The price would have be very, very good for me to consider it. What year/model? If the damage was minor, it wouldn't have been salvaged. These cars tend to list on the higher side, so I'd think there would have to be significant damage to total it.
I would definitely get a carfax (online, not paper, so you can avoid photo-shopped ones, it does happen) From my understanding, it's straight up economics (80% of the value of the car to be total loss) not a choice by the insurer. Sounds fishy. However, there can be cosmetic damage that can get expensive and if you can do the work yourself and get used parts.....
