Toyota Repair: toyota tailgate handle repair, dmv paperwork, local junk yards

Question
The tailgate handle to my 1998 toyota sienna broke and I can't open it.  How do I
repair it and where can I find the part, without spending $200 at a dealership?
Thanks, Christina

Answer
You will need to remove the inside panel to access the door mechanism. You can search the internet for the door handle part or try looking at your local junk yards. You might find one that has front end damage with tailgate handle that's in perfect working order. If you don't find one at the junk yard, be sure to ask the employees. They may have a vehicle behind the scenes that's waiting for the DMV paperwork to clear before they disassemble it. When cars first come into the yard, sometimes the car title has to be cleared and marked as a salvege by the state. They will be able to tell you when it will be available for parts.