On the face of it they seam like a bargain - I've got my eye on one that's 20% less than list price, fully repaired from body panel only damage - no chassis damage. Is there any drawback to this, could the outstanding manufacturers warranty be void?
Chat Forum
[closed]
Cat D cars, experiences anyone?
-
Posted 1 year ago #
-
No experience but the Cat D status will affect the insurance cost I think
Posted 1 year ago # -
I know that some insurers won't insure Cat D or C cars either.
Posted 1 year ago # -
You'd best be checking with the manufacturer first
Posted 1 year ago # -
On the face of it they seam like a bargain - I've got my eye on one that's 20% less than list price, fully repaired from body panel only damage - no chassis damage. Is there any drawback to this, could the outstanding manufacturers warranty be void?
My 1.4 Fiesta Zetec is a CAT D. Just had a bit of front wing damage that a friend sorted and resprayed. Insurance was with Carol Nash and while there was not extra premium for the car being CAT D, they did want a engineers report saying the car was road worthy. This just consisted of a letter from matey who did the repairs, as he had a garage, writing a letter saying the car was fine.
From my experience though, every insurance company handles these differently, so do not assume anything and ring your intended insurance company and tell them everything.
My car was a 03 plate so no warranty in place so that was not an issue.
Posted 1 year ago # -
20% doesn't sound like enough of a price difference to me, it'll always be worth less and takes your potential buyers done to only a handful. 40% sounds more like it to me.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Gonna be much more difficult to shift regardless of price differential. Id be happy with a cat d car if I were going to keep it for many years. Plus as above, I'd expect at least 30% cheaper.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Oh and also dealers will not touch a Cat D so you will not be able to trade in at a later date. I only bought mine as I am a new driver and insurance premiums being what they are, I cannot see me changing vehicles for 3 years or so.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for the reply, although not the answers I was hoping for.
Maybe I'm reading it wrong but it's a roadworthy car that the insurer found easier to sell on a a reduced price than pay for the repairs and hire car. A Cat C is different and needs work to make it roadworthy.
I usually keep my cars a long time (I've had the current one over 6 years) so if I can get the price down it may be worth a punt.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Oh and also dealers will not touch a Cat D so you will not be able to trade in at a later date
Doesn't match with what I've seen of others with cat D's.
Cat D is really nothing to be scared of. Everyone is scared of them, hence the lower value, but by definition there should have been minimal damage, and nothing structural. I'd happily buy one. But then I can check my car over confidently knowing I'll spot just about anything that's wrong with it, it may not be sensible if you're not in that position yourself.
Posted 1 year ago # -
No, not everyone is scared of them. If everyone was scared of them they'd be less than 50% of book value!!
Two things, you need to know what the pre-damage was and bills/receipts IMO. As much info as possible.
Someone could say 'cosmetic scratches due to a domestic mate with a respray' when in reality it could have been flood damaged/write off.
20% saving is NOWHERE near enough for the hassle. Unless you run cars into the ground you'll want to sell a car again one day (for alot less and harder to sell).
In addition, what if in a years time it throws up some majot bills but you can't get rid?
Some good Cat C/D cars out there but beware the newer the write off the dodgier ground you are on...
To write off a 10yr old car the damage might be negligable (value versus repair cost to insurers write off criteria). Newer repaired cars may have had corners cut to get it back on the road.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I quite fancy this Cat D car (and accessories)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Who is the tranny next to it?
Posted 1 year ago #
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.
