Anybody ever buy a truck with a salvage title?

Hire your own inspector or get the Dodge dealer mechanics to inspect it.

Contact your insurance agent. I don't know for sure but, I've heard you can have problems insuring a salvage vehicle.

I agree with the others.... get it checked out and talk to you insurance agent.

Also, for some reference, my business partner drove his 2 year old truck into a tree at about 35mph and completely trashed the entire front of the truck. I thought for sure it was totaled but the body shop (a close friend of mine that I can trust) told me it wasn't even close. They repaired it at nearly 20K cost! Point being there may be more to the story with the truck you're looking at.

With how much these trucks cost and how high the resale value is, it takes A LOT to total one out that is only 3 years old.

Another vote for:

Pay a body shop to look it over and verify with your insurance company if they need anything special to insure it.

Agree with gbopp...check with your insurance agent and get it in writing before you purchase

Crumple zone may not have been reconstructed correctly. Mainly with a monocoque only...full sized trucks have ladder frame with a monocoque body on that frame

Had that discussion with both the insurance adjuster and body shop after my Sub was nailed by someone who jumped their stop sign

Salvage meaning totaled and question how much damage, what was the damage, where was the damage, etc

This varies from state to state, but in many states a vehicle with a branded title showing "salvage" may only be purchased by a licensed rebuilder. Those states customarily issue a "rebuilt" title, meaning the salvage vehicle has been rebuilt by a licensed rebuilder, has been inspected by the state, and may now be purchased by the ultimate consumer.

If it's a dealer that has the truck I'd be more at-ease than if an individual has it for sale.

Positively check with your insurer -- some won't insure them at all.

Due diligence is everything.

Another horror story around used diesels I heard was that hot shotter drivers will buy a new/slightly used truck, drive it awhile then swap the low mileage drive train into their high mileage truck and sell it.

So add checking engine serial numbers to your list.

Wouldn’t even consider a salvage.

I believe once a vehicle is branded salvage it can't be registered until it gets a rebuilt title. To be branded rebuilt it has to pass a pretty extensive inspection. The vehicle you're looking at is likely got a rebuilt title.

I think the biggest concern would be pesky electrical gremlins. My cousin hit a deer with his almost new 2017 f150 and was sure it would be totaled by the amount of damage. Even though the repair bill was huge, it didn't reach a certain percent of the replacement value so it was rebuilt. He was unhappy about it, but added a ford extended warranty and went on down the road. While he still owned the truck it was plagued with quirky but relatively minor electrical problems he assumes was a result of the accident. He subsequently traded it in because he never had the warm fuzzy feeling driving it again.

So while the price is tempting, it truly would be a gamble and the upfront savings will be given back when you sell it.