Buy a Cat D car - any advice

OddballJamie

jw1096 wrote: »

Need some advice if anyone is able to advise, I've seen an Audi a1 for sale, 2011 plate on a cat D and the damage involved was a front end collision with the bumper and lights being replaced, and the bonnet needing a re spray so fairly minor by the sounds of things. I intend to be driving the car for a long time so I'm not overly concerned with resale values but want to ensure that I'm getting a cracking deal if I'm buying a previously damaged car.

The link is here - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201310189343440/sort/default/usedcars/model/a1/make/audi/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/quicksearch/true/radius/1500/postcode/ba228ht?logcode=p

Anyone see any red flags I should be looking for here?

Regards

Jo

Shame they couldn't have dried it for the photos.

As they repair the cars on the premises ask to see pre-repair photos of the damage, as I would think it would be more minor damage to write off a 2 year old Audi.

If you are seriously considering it, I would recommend getting a full check done on it by a trustworthy garage or AA/RAC incase it's got hidden damage behind the bumper.

fivetide

OddballJamie wrote: »

As they repair the cars on the premises ask to see pre-repair photos of the damage, as I would think it would be more minor damage to write off a 2 year old Audi.

.

This.

My thought with the original thread (and following discussions on Cat D or not) would be a Cat D car written off for a dented wing because it wasn't worth much anyway = fine.

Expensive car that has been in a smash (not stolen recovered) early on it its life and written off.... very wary.

As said, it could well have been fixed up to look ok but I would want it properly inspected before even considering buying. Again, check insurance prices too.

Hintza

As above ask for pre-accident photos. Work out how hard it was hit and then deduct 20% - 30% from the price of an undamaged one.

If you are worried or have any concerns have it inspected.

Looks quite tidy to me.