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Cat C


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Nothing wrong with a Cat C as long as you know what you are buying into - well known on VX220s for instance a key alongside two panels was a cat c write off, it really depends on whats happened, its all value based not on how much damage has been done.

 

Personally, given how many 350z's are out there you should go for a non cat one, but don't write off (scuse the pun) cat cars point blank, some can be great bargains.

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What was the damage?

 

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Front and rear quarter

I'd be very wary. Ensure its been properly repaired, I'd also want it to be checked on a geo and even if the slightest thing didn't feel right on a test drive I'd walk away. And I'd still want money my way.

Tbh you'd probably be better off just selling the m3 and putting a bit of money towards a HR. For peace of mind.

 

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I bought a cat C, had it thoroughly checked, even my specialist couldn't find anything to indicate any damage. The Z is not overly complex, no multi metal construction, repaired by someone reputable they are fine. For sure they drop a thou or two in value, but you get a great car for a real bargain price, best bang for buck I've ever bought.

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Nothing wrong with a Cat C. Once repaired they do have to endure a VIC (Visual) check and has to be repaired to a standard to be bought back onto the road. As mentioned though they are worth considerably less, and cars today are being written off more then before, due to escalating Parts and Labour costs against mass depreciation. Try to look at a Cat D as damages can have been minimal. :)

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Once repaired they do have to endure a VIC (Visual) check and has to be repaired to a standard to be bought back onto the road.

 

For the 2nd time, a VIC test has absolutely nothing to do with checking the repairs or road worthiness, (visual) or otherwise, it is a, Vehicle Identity Check, to reduce cloning or ringers. It is also invalid as of October 2015, you no longer need a VIC test to get a logbook.

 

Nothing wrong with a Cat C, but unless its well priced and your aware resale may take a while go for it, I would feel more comfortable knowing its been fully checked over though.

Edited by Jetpilot
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Once repaired they do have to endure a VIC (Visual) check and has to be repaired to a standard to be bought back onto the road.

 

For the 2nd time, a VIC test has absolutely nothing to do with checking the repairs or road worthiness, (visual) or otherwise, it is a, Vehicle Identity Check, to reduce cloning or ringers. It is also invalid as of October 2015, you no longer need a VIC test to get a logbook.

 

Nothing wrong with a Cat C, but unless its well priced and your aware resale may take a while go for it, I would feel more comfortable knowing its been fully checked over though.

 

Very true!! I've seen countless repaired cars advertised as VOSA checked / inspected indicating they have checked the repair when they only check the ID.

For a Cat C, knock off a good 35% off the value, have a really, really good look / extended test drive then if all is well and it's a great price then go for it. If you can't fault it and buy it then someone else will like it when you come to re-sell :)

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Guest marcw79

I have a cat C ... It was not and is not perfect (but is getting there) ... But i got it for 4k less than similar other cars on autotrader ... And had it checked thoroughly so i knew what i was buying into ... 'Caveat emptor' (roughly translates to "don't be a dick") applies ... Check thoroughly and have it inspected mechanically but if you are careful you can get a decent bargain ... Lots of scare stories abound and, to be sure, it is a danger area for the careless but apply some common sense and you can do well out of it ... That's my two cents worth anyway ...

 

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As above, however I would want detailed images of the before and after repairs.

 

The repairing garage and the insurance company will definitely have these, and if you are lucky, so will the vendor.

 

I personally would not buy without supporting evidence of the "claimed" damage.

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Guest marcw79

... 'Caveat emptor' (roughly translates to "don't be a dick")

 

:lol: or 'let the buyer beware'

Yeah ... That too :)

 

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If the price is right, and the car is good its fine.

 

I prefer to buy a cat C/D un repaired, so you can see its pre accident condition and repair it properly. Or if it is fully documented as above.

 

Some yards will partially straighten written off cars so they do not appear as bad.

 

If you are keeping it long term and its cheap, or cheap enough to break when you are done with it its ok, but it can be a hassle to sell as everybody will offer you less, and many buyers will not entertain in.

 

VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) has now been discontinued.

 

As an aside many cars are damaged and repaired with no write off and nobody is any the wiser.

Edited by andy10v
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My zed is a CAT D. Why? because it had a missing bumper and a cracked light! Madness!! i had completely checked out and there is no chassis damage no bent chassis legs, no ripples, nothing at all. Just can't figure out why it qualified being a CAT D, but i got it for a bargain and i have never had a problem with it. Can't see why a CAT C would be a problem if it was all present and correct.

Edited by Rock_Steady
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Dad's BMW - 2004 530d - was w/off following a slight bump. The bonnet was mildly bent, bumper cracked and one or two engine bay bits of plastic cracked.

 

Was initially a Cat C, after a bit of persuasion managed to get it down to a D.

 

Around £500 later the bonnet and the cracked plastic was replaced and back on the road.

 

So I'd say it really depends on the car. Insurance cos will write off anything not worth their hassle - C is just generally that the work is more than the car's value, D is 'uneconomical'.

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Sounds like your Dad didn't go to the right garage. If the repair was that cheap, then it would never have been a write off,

 

Repairs and use of S/H parts are a lot cheaper than OE replacements.

 

I had an S14 200SX written off for a fairly minor dent in the front bumper as the replacement part would have been £3500 or something similarly ridiculous. If Id been inclined to do it Id have probably been able to get a secondhand bumper, in the right colour for about £120 ..........

 

I also had my 350Z written off for fairly extensive panel damage after a trip through a hedge, just the front end was uneconomical to repair with OE parts.

 

The new bodykit, custom archwork, wheels, tyres, replacement panels and lights all fitted and whole car resprayed (well, not the lights) were about the same as the payout that I got from the insurers:

 

IMAG0306_zps50a1670d.jpg

Edited by docwra
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