Originally Posted by toyomoho (Post 92598)

Having the car deemed "salvage" depends your state. This means the cost of repairs was more then a specified percentage (typically by the state) of its valve.

Suggest you find out what the car would be worth if in average condition then find out what the salvage percent such as over 75% of the valve. Then try to determine how the repair cost amount were determined such as a bent frame, car was immersed in water (flood), etc.

The Toyota repair manual may have frame dimension specs to allow taking measurements to check for damage.

As to normal maintenance, check fluids for color and contamination. Suggest changing all of the trans fluid, the internet has posts on a DIY complete fluid change. Worn out fluid is the number one cause of trans failure.

I would take pull back the carpet in the cabin plus remove the trunk carpet to take a look at the chassis for signs of problems (water). And check the frame for damage.

The 4 cylinder engine is prone to oil burning due to the oil return holes in the piston clogging with carbon. Might change to synthetic oil.

The other issue is the head bolt threads in the block can pull out (design defect) thus monitor the coolant level. This can be fixed with inserts.

All things being equal, 71K is not enough miles to start having issues with worn parts.