Help needed re hpi check

[ncs]

One of the lads who works for me is in the process of buying an MGF. I suggested he do an HPI check & the report has come back stating...

'recorded on condition database as write off, damaged but repairable.'

As you can imagine I have suggested caution, what worries me is the 'write off' bit, accident damage to the bodywork is not visable. The current owners have had the car for 2 years & didnt mention this.
I should add that the car has passed a couple of MOT's with the current owners.

Hes only 20 & this is a big step for him, I would hate to see it all go wrong...over to you guys.

Nick

>>> Edited by ncs on Friday 23 January 08:36

[vteclimey]

as a general rule write off means the cost of repair more than half (i think) vehicle value. its an economoal thing, not a structural thing.

example, if the car had been scraped down one side in an incident needing lots of body panels and a couple of lights and wheels, that could result in a repairable write off.

if the damage included the need to put it on a jig then it could still be repairable, but the work should be thoroughly checked out.

is there any way of finding out exactly what the damage was?

if not, get someone who know what to look for to visit, or offer a significantly reduced price, or walk away.

[MikeyT]

Leave it - unless the price is dirt cheap and he knows what he's getting into.

Plenty of 'em out there ...

Money well spent on the HPI check. He should of course inform the present owners that he knows it's been a write off. They maybe didn't know.

[Godfrey H]

Unless you happen to be an expert yourself the advice has to be walk away.

[atom290]

If the car is considered roadworthy then the car can be put in for a test. On passing it will have its category downgraded.

I would beware, as until you have had the test completed, there will be no proof that the chassis is straight

[pbrettle]

Nothing much to add other than what has already been mentioned, but as its a common(ish) car then it would be better to walk away and find another. There is nothing wrong with a repaired car, as long as it has been done right. There are many professional companies that do this and dont hide behind a condition check..... but if this is THE car then it is worth getting a professional opinion - something like a full AA check would be in order - oh, and as long as the money is right.

I have had a write-off before and it was professionally repaired. Nothing wrong with it, but was open and reasonable when I came to sell it - traded it to a garage and although the value was lower, they were fine....

[stone]

A friend of mine recently bought a previously written off MGF. As others have said the decision needs to be based on the quality of the repair and providing that is up to scratch. The price needs to reflect the cars history. It could be a good car at a bargain price

[Byff]

If he was to have an accident in the car and wrote it off for a second time, the insurance would not give him full value for the car. Therefore, you should not pay full price for the car even if it is deemed straight on inspection.

If it's condition is inspected and it is ok, then you could have a bargain on your hands by shaming the sellers for trying to sell a duff car.

[ncs]

Thanks for the prompt replies.

I have suggested he talk with the current owner to see if they have any documentation re. the repairs.

Will keep you posted.

Nick

[Neil_H]

It will be known as a Cat C or Cat D depending on the classification it was given (ie the amount of damage it had/ cost to repair it), usually any kind of write-off category on the HPI will reduce market value by 25-50%, and could also cost more to insure. AFAIK Cat A and B can't be sold to the public.

If it's an MGF I'm guessing it spun off which could mean significant damage. If they didn't mention this to him I would walk, who knows what else they're hiding.

Insurance write-off categorys:

A - Usually fire damaged (burnt-out), flood damaged, or severely damaged with no servicable parts.

B - Damaged beyond economical repair and/or severe structural damage.

C - Damaged, but repairable. Generally applied to older vehicles.

D - Slightly damaged sometimes stolen and found after claim has been paid or high cost of repair combined with difficulty obtaining new parts to enable a swift repair.

[mustard]

Neil_H said:

It will be known as a Cat C or Cat D depending on the classification it was given (ie the amount of damage it had/ cost to repair it), usually any kind of write-off category on the HPI will reduce market value by 25-50%, and could also cost more to insure. AFAIK Cat A and B can't be sold to the public. If it's an MGF I'm guessing it spun off which could mean significant damage. If they didn't mention this to him I would walk, who knows what else they're hiding. Insurance write-off categorys: A - Usually fire damaged (burnt-out), flood damaged, or severely damaged with no servicable parts. B - Damaged beyond economical repair and/or severe structural damage. C - Damaged, but repairable. Generally applied to older vehicles. D - Slightly damaged sometimes stolen and found after claim has been paid or high cost of repair combined with difficulty obtaining new parts to enable a swift repair.

could'nt have said it better myself

[ohidunno]

Neil_H said:

If it's an MGF I'm guessing it spun off which could mean significant damage. If they didn't mention this to him I would walk, who knows what else they're hiding.

If the sellers knew about the listing and didn't say....walk away. Thanking them for wasting your time.

If the sellers didn't know about this problem they aren't going to have any paperwork......walk away.

That's what I'd do anyway

[Bruce Fielding]

Walk away - life's too short for tragedy at such a tender age!