V5C CAT S

forgotmyname

MOT's dont check a lot of things, they cannot fail things if they cannot see them. I know someone that fitted a body kit to
hide rusty sills.

Health check? Does that check structural repairs?

Its when you start looking and find the crash bars missing and the bumper is held on with some self tappers.

zanzebrak

I heard an article on one of those consumer TV programmes you cannot even be sure you've not bought a done up repaired right off or stolen car even if you do pay and check for HPI as the whole system relies on insurance companies volunteering the info to  HPI and many just don't bother/ are way behind reporting vehicles they should report.   Its a poor state of affairs if you ask me.  

jimjames

Friend bought a car with Cat S marker. Only damage was to boot floor pan below bumper where it was dented. Knocked it out with a bit of wood and it was all good. Had 3 for 3 years with no issues.

Cat S on an older car doesn't mean the whole car was twisted and bent although on a much newer car that may be the case.

zanzebrak said:

I heard an article on one of those consumer TV programmes you cannot even be sure you've not bought a done up repaired right off or stolen car even if you do pay and check for HPI as the whole system relies on insurance companies volunteering the info to  HPI and many just don't bother/ are way behind reporting vehicles they should report.   Its a poor state of affairs if you ask me.  

Nothing to do with insurance companies not bothering, there isn't a way to do it. HPI flag is only relevant if the car is written off. You could have a seriously damaged new car back on the road with no marker and no information recorded that any future owner would know that it has happened. An old car with £200 damage could get a cat N and be written off for dented door.

AdrianC

jimjames said:

Friend bought a car with Cat S marker. Only damage was to boot floor pan below bumper where it was dented.
...
Cat S on an older car doesn't mean the whole car was twisted and bent although on a much newer car that may be the case.

You do realise you just described "structural damage" on your friend's car?

Very much a bodge repair, too, with none of the lost strength put back in. Another nudge, and it'll just re-bend in the exact same place.

AdrianC

zanzebrak said:

I heard an article on one of those consumer TV programmes you cannot even be sure you've not bought a done up repaired right off or stolen car even if you do pay and check for HPI as the whole system relies on insurance companies volunteering the info to  HPI and many just don't bother/ are way behind reporting vehicles they should report.   Its a poor state of affairs if you ask me.  

Except that the car in question IS recorded... It says so on the V5C...

sumvision2027

payed for a full hpi check, car was written off 4 years ago, involved in an accident 

Damaged areas: - RearOffside - Rear - RearNearside