Buying a Cat N write off?

[CRAIGO]

I’ve found a fully loaded 3.0l 2004 with every option from factory. It’s been Cat D (non structural) written off for damage to a wing in 2010 but looks in great shape now. Apparently just a bolt off and on jobbie but seriously, how does that happen? Are the front wings mega money from BMW inc labour - bare in mind this was when the car was only 6 years old when written off.

It’s worth more than the current sellers asking obviously, but should cars like this be avoided at all costs?

Do insurance companies jack up the costs much more on Cat N and can it ever be worth considering a Cat N on an old 2004 car like the Z4?

 

[JamieZ4C]

I find it very hard to believe that a 6 year old, fully loaded, 3.0l Z4 would have been written off because a wing was damaged. Must have been more to it than that. Doesn't mean you shouldn't consider buying the car though.

Very few (if any) insurers would charge you more to insure a Cat N, although one or two may decline to quote. Just be aware that (for the same reason you would be buying the car cheaper), they will probably pay out less if it's written off again. The lower value would also make it more likely to be written off (e.g. £2k damage to a £3k car = write off, £2k damage to a £4k car = not write off).

 

[Mister T]

It's obviously been fine for the last 8 years, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[kis]

Someone had their car crashed into while parked not long ago. Have a look for the thread, it’s literally a bolt on panel, as with most of the Zed. His wasn’t written off although I think it was a coupe.

 

[wingnut]

I agree with Jamiez4c that it was likely to be more than just a wing replacement.
I suspect that there could well have been some suspension /wheel damage. Not that that is an issue provided the repairs were undertaken properly.
If it has been used for some time since the accident I guess it must be running true although an alignment check would not do any harm

 

[buzyg]

If the repair was eight years ago and the car has been used regularly since, I can-t see there being anything serious to worry about. Treat it like any other older car, have a good look in the area of the repair for unexpected rust, in case something was welded and not painted up properly and check a few insurance quotes to be sure you won't get stung there.

 

[maxman]

If the repair was eight years ago and the car has been used regularly since, I can-t see there being anything serious to worry about. Treat it like any other older car, have a good look in the area of the repair for unexpected rust, in case something was welded and not painted up properly and check a few insurance quotes to be sure you won't get stung there.

As above,it might be worth asking if the seller has any photos of the damage prior to the repair.These could be usefull come the time when you sell.

 

[Yorkie Z]

Repair bills are crazy money, it’s easy for a car to be a write off. Don’t forget courtesy car coats all get added to the repair bill.

Go for it

 

[Yorkie Z]

Cat D/N on Copart with 55k on the clock

 

[Ewazix]

Cat D in particular was widely abused, this was a Cat D featured in an on-line investigation a couple of years ago
I have bought two Cat D cars in the past both were fine, but in both cases there were photo's of the damage and receipts for the parts fitted without this you are buying blind.

 

[rally-chris]

The fact that the damage and repair was years ago means that any poor workmanship in the repair is likely to have been resolved by now.

However I’d be wanting to know how many owners it has had in the interim as that may indicate if the car is a dog or not post repair. If the person selling it has had it for a long time then that would be a good indicator.

Chris

 

[CRAIGO]

Cheers guys!

Current owner has had it around 1 year and fitted new wheels and MTec brake disks/pads and track rod ends (for slight play) based on MOT advisory. Previous owner apparently had it since 2010 when the write-off occured. I will definately want to see images or records of repair so I can hone in on those areas.

I've a few irons in the fire on other cars - just waiting on sellers to get back to me. Although it's a good time to be buying, it's not a good time for arranging viewings as it seems most sellers are away or endulging in festivities or actually don't want to sell the car they're advertising!

I was hoping to pick up a Z4 during the festive holidays but it's looking unlikely.

Thanks

 

[kis]

I’ll be easier once Christmas has actually passed. People will have stopped indulging by then!

 

[Sideways Steve]

in the past I have owned CAT C cars that were better than CAT D cars. CatD used to be abused by people due to the fact you didn't have to have them inspected after repair to get back on the road therefore there are quite a few badly repaired cars running about. CAT C cars had to be repaired an inspected so I have found in the past these tend to have been repaired to a much higher standard to ensure they pass the VOSA inspection.

I should add though, it shouldn't put you off, just make sure you give the car a proper look over and ensure everything looks to be done properly.

 

[Fox889]

The market for Cat registered cars is somewhat niche.
When it comes to selling your Cat registered car, the person buying your car will be in the same position you're in now......wondering about iff's & but's.
Cheap(er) to buy so therefore cheap(er) to sell.