Repaired Cat C writeoff - worth entertaining?

theCzar

Hi,

I'm looking at a fixed up Cat C write-off (imported), seller told me the damage was to the rear and it's been (visually) fixed very well, no sign of damage externally or in the boot, panels/door/boot well aligned, paint finish is perfect. Drives well apart from breaks which need work I think. Car passed the NCT (I know this is not the be-all-end-all).

Car is being offered at approx 35% discount (compared to Cartell valuation of that make\model\spec\mileage.)

To cut to the chase, is that sort of discount worth the risk inherent?

Also, I'm not a pro mechanic or even a particularly talented amateur one - is there much a 100 euro professional health check can tell me?

Cheers,
Aidan

extra-ordinary_

If it was repaired in the UK it should have an engineer's report before it went back on the road - this report might give you a more accurate account of what damage there was to the car.
If it was imported before being repaired you'd need an engineer to check it out but I'd steer clear myself.

bazz26

I'd be wanting more than a 35% drop on a regular car's market value to even entertain it and even then I'd want my own engineer's report that the car has been repaired to a satisfactory standard rather than taking some wheeler dealers word for it.

Another thing is that remember that that car will be labelled as a write off until it's dying day which could make it very difficult to sell on. Insurance could be difficult also.

Henry Ford III

Yep. 50% write down plus a favourable engineers report and insurance green light might make it worth considering.

Mintoe

extra-ordinary_ wrote: »

If it was repaired in the UK it should have an engineer's report before it went back on the road - this report might give you a more accurate account of what damage there was to the car.
If it was imported before being repaired you'd need an engineer to check it out but I'd steer clear myself.

Engineers report not necessary in uk before Car returned to the road... until couple of years ago a VIC (vehicle identity check) to make sure correct vin and engine numbers was all that was required. VIC test was basic check the numbers visual by mot centre, no mandatory quality of repair check had to be carried out

FUBO

is it a white Skoda Yeti

colm_mcm

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Yep. 50% write down plus a favourable engineers report and insurance green light might make it worth considering.

Chances of getting a half price yeti (or any car really) though?

theCzar

Not a Yeti...

I would guess that the current seller got the approx 50% mark down and is selling it on at 35% to make his cut. The crash was in Jan '17 so there is an engineer's report from UK. I will follow that up and check with insurance company.

Don't mind the effect on resale value so much as long as I get a good deal up front. The price point is such that with depreciation I wouldn't expect much back from the car in 4-5 years, write-off or not.

Thanks for the ideas.

CiniO

theCzar wrote: »

Not a Yeti...

I would guess that the current seller got the approx 50% mark down and is selling it on at 35% to make his cut. The crash was in Jan '17 so there is an engineer's report from UK. I will follow that up and check with insurance company.

Don't mind the effect on resale value so much as long as I get a good deal up front. The price point is such that with depreciation I wouldn't expect much back from the car in 4-5 years, write-off or not.

Thanks for the ideas.

It's not a bad idea to buy repaired car cheap, but if you can't judge the quality of repairs yourself, I'd definitely get a professional to have a look at it.
Crashed car can be repaired to a really high standard, but also it can be repaired very poorly, and while might look allright from the outside, it will rust and suffer other structural issued soon enough, so your 4-5 years usage period might actually not happen.

I'm by no means saying to stay clear from repaired category C. Definitely do buy it if you want, but have it properly inspected beforehand.

CiniO

extra-ordinary_ wrote: »

If it was repaired in the UK it should have an engineer's report before it went back on the road - this report might give you a more accurate account of what damage there was to the car.
If it was imported before being repaired you'd need an engineer to check it out but I'd steer clear myself.

That's not true.

extra-ordinary_

CiniO wrote: »

That's not true.

Yes, apologies OP - old and inaccurate information.

site_owner

Ask for before and after photos.