How to find out what CAT-D damage?

[105.4]

I’m after a R50 MINI Cooper S for the Wife and have found one that looks reasonable for the money 30 miles down the road from me.

It was first registered in 2004, but was classed as a Cat-D write-off in 2007. How would I find out the extent or type of damage the vehicle sustained 14 years ago?

It’s only a £2000 car, and after all, if it’s been regularly used and MOT’d since then, I’m guessing the damage can’t have been too severe, especially as it was only a Cat-D.

Is the vehicle’s history likely to effect insurance quotes? With the prices of these just starting to go up and the Wife after a smaller, more economical daily than her 4.7 Jeep, I’d quite like a Cooper S as a bit of a keeper.

Thanks in advance

[chrisch77]

It might be too long ago for there to be records but worth a search on https://www.vcheck.uk/ as it could bring up salvage auction photos.

[Mr Tidy]

My only concern would be that if it was a Cat D when it was 3 years old there could have been quite a bit of damage. I have a mate who was in the trade doing body repairs then salvage who would be able to check it for any signs of poor previous repairs, so would get him to take a look at it. If you know anyone like that ask them for some advice.

If it had happened in 2017 when it was 13 it could have been as little as a wing, bumper and headlight so not really a concern!

But the R53s do seem to have a good following now.

[ZX10R NIN]

As above do a Vcheck.

[105.4]

Thanks all

[GreatGranny]

OP, just looked on Atrader and there doesn't seem that many around with decent mileage under £2k so if that one is decent mileage and is in decent nick then it's a decent buy.
But as a few posters have said check it out properly first if you can.

It was 14 years ago so it's gone through 14 MOTs in that time and probably a few garage trips and is still on the road.

Is the MOT history ok?
General condition ok?

[georgeyboy12345]

Let us know how you got on with the vcheck, op (we’re a bunch of nosey parkers in here, well, at least I am!)

[105.4]

@Granny @georgeyboy

Thanks both.

The MOT history is showing advisories for underside rust, (and these MINIs do seem to rust), plus a little patch above the rear reg plate, (no biggie). The only other downside is that it doesn’t have a panoramic roof.

I’ll carry out the V-check tonight and arrange a viewing for this weekend as seen as it’s only 30 miles away.

I don’t really mind changing the oily bits, but even though I can weld and have the kit, significant metal-fab is just a pain in the bum. I had enough of that with my old Land Rover and my TVR to last me a lifetime ! That being said, I’ve just bought myself a 2006, 113’000 mile MX5 that needs new sills for £180. Maybe I’m just a sucker for punishment?

I’ll keep you all updated.

[ingenieur]

I tend to look at a car as it stands. i.e. look inside the boot under the carpet. Look around behind the front bumper. Look at the panel gaps. Check for uneven tyre wear. If all good then probably nothing wrong with it.

[Challo]

105.4 said:

@Granny @georgeyboy

Thanks both.

The MOT history is showing advisories for underside rust, (and these MINIs do seem to rust), plus a little patch above the rear reg plate, (no biggie). The only other downside is that it doesn’t have a panoramic roof.

I’ll carry out the V-check tonight and arrange a viewing for this weekend as seen as it’s only 30 miles away.

I don’t really mind changing the oily bits, but even though I can weld and have the kit, significant metal-fab is just a pain in the bum. I had enough of that with my old Land Rover and my TVR to last me a lifetime ! That being said, I’ve just bought myself a 2006, 113’000 mile MX5 that needs new sills for £180. Maybe I’m just a sucker for punishment?

I’ll keep you all updated.

As it’s the R53 they have known rust issues on the tailgate. Underneath they are fine, but can get scabby on the subframes.

As it’s a older car they can throw up some big bills for the clutch, supercharger repair. Check if they have been done.