Would you buy a CAT D?

[Abed20]

Thinking about changing over to a E92 BMW 335i... so many things appeal to me about it - Looks, price range, tuneable, decent sounding with an exhaust to go... and well RWD fun

I’ve read all about the N54 issues and the pro’s of getting a N55 model- single turbo, sounds better + facelift with the option of DCT gearbox instead of the 6 Spd Auto found in prev models.

My dilemma is that I’ve found great examples of the N54 + N55 models that are both cat d... however they are considerably cheaper than non-damaged vehicles as expected and come with a tasteful spec... however both vehicles have slightly high mileage.

90K 335i with N54 - Turbos and fuel pump replaced, + a race exhaust system... FSH for ~£8K.

And

70K 335i with N55 - Cat D repaired also but with no mods and no FSH for ~£9k

I love the package I’d be getting out of either car, but is it worth the money on CAT D repaired cars with 60K/70K+ mileage?

[nmd87]

No, I wouldn't buy a CAT D.

[g40steve]

No Chance.
Theres a reason they are cheap, no one wants them.

[boyse7en]

Yes


...and no.


I've bought a Cat D before, and my current car was written off so I bought it back off of the insurance company and repaired it so that is a repaired Cat D too.
Difference is that my two Cat Ds were about £500 each to buy, and i knew what was wrong with them (front end knocks in both cases)
I wouldn't be so keen on a cat D at £8k as that would mean that there was a lot more damage and that a lot more work had been done on it

[ZX10R NIN]

Yes especially if you can see photos of the damage before the repair, get the cars thoroughly checked over before buying, also be aware that it may take longer to sell when you're ready to move on.

Check all the paperwork look for lots of receipts for parts especially if there was suspension damage.

[Andehh]

Surely it all depends on the damage? What was damage, where etc? if someone keyed all body panels which was then painted by owner's brother etc - yeah, fair enough! If stolen and recovered a mile away with no visible damage - yeah why not.

[WonkeyDonkey]

If it was a car just for me I would as my old mx5 was a cat D.

Anything for the family would have to be as clean as possible.

To be honest I'd only buy cat D if under £3k. Anything over would just be a nightmare to sell on again I'd thought.

[bmwmatt24]

I've never bought a CAT D, but that's not to say I wouldn't. I would want to see photos of the damage before purchasing though.

[steveo3002]

i would if it was a tiny fraction of the price of a straight one , and that i could see pics of the original damage

they all claim to be a tiny scuff on a bumper corner hey?

[HayesDC2]

If you can get the vin give it a google, I found images of a car I was offered on copart before it was repaired.

Will be less likely to appear but could also google site:copart.co.uk and then the first 4 of the reg followed by ***