Dealership claiming truck Totaled due to body chop mount?

Just

 

Doesn’t sound right. What about the 4”+ lifts that have to cut the cross member. Those aren’t totaled. They are probably trying to low ball you.

 

Go to another dealer and see what they say

 

Never heard that, have traded multiple trucks in with it, my question though is your trucks plated or are there open holes? I could see them saying that for if the body was chopped with no plate.

 

bwahahaha that dealer is full of shit

 

.

 

So if they intend to run your car through an auto auction like Manheim, which is very common, the auction house will consider it totaled. Manheim in particular is VERY strict about so much as displaced undercoating, dents, scratches etc.

 

go to carmax... they will buy anything LOL

 

I can see where they are coming from, you have to think in terms of todays world and liability aspects. You altered part of the frame which now has not been tested for crash or durability standards, something bad happens with the next buyer they are on the hook.

On the other hand dealers will always look for something to offer you the least amount they can for your vehicle.

 

I traded in a 14 Tundra and it had the BMC. They’re playing games. Go to a different one.

 

None of mine have been plated, but i have an apt next week to get it done and on to the next dealership.

 

Why would you want to get rid of your 16 any way from what I see it's a nice ride. And others seem to have issues with the newest ones.

 

I call BS. The dealership where I got mine from sold NEW and USED Tundra that was lift 4-6 inch. Go to another place.

 

This^^^

 

I put a ton of miles on them annually and this one is hammered. I wont be driving near as much with my new promotion so its the right time to make the switch.. Everything comes off the truck and onto the new one, been rolling that way since 07

 

I understand now . So the new will get all the stuff that's on this one now. I'm kinda a rare guy also with my 08 with just over 80k miles lol

 

Makes sense! How many miles on your 16?

 

If you would’ve had the BMC plated and painted, they never would’ve noticed.

 

Yep.....a whole different scenario if finished up properly....

 

yup... If its obviously chopped then I cant blame the dealership. I dont think they will be able to re-sell it with a gaping hole in the body mount.
What will the salesman say to the potential buyer? Ahhh, those where you stash the illegal stuff.

 

Well, that would help with the lack of storage in the Tundra at least...

 

Is it welded and and painted properly? I don’t
See how they would even know it’s been done. Unless your welds look like
Poop and it’s all rusty from not
Painting it or
You didn’t weld a plate over the hole

 

I personally saw a used Tundra at my local dealership for sale with a 6” lift, 37” wheels/tires, and BMC. The BMC was open (not welded back closed. I remember asking the sales guy if the truck had a clean title and everything else. He told me that the truck was clean and clear, with only one owner. I pointed out that the BMC was not re-welded. He turned to me and said, the truck is used (2015) and is being sold “as is” so, there is nothing wrong with it. It wasn’t a big deal to that dealership.

There’s a big difference between ‘frame damage’ and ‘frame modification.’ I just think that your dealership is trying to hustle you. Btw, did you personally show them the BMC, or did they find that out for themselves?

 

Eh... Depending on what dealership you're at and how strict their buyers are they may consider that frame damage. I've worked at a couple of dealerships and it really depends on who appraises your vehicle and the dealership's policy on trade-ins. I've seen 3/4 ton trucks with welded 5th wheel hitches get hammered on value. I've also seen a 4runner with welded sliders get hammered on value. I asked the buyer why he flagged those kind of trucks with possible frame damage and he said something like welding a truck frame between the axles is against ICC rules. He said it's impossible for him to guarantee the integrity of the frame. I've also seen buyers not care and offer a good trade-in value for similar trucks with similar modifications. I guess if you get a stickler and someone super knowledgeable, they will out knowledge you and you get hosed (luckily, you can walk away). If you get someone that likes your vehicle and feels like they could make some money, you're probably golden.

Brah, could you explain to me the difference between "Frame Damage" and "Frame Modification"? If you "Modify" a frame, you have potentially damaged it.

 

I totally get what you’re saying......

I was speaking from a theoretical standpoint! In other words, the two should be treated differently. If a frame has been modified for the purpose of utility, and it has been done professionally, then, in my opinion, it should not be considered ‘frame damage’ but instead, a ‘modification.’ However, after reading your posting just now, I can totally understand the liability of the dealership considering whatever applicable rules and regulations that may apply.

 

I feel you. It's a difficult judgement regardless.

 

No, no it isn’t. We live in a litigious society. The frame wasn’t designed, engineered and crash tested that way and therefore it’s considered damaged.

We may not like it, but it’s completely understandable.

 

Wow..................no offense.......there are so many members here that have had the BMC "properly" done. Many.......and zip issues when trading in their tunny's. The BMC is done a lot...Check out all the other Tundra forums. Same thing....No BS "I might get sued" frame damage crap. Get real.....otherwise SHOW me a lawsuit related to this non-issue. SHOW me some proof of an insurance company not covering a claim because of a BMC....I can't stand anecdotal bull shit.....got empirical facts???? my 2 cents.... get real...peace

 

I’m sorry you’re so upset. It wasn’t my intent to offend anyone. It is my intent for people to understand the consequences of their actions.

I have been doing this for a living for 11 years. In my case I would be the actual person to sign off on the inspectors judgement of the frame damage from a third party alteration.

Alternatively You could take it to Manheim. They will list the vehicle as frame damaged in the sale and report to car fax as such. They are the largest multinational auto auction on the planet.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manheim_Auctions


http://www.naaamap.com/NAAA/documents/NAAAStructuralDamagePolicy_Jan2011.pdf


https://www.google.com/amp/s/carbrain.com/Blog/what-is-frame-damage?amp=1

Quote from this article: “The term “Frame Damage” is used whenever the integrity of your frame has been compromised by either an accident or 3rd party alteration. When there is frame damage reported, this means there may be damage to parts of the vehicle that provide structural support.”

You have to understand where the auto industry is coming from and be dispassionate about financial transactions. This isn’t an attack on anyone modifying their vehicles. That said one must understand the consequences of modifying a vehicle can be diminished value or the possibility of a dealer not wanting to deal with it.