Should i buy Cat C write off car?

Question

Im looking to buy a certain car did an HPI check on it all was fine except it listed as a catergory C - Vehicle extensively damaged but repairable - the insurer decided not to repair this was back in 2004 should i still buy it? question the trader selling it to me and get a bargain? get someone to mechanically inspect the vehicle?

Answer 1

What you need to understand is that it is all about money! As an insurance repair is costed using all new parts a vehicle does not have to be very badly damaged to be written off. A car deeply scored all along one side could be written off as a category C - for an insurance repair it may need front wing, 2 doors, rear quarter, trim pieces'. All new. The car will then need a re-spray.  You could repair the same damage far cheaper by using s/h parts and filler in the quarter panel.

The category the car gets depends to an extent upon the particular insurance assessors opinion and his companies policies.

Do NOT buy it without having it inspected by a qualified mechanic or, better still, by a body repair technician.  Some cat C cars are a diy repair proposition, others are not!

If you buy one that needs jigging you are stuffed!

Answer 2

I would give it a good check over, last year I wrote my BMW off, we thought about buying it back and repairing it as it only looked front end damage. Needed new lights, bumper,bonnet and wings.  As I decided to let the insurance dispose of the car, I went along to where it was being stored to empty it and the compartment in the front for storing cd's wouldnt open due to the shunt. So check it over well as there maybe hidden damage to the car.

Answer 3

You could, but bear in mind that it will need a VIC check before it can go back on the road (this costs £38)

More information is available on this link -

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Buy...