Category D stolen and Recovered Mini One

[lolapop]

Thinking of buying a stolen/recovered Mini One from a salvage company. Car is Category D with damage to rear bumper and light. 2007 with 19222 miles on the clock, 1.4 petrol in black.

Advertised price is £4995 and I am very interested but never bought a cat D before. My insurer will cover me (Direct Line) but I am unsure what a reasonable offer would be?

[JC2012]

In theory theres no harm in buying a CAT D car - it may have been damaged in its 1st year of ownership and the person simply requested a new vehicle from the insurers as opposed to getting the existing vehicle repaired. As long as the repairs have been carried out well the price of the vehicle is said to be approx. 50% of its market value. So if this car is worth £9000 you should pay anywhere between £4500-5000

Hope this helps.

[mazdajason]

As above but also think of potential next owners, they may be put off by CAT D so make sure everything is in order and its all ok.

[DanGT]

Get a good idea of how much it will cost to repair. It can some times add up to a lot more than you think. The price when you get read of it will also be a lot lower so dont forget. Get a insurance quote befor just to make shore they are not going to add to much.

[Gunk]

Ask if the seller has any pre repair photographs, so you can see how bad the damage was, I would also check the front chassis legs to see if it has had a pull.