Cautiously investigating a category N Seat Leon ST

Kreggurree

I’m looking at a category N Seat Leon ST. My default position is not to buy unless I’m convinced of its history etc.

I managed to find the salvage report which says “damage is front end and minor scratches/dents”

As I can’t post links/photos this is the lot code that goes after “uksalvage. Info/lot/ gANYDwAAADExMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg“

I’d get the RAC to do their highest level inspection if I do consider it.

One thing I’ve noticed in the history that whoever bought it from the repairer only had the car for 2 months: is there something they didn’t like about the car?
and the mileage has gone up from 2602 to 25000: is 10000 a month normal for business/trade use?

Like I said my default is no but at 30% less than the equivalent non cat N I’m looking at I don’t want to not at least look.

AdrianC

Kreggurree wrote: »

I managed to find the salvage report which says “damage is front end and minor scratches/dents”

Remember - the one thing you know for sure is that the insurer felt it was cheaper to cut their losses by writing the car off than repairing it.

As I can’t post links/photos this is the lot code that goes after “uksalvage. Info/lot/ gANYDwAAADExMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg“

Even removing the spaces, it doesn't work for me.

One thing I’ve noticed in the history that whoever bought it from the repairer only had the car for 2 months: is there something they didn’t like about the car?

My psychic abilities are failing me here, too.

and the mileage has gone up from 2602 to 25000: is 10000 a month normal for business/trade use?

More likely there's been a typo, and the initial figure should have been 26k, which has then got rounded-down to 25k.

mattyprice4004

Is 10,000 miles normal in a month?
Are you really asking if it’s normal for a car to be driven over 300 miles a day, 7 days a week?

facade

Kreggurree wrote: »

One thing I’ve noticed in the history that whoever bought it from the repairer only had the car for 2 months: is there something they didn’t like about the car?

I work on the principle that there is always something "wrong" with a second hand car that is for sale.


Trying to sell a just repaired CAT N 2 months after you bought it, suggests whatever is "wrong" probably isn't going to be "The partner doesn't like the colour"

Kreggurree

Thank you for your replies. You’re pretty much confirming my thoughts.

As for the mileage there is a photo of the odometer at the low amount, unless they’ve got it set to trip distance maybe.

https:// www. uksalvage.info/lot/ gANYDwAAADIxMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg%3D%3D/

Ps. Sorry my post wasn’t the easiest to read, it was rather late.

motorguy

Kreggurree wrote: »

I’m looking at a category N Seat Leon ST. My default position is not to buy unless I’m convinced of its history etc.

I managed to find the salvage report which says “damage is front end and minor scratches/dents”

As I can’t post links/photos this is the lot code that goes after “uksalvage. Info/lot/ gANYDwAAADExMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg“

I’d get the RAC to do their highest level inspection if I do consider it.

One thing I’ve noticed in the history that whoever bought it from the repairer only had the car for 2 months: is there something they didn’t like about the car?
and the mileage has gone up from 2602 to 25000: is 10000 a month normal for business/trade use?

Like I said my default is no but at 30% less than the equivalent non cat N I’m looking at I don’t want to not at least look.

Chances are they bought it to repair and sell on at a profit.

They will have maximised their profit by patching, straightening or repairing parts instead of replacing them, using used parts from spurious sources which may not be off that model / year of car and / or using pattern fit / motor factor parts rather than OEM ones to keep the cost down and put the most £,£££ back in their pocket.

Tread with care.

motorguy

facade wrote: »

I work on the principle that there is always something "wrong" with a second hand car that is for sale.


Trying to sell a just repaired CAT N 2 months after you bought it, suggests whatever is "wrong" probably isn't going to be "The partner doesn't like the colour"

It'll have been bought to repair and resell for profit.

No doubt, as you say, there'll be some cursory reason put on it - need a bigger / smaller car, need a manual / auto, need a diesel / petrol - delete as appropriate.

AdrianC

OK, linky now worky.

https://www.uksalvage.info/lot/gANYDwAAADIxMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg%3D%3D/

Front end doesn't look too bad - but a pair of airbags, dash, airbag ECU? And the passenger footwell looks sodden. Glass all over seats?

Mercdriver

AdrianC wrote: »

OK, linky now worky.

https://www.uksalvage.info/lot/gANYDwAAADIxMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg%3D%3D/

Front end doesn't look too bad - but a pair of airbags, dash, airbag ECU? And the passenger footwell looks sodden. Glass all over seats?

Ah, that will buff out with a little T-cut lol

motorguy

AdrianC wrote: »

OK, linky now worky.

https://www.uksalvage.info/lot/gANYDwAAADIxMjE5MTAyMTg1OTA0MHEALg%3D%3D/

Front end doesn't look too bad - but a pair of airbags, dash, airbag ECU? And the passenger footwell looks sodden. Glass all over seats?

Its a no from me. Lots of work there. Lots of risk of corner cutting...

facade

motorguy wrote: »

It'll have been bought to repair and resell for profit.

No doubt, as you say, there'll be some cursory reason put on it - need a bigger / smaller car, need a manual / auto, need a diesel / petrol - delete as appropriate.

I read it as it had been repaired, punted on, and whoever bought it was getting rid after 2 months.
Most likely reason in my crystal ball would be water ingress, either a popped seam letting wet into the cabin or electrical problems because the wiring is corroded from when it was stood outside in the rain with the bonnet half up and a wing hanging off.


I know about buying for profit, it seems a lot of work, the youtube guy I follow usually watches 30 cars in an auction, bids on 10 and might actually win one with enough money left in to make it worthwhile, and then he gets "mates rates" for paintwork.