"Has been damaged" - Would you or wouldn't you..?

[Waugh-terfall]

I'm currently looking for a Panda 100HP for around £6k, no older than 57-reg, preferably in Blue, Grey or White, with the SkyDome, but it's not a deal breaker, anyway. I've found this one, and it's absolutely perfect, and a pretty good deal, BUT, the ad says "has previously suffered damage to the bumper and door", but doesn't mention whether it's recorded on VCar as a Cat-D or Cat-C or something... I've emailed the dealer asking if it is and how bad the damage was etc, if it's not a Cat-D or C, would you or wouldn't you..?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

2009 '09' Fiat Panda 100HP w/ SkyDome- 16,500mi - £5,390

[JohnnyRims]

Difficult to say without knowing the nature and extent of the damage, and having not done any research on these I'm not sure how keenly priced this example is?

If the dealer is very forthcoming (maybe even having photographs about the damage, invoices for repairs etc) and it was fairly minor stuff for a decent discount then I'd go for it - especially if it's something you're looking to keep for a long time. Obviously inspect the repair closely yourself.

If it's a Cat D I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

Edit: Hard to see how that would be a Cat D without having taken a SERIOUS smash.

[Kiltox]

If it's not categorised I'm unsure why the seller is saying it has been damaged.

I've just traded in a car that was damaged and repaired by my insurer - didn't tell the dealer and the new owner will be none the wiser - why should they know?

[Stuey145]

isn't there something that if a car is cat c/d and it's being sold by a trader/dealer they HAVE to declare as being such and produce the VIC???

Or am I completely imagining that???????

[Waugh-terfall]

JohnnyRims said:

Difficult to say without knowing the nature and extent of the damage, and having not done any research on these I'm not sure how keenly priced this example is?

Between £800-£1,000 off similar cars

[JohnnyRims]

Waugh-terfall said:

JohnnyRims said:

Difficult to say without knowing the nature and extent of the damage, and having not done any research on these I'm not sure how keenly priced this example is?

Between £800-£1,000 off similar cars

Obviously there are your personal circumstances/preferences to take into account. If it's not Cat D I'd go along and have a look, if it was just a cracked bumper or something which had been repaired and you can't tell, I'd take it. If it's a fairly noticeable repair or it is Cat D (likely, considering the seller has bothered to mention it) I wouldn't go near it. You're looking at tidy examples with the amount you're looking to spend, no point settling to have a slightly newer number plate!

[AJS-]

If it was minor damage and has been repaired well then there is no reason why not. But my own feeling here says that there is no good reason too either.

For the want of saving 500-1000 pounds off a car that has never been damaged, it's not worth the risk, or the added difficulty of selling it in future.

[Waugh-terfall]

Just noticed the ad says pics available, still no email though... Fingers crossed it's fine, because that would be perfect (but probably too good to be true), although it's 160mi away in Sheffield...

[curlie467]

E-mail? pick up the bloody phone and speak to them!

[AntJC]

This is the telling part of the description IMHO:

"this car should retail at over £9000 with this spec and mileage so a bargain at. £5,390"

Its going to recorded, either Cat C or D I think.

God luck.

[kambites]

I'd be surprised if it hasn't been written off, the dealer wouldn't mention the damage at all if it wasn't (they probably wouldn't even know about the damage). Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with cat-D or even cat-C as long as I had some means of verification that the car had been repaired properly. Obviously it would need to be significantly cheaper than other examples that weren't write-offs.

Edited by kambites on Tuesday 22 March 10:14

[E30M3SE]

The wording in the advert reads in a familliar manner, I'm sure I have spoken to them re another car a few months ago, when asked if it was recorded the answer was "yes".

[cheesesliceking]

JohnnyRims said:

If it's a Cat D I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

So if it's in the category of write off with the least damage (bar X) making it the easiest and cheapest to repair, and is classed as REPAIRABLE then you'd not touch it...

makes perfect sense...

CAT D, isnt a serious smash... its to do with parts prices, and availability, and considers hire car costs for the owner.

[airportparking]

I have bought and sold many cat c and d cars, all I can see is go there with your eyes wide open, look around the car paying more attention then you usually would to the bodywork, most are repaired very well as the buyer wants to sell it for good money, if all is well go for it, dont let the CAT put you off

[edo]

Waugh-terfall said:

Just noticed the ad says pics available, still no email though... Fingers crossed it's fine, because that would be perfect (but probably too good to be true), although it's 160mi away in Sheffield...

Bound to be cat D chap - they wouldnt mention it otherwise...

[W00DY]

edo said:

Bound to be cat D chap - they wouldnt mention it otherwise...

Either that or it's been obviously bodged. One to avoid I think.

[i remember]

Depends on the type of car for me.

2 examples - Mk1 Focus RS can easily be put down as a CAT D after a small bump due to body panels not being availible anymore, it doesnt nessicarily mean that its had a bad knock.

Fibreblass cars - TVR's can be written off easier than other cars due to the nature of the body, if bodies are one piece then that means having to cut back so far to replace in quaters or in half, so seeing as its pricey the insurer could just have it down as a write off. Which is always a shame

[edo]

Chap, this one is only 38 miles from you, slightly more miles but no category and same price...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[Fast Bug]

Rather than the world and his wife stating that it must be a cat a/b/c/d/e/f/g write off, pick up the phone and ask the dealer directly. Then ask for the reg number and get it HPI'd for your peace of mind

[edo]

Fast Bug said:

Rather than the world and his wife stating that it must be a cat a/b/c/d/e/f/g write off, pick up the phone and ask the dealer directly. Then ask for the reg number and get it HPI'd for your peace of mind

Tom, saved you a call. It is Cat D. Move along.