Damage signs when buying used

[MHerbi]

I'm sure we've all at least looked at a used car at some point- some specimens are always better than others

A friend of mine is currently looking for a MK5 Polo used and has found a 2 year old 11,000 mile example

On ringing the seller, we're told the previous owner wrote it off by rear-ending another car. I was told that the front bumper and side panels were replaced as well as some mechanical repairs before it was re-registered with DVLA.

I'm still, however, worried about some damage remaining so what should I look for when I go along to visit it?

I'm thinking of things like:
Tracking being out
Steering rack damage
Radiator Damage
Air-con Damage

And how would I identify these?

Anyone have any similar stories or any news of a used car that then went south shortly after purchase at your cost?

[anothernameitist]

Sounds like one to walk away from. Is it CAT C?

You could ask for before and after photos.

Pleantly of Polos about though

Edited by anothernameitist on Thursday 7th August 15:41

[bobfett]

Leave it in this case.

[oilslick]

If it was a rare car I'd suggest getting it properly inspected.

In this case, there are hundreds more out there, why take a risk?

[steveo3002]

yeah id leave it

but if you want it , look to make sure all panel gaps are even and straight , doors all close nicley , gaps around the headlights and grill are good . look at tyre wear on the fronts , is the steering wheel straight when driving , then have a look at the paint - does it all match , front end shiney and matches the rest ? any dodgy looking paint in the engine bay etc

[MHerbi]

It is a CAT C and is priced at £5400 but the seller is a wannabe Wheeler Dealer and he said he wants a quick sale so would be open to dropping the price low

[Grandad7184]

I would walk away plenty of Polos about

I just picked up my OH a 61 plate 1.2 match with Bluetooth and sensors for 6900 with 10,000miles from a dealer

[anothernameitist]

How low will he drop it?

Its already £1000 to £1500 saving on a comparable 2012 Polo depending on exact spec.

Sounds like he wants shut of it.

Any car written off especially CAT C will be hard to sell on in the future, unless you intend to keep it

[edc]

For a non-mechanic roadside check you are barely going to be able to get access to these items let alone inspect them properly. The best you can do yourself is look for any obvious visual signs of damage and check that they work without any undue noises.

[Spare tyre]

do cat c cars cost more to insure?

i often get asked if the car im inusring has been written off

[MHerbi]

Spare tyre said:

do cat c cars cost more to insure?

i often get asked if the car im inusring has been written off

I believe they do actually, I just typed 'Cat C car' into google and got a load of hits about specialist cat c insurance etc

[paulshears]

You should look for crash damage on any car you buy, even a brand new one.

I'm lucky as my Dad's a mechanic & my brother does paint & bodywork, so I take one of them (or both)

I think "write off's" been more to insure is a myth, I've had CAT C's in the past & one of my current car's is CAT C & I don't seem to pay more £££'s ... my crap postcode is the bit that costs me more lol

I think if you crash a CAT C again you won't get as much money off your insurance company.

MAIN PROBLEM is when you want to sell a CAT C ... It's worth less when you come to sell it & even when you stick it up for sale cheap people come & see it & offer even less than your already cheap price

[rallycross]

If you don't know what you are doing don't buy it unless you have someone to help who really knows what to look for. Last plate cat C will have had a big repair, you need to be sure it was fixed to a good standard loads of badly repaired cars out there.

[bakerstreet]

Spare tyre said:

do cat c cars cost more to insure?

i often get asked if the car im inusring has been written off

I asked my insurance company and they said as long as it had a valid MOT it was fine and wouldn't make any difference.

Also, Cat C cars can be sold, they are just cheaper and usually take longer to sell than cars or a similar age. Simples.

[vinnie01]

MHerbi said:

I'm sure we've all at least looked at a used car at some point- some specimens are always better than others

A friend of mine is currently looking for a MK5 Polo used and has found a 2 year old 11,000 mile example

On ringing the seller, we're told the previous owner wrote it off by rear-ending another car. I was told that the front bumper and side panels were replaced as well as some mechanical repairs before it was re-registered with DVLA.

I'm still, however, worried about some damage remaining so what should I look for when I go along to visit it?

I'm thinking of things like:
Tracking being out
Steering rack damage
Radiator Damage
Air-con Damage

And how would I identify these?

Anyone have any similar stories or any news of a used car that then went south shortly after purchase at your cost?

dont forget consistent panel gaps aswell. how does the car 'sit' on flat level ground?