Does Cat C really matter?

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 19:20

As title, I've found a van I really want, it all checks out, looks in great condition, I can't see what's wrong with it - chassie is fine - but its Cat C - can't find out what happened to it --- what damage are we talking here? 'Fatal' or ?

I have found several vague explainations of what Cat C is - but, does it really matter THAT much ?

From hearing from friends I have heard most insurance companies write them off for the smallest most absurd thing - but im not sure how far a Cat C damage issue could extend.... ?

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 19:43

Thanks guys, its a 2013 model van

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 20:36

Great advice thanks guys

Its a Renault Trucks Master 2013 6 speed 2.3 - 117k - ex courior - FSH (because company owned it had a full regular service as they do)

Both me and me dad (super knowledgable fella), think its alright, gut says its alright somehow - hard to explain! lol - all the docs check out, however it was declared a 'total loss'. But its just not that on inspection.........unless they rebuilt it from scratch !!! lol INC the chassie! lol

Current plan:

1) Get government mandated Vehicle Identity Check
2) Seller says he will MOT it tomorrow (which I believe cannot happen without point 1?)
3) If I have point 1 my insurance cost shouldn't be affected
4) Source repairs paperwork

Took on a test drive - its rock solid, drives like a car, solid.

It's catch 22 - pot luck as well.

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 20:54

Diddums said:
It's only when you're in an accident and it folds / tears in half that you'll wish you bought a good one.

You're literally putting a price on your safety, and that price is pretty low.

I don't think it would be cat C if that was the damage, id hope not !!

Also its a van, I'm gonna drive it steady lol, well assuming it checks out- have to find another if no good, been searching for months.

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 20:55

K.C. Leblanc said:
How cheap is it?

4.5 region

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 20:57

paintguy said:
As said, Cat C (now Cat S) is usually when the claim value is more than the vehicles worth. Note I say claim value, not necessarily repair value. I've seen cars written off because the cost of a courtesy car took them over the threshold!

If the van checks out ok then the only disadvantage to buying it is the chance it'll be harder to shift when you want to sell it, as many will view it with the same suspicion as you are.

Providing the repairs were carried out to a satisfactory standard there's no reason why a Cat C (S) vehicle will be any different to any other.

I guess so - I'm planning on running it into the ground though - gonna convert to a camper.

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 21:07

K.C. Leblanc said:
And what would a completly straight one cost?

7.3 is market value.

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 21:14

Shoeyuk said:
As long as it passes the checks and mot it will probably be alright.

Do you know what the actual damage was?

Not yet, know more tomorrow - suspect passenger door - he said he'll fit a new door handle that side lol - it worked fine but abit stiff and he had a new door handle in a bag haha

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 21:20

Acme said:
I once bought a CAT D car which had "passenger door" damage and he said "I've replaced the door M8 don't worry about it"

Couple of weeks later I had the front of the car to bits and it was basically caved in with panels carefully positioned over the top so it looked like it was fine...

noted

Combat squirrel · 11 Feb 2018 at 21:29

Well, I'll keep the thread updated guys - I am bearing in mind your collective wisdom!! Not something I thought id say on OCUK

lol

If all else fails - I'll give it to Elon to send to the sun