CAT D car spotted - will status void manufacturers warranty?

[Legend83]

Hi all,

We have spotted a Hyundai Santa Fe for sale which is a CAT D write-off. All other things being equal, the balance of the Hyundai 5-year warranty is over 2 years.

I rang the dealer today and asked what the history of the car was - N/S/F quarter and bonnet panels damaged and replaced, no structural chassis damage. The chap on the phone said this voided the Hyundai warranty but that he could sell me a 3rd party warranty....

...is this the case? Presumably if they think so I am going to have a hard time getting them to tranfer any Hyundai warranty certificate?

Repairs were carried out by an "independent repairer" and the dealer has no photographic evidence of the accident - avoid?

[C.A.R.]

Don't buy a CAT D car full stop, unless it's 50p.

[Dog Star]

C.A.R. said:

Don't buy a CAT D car full stop, unless it's 50p.

[Legend83]

C.A.R. said:

Don't buy a CAT D car full stop, unless it's 50p.

I am fully aware of the implications of buying a CAT D from a value perspective. The dealer appears to have applied a 30% discount. I know selling them is hassle however we PLAN to keep this car for a long time and have written off the purchase cost in our heads already.

[C.A.R.]

Dog Star said:

What's wrong with that opinion?

I bought a CAT D and had nothing but trouble. The fact the car was a bargain was soon out-weighed by the cost of subsequent repairs it needed and that I couldn't sell it because it was worth f*ckall.

[steveo3002]

if you plan to keep it then buy a unmolested original car

new quarter panel will likely rust sooner than orig parts , plus chances of paint problems and bodged on trims etc

[Legend83]

steveo3002 said:

if you plan to keep it then buy a unmolested original car

new quarter panel will likely rust sooner than orig parts , plus chances of paint problems and bodged on trims etc

Fair comment. I guess the £13k price tag for what would normally be a £20k car is appealing...pay cheap, pay twice etc.

However, if I got an RAC inspection that checked out that would give me some assurance.

[steveo3002]

if anything i would have a bodywork expert look it over carefully if you really want it

but they still wont see what the paint is hiding

[Deva Link]

Legend83 said:

...is this the case?

Yes.

If you've not done this kind of thing before, have you checked the insurance situation?

[Remagel2507]

C.A.R. said:

Dog Star said:

What's wrong with that opinion?

I bought a CAT D and had nothing but trouble. The fact the car was a bargain was soon out-weighed by the cost of subsequent repairs it needed and that I couldn't sell it because it was worth f*ckall.

Just out of interest what car was it and was the extent of the damage?

[Legend83]

Deva Link said:

Yes.

If you've not done this kind of thing before, have you checked the insurance situation?

I have not, good point.

If yes is in answer to the OP question then perhaps I will leave it as the whole reason for looking at the Santa Fe was the back-up of the Hyundai warranty.

Ok, cheers for clarifying.

[750turbo]

Deva Link said:

Legend83 said:

...is this the case?

Yes.

If you've not done this kind of thing before, have you checked the insurance situation?

Nope, we'll it never used to be.

Look in any busy bodyshop, you will see loads of cars still under the OEM warranty being repaired.

Will the warranty be voided on these?

Nope!

[Melman Giraffe]

What are the different cat's out of interest?

[David911RSR]

C.A.R. said:

Dog Star said:

What's wrong with that opinion?

I bought a CAT D and had nothing but trouble. The fact the car was a bargain was soon out-weighed by the cost of subsequent repairs it needed and that I couldn't sell it because it was worth f*ckall.

I purchased a Cat D car a number of years ago and it was a gem. I only sold it to fund a house restoration 3 years later. The manufacturers warranty was honoured and I extended the official warranty without any questions. A dealer sold it on an SOR basis for a good price. The price I paid reflected the car's status as did the sale price.

[750turbo]

Melman Giraffe said:

What are the different cat's out of interest?

http://www.whatcar.com/car-advice/running/what-is-...

[Deva Link]

750turbo said:

Look in any busy bodyshop, you will see loads of cars still under the OEM warranty being repaired.

Of course, but they've not been written off.

[s3fella]

C.A.R. said:

Dog Star said:

What's wrong with that opinion?

I bought a CAT D and had nothing but trouble. The fact the car was a bargain was soon out-weighed by the cost of subsequent repairs it needed and that I couldn't sell it because it was worth f*ckall.

No, mate, you bought a st car.

Should have bought a good one.


Not wrong with cat d repaird cars if they've been done properly.

How much do y ou think you'd have to pay for insurance if they did not sell salvage?

[Legend83]

Fee free to laugh at me, but should I just ring my local friendly Hyundai dealer and ask them?

[David911RSR]

Legend83 said:

Fee free to laugh at me, but should I just ring my local friendly Hyundai dealer and ask them?

There is a good chance they will not know that the car has been written off as Insurance companies like to use their own bodyshops and inspectors. Providing it has been repaired to a good standard, you should not have a problem with warranty. What damage did the car suffer for it to be written off? If it went for a swim and this caused electrical issues, questions may be raised!

[750turbo]

Deva Link said:

750turbo said:

Look in any busy bodyshop, you will see loads of cars still under the OEM warranty being repaired.

Of course, but they've not been written off.

But Cat D's are not necessary write offs though...