on the book value of the vehicle vs. the cost to fix the damage. I think it's higher now but used to be that if the damages exceeded 50% of value of the damaged vehicle, it was deemed a total loss (salvage).

If the previous owner had full coverage or was hit by someone else with insurance, it wouldn't take much damage at all to total one of these old trucks if the value was based on typical book values and not a collectors car type value. Crinkle a front bumper, grill, hood, and fender and it's a total.

I wouldn't sweat it if you plan on keeping it for yourself. Your market might be a bit smaller if you ever sell, because many people kinda freak out over a salvage title and the value will be less just because it says "salvage" on the title even though it may be in just as good or better shape than another "clean" title truck.

Though this doesn't necessarily apply to your situation, later model, more expensive vehicles that have salvage titles can be more difficult to insure and most banks won't finance salvage vehicles.