Would you consider a Cat.C write off?

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Soldato
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I'm going to look at a car tomorrow that I was strongly considering buying. It's well below market value and after I made sure it was still available, I had a HPI check done on it.

Turns out it's a Category C write off and passed it's VIC check in January of this year, although the seller didn't mention it in either the description or on the phone. If he actually knew this and didn't let on, this is another matter. But it should be on the V5...

Obviously I'll be viewing it with a very critical eye. But I'd like to know if anyone would think about buying such a car, or if anyone had and what sort of experiences they have had. As it's passed a VIC I'm assuming everything is above board?

Thanks in advance. :)
 
I'd walk away unless it's ridiculously cheaper than anything equivalent on the market.
While I would not mind paying a lot less and getting something that was repaired to a high standard, you also have to take into account that it will be very hard for you to sell it as well, when the time comes.
 
It may pass the tests but how well has it really been repaired? Are you planning to scrap it when moving on?
 
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2001 Fiesta Zetec S.

Having had a good think over the last hour, I reckon I'll leave it. Tried ringing the seller just now but there's no answer so will try again later.

Thanks for the advice. It's the thought of trying to sell it on again that worries me.
 
I wrote a 2001 Audi A4 off a couple of months back, I bought back the salvage and there was very little work required to make road legal again.

That was classified a CAT C, the chassis was untouched and only needed a bonnet and headlight to pass an MOT and the rest was cosmetic.

I reckon had I took it to anyone other than an Audi bodyshop it probably would have been a CAT D.

Their bill would have been over £5k if the car was to be repaired.

I would have no objection against buying back the car I've just sold.
 
But this is a 1000 pound fiesta, unless its up for 300 quid whats the point, just buy another.
 
For something like a 2001 Fiesta I'd forget it. For something like a 2009 Merc which has been repaired by Merc with receipts to prove, then I may consider it.
 
Ricochet J said:
For something like a 2009 Merc which has been repaired by Merc with receipts to prove, then I may consider it.
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That sort of car is surely not going to exist though? If the car has been written off to the level of a CAT C by the insurers due to the cost of it being repaired "properly" within genuine parts in an approved bodyshop, what sort of A Grade nutter is going to buy it as salvage and take it to Merc for the work out of his own pocket?
 
Ricochet J said:
For something like a 2001 Fiesta I'd forget it. For something like a 2009 Merc which has been repaired by Merc with receipts to prove, then I may consider it.
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The thing is, a Cat C on a 2001 Fiesta would likely involve minimal damage - a dent in the rear quarter panel would be sufficient.

A Cat C on a 2009 Merc is much more lilkely to be extensive damage.
 
marcus_667 said:
id consider it as long as it was all in good order and the price reflected the fact its a cat c
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It didn't.

The price was very good had it not been a past write-off. But being one, it was too much (IMO) and the seller said the price was non-negotiable. So I left it at that.
 
You're correct. For a 2009 Merc to be a Cat C it'd be quite some damage and only a fool would buy it back.

My point was meant to be I'd avoid a cat c on a common everyday hatch. I'd consider it on a higher end model if the conditions were right. For example reputable garage repairs, recorded history etc.
 
Why not a normal hatchback that has had a similar life though (you don't know it hasn't been)?
 
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