Cat C/D etc - would you buy one?

Kenquattro · 21-05-15, 11:04 AM

I see my thread regarding the P Reg S2 for sale has had quite a few comments regarding the fact it is a Cat C.

The question is this, would you ever knowingly buy a car, especially a classic/rare one, that is a Cat C/D, on V Car or subject to a VIC check etc etc?

Flying Frank · 21-05-15, 11:17 AM

In a nutshell, and my personal opinion. No.

Hanuman · 21-05-15, 11:23 AM

I'd consider a Cat C/D subject to a detailed history of the initial damage and of course the current state, all subject to what the insurance companies quote.

CatD strikes me as being a somewhat more problematic area, as it's salvaged post payout by the insurers, and repaired at a lower cost than when they previously declined to repair. Either that means we're being fleeced by the corporate machine (no need to reply, it's a given), or the people doing the job are doing it cheaper for a reason (ie, lower quality workmanship).
Whether that makes it any less reliable than the CatC case is debatable, although more of the cars history is likely to have survived, if it was an enthusiasts vehicle. But I'd hate to be supporting the commercial practice, given the somewhat crappy treatment meted out by the scavengers.

Hanuman · 21-05-15, 11:25 AM

In the case of a regular vehicle that is simply going to get driven until it's demise, and then scrapped/recycled or sold having served it's purpose, then maybe with less concern. (CatC)

chalkyh · 21-05-15, 11:55 AM

Tis a difficult one, but - my 90 20V Sport is a Cat C and has the relevant marker on the logbook stating that it's 'substantially repaired and / or accident damaged; identity checked on 28-03-2011'. This will always - in my opinion - affect it's resale value. And yet, it's a genuine, low mileage, with history car that had a bent strut and rear beam and dented (but rusty) front wings all repaired. Even had new wings fitted. It's probably better than many others out there - but will never be worth what they are!

I still bought it knowing this because there weren't any similar or better cars around.

Emjay · 21-05-15, 12:07 PM

Yes, subject to my own independent verification of the work done. Buyer beware and all that. A cat classification is nothing more than an economically applied write by insurance companies.

A 'Cat D' car is a car that would cost less to repair than the value of the car, but the repair cost was still deemed excessive by the insurer.

A 'Cat C' car was damaged to a point where the repairs would have cost more than the value of the car.

Cat A and B cars are not allowed to be entered back into the market as they are inherently unsafe to drive.

I think has a car gets older and rarer then category status becomes less of an issue in terms of overall value or the vehicle.

Seen a few cars in my time that have suffered accident damage and because the repair has not gone through insurance claims and been categorised you would only know if you could spot the tell tale signs or there is some receipted work in the history file. At least with a Cat C/D you have some knowledge the car has had a mishap in its life. When you find creased box sections and you challenge the seller who simply gives a shrug of the shoulders and claims the accident must have happened in his ownership then time to walk away.

I did look at a Cat D beemer last year. Absolutely could not tell it had been in an accident and it was given a CAT D because the value to repair was simply to high for it to be economical for the insurance to pay out. The reason I didn't buy was due to it being a cabriolet and I cant get my head around rag top cars.

John. · 21-05-15, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chalkyh

I still bought it knowing this because there weren't any similar or better cars around.

Your's is a nice looking car.(bar the plates

)

Kenquattro · 21-05-15, 12:33 PM

That red 90 Sport used to belong to Richie on here, if not mistaken?

MSL · 21-05-15, 12:43 PM

My CQ is a Cat D. Very light front damage. The new parts to repair it are were no longer available. The previous owner bought it back from the insurers and replaced the parts with second hand items. Hasn't bothered me at all.

john johnson · 21-05-15, 01:07 PM

I've bought cat d before , I've bought stuff hpi clear and it's clear it's had "work" before

21-05-15, 11:23 AM	#3
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,006	I'd consider a Cat C/D subject to a detailed history of the initial damage and of course the current state, all subject to what the insurance companies quote. CatD strikes me as being a somewhat more problematic area, as it's salvaged post payout by the insurers, and repaired at a lower cost than when they previously declined to repair. Either that means we're being fleeced by the corporate machine (no need to reply, it's a given), or the people doing the job are doing it cheaper for a reason (ie, lower quality workmanship). Whether that makes it any less reliable than the CatC case is debatable, although more of the cars history is likely to have survived, if it was an enthusiasts vehicle. But I'd hate to be supporting the commercial practice, given the somewhat crappy treatment meted out by the scavengers. __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor Last edited by Hanuman; 21-05-15 at 01:10 PM. Reason: Clarification

21-05-15, 11:25 AM	#4
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,006	In the case of a regular vehicle that is simply going to get driven until it's demise, and then scrapped/recycled or sold having served it's purpose, then maybe with less concern. (CatC) __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor

21-05-15, 01:07 PM	#10
john johnson Moderator of sausages Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sheffield Posts: 13,331	I've bought cat d before , I've bought stuff hpi clear and it's clear it's had "work" before __________________ Mr OCD http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t144/jsquatts/ Daily rs4 b7 with buckets that play havoc with my piles And if you are reading this as James may would say ' you're a cock '

21-05-15, 11:17 AM	#2
Flying Frank 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kernow, Gods own county !! Posts: 2,388	In a nutshell, and my personal opinion. No.

21-05-15, 11:55 AM	#5
chalkyh Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 116	Tis a difficult one, but - my 90 20V Sport is a Cat C and has the relevant marker on the logbook stating that it's 'substantially repaired and / or accident damaged; identity checked on 28-03-2011'. This will always - in my opinion - affect it's resale value. And yet, it's a genuine, low mileage, with history car that had a bent strut and rear beam and dented (but rusty) front wings all repaired. Even had new wings fitted. It's probably better than many others out there - but will never be worth what they are! I still bought it knowing this because there weren't any similar or better cars around.

21-05-15, 12:07 PM	#6
Emjay Man Fettler Extraodinaire Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up my own arse blowing smoke Posts: 7,417	Yes, subject to my own independent verification of the work done. Buyer beware and all that. A cat classification is nothing more than an economically applied write by insurance companies. A 'Cat D' car is a car that would cost less to repair than the value of the car, but the repair cost was still deemed excessive by the insurer. A 'Cat C' car was damaged to a point where the repairs would have cost more than the value of the car. Cat A and B cars are not allowed to be entered back into the market as they are inherently unsafe to drive. I think has a car gets older and rarer then category status becomes less of an issue in terms of overall value or the vehicle. Seen a few cars in my time that have suffered accident damage and because the repair has not gone through insurance claims and been categorised you would only know if you could spot the tell tale signs or there is some receipted work in the history file. At least with a Cat C/D you have some knowledge the car has had a mishap in its life. When you find creased box sections and you challenge the seller who simply gives a shrug of the shoulders and claims the accident must have happened in his ownership then time to walk away. I did look at a Cat D beemer last year. Absolutely could not tell it had been in an accident and it was given a CAT D because the value to repair was simply to high for it to be economical for the insurance to pay out. The reason I didn't buy was due to it being a cabriolet and I cant get my head around rag top cars.

21-05-15, 12:33 PM	#8
Kenquattro 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,267	That red 90 Sport used to belong to Richie on here, if not mistaken?

21-05-15, 12:43 PM	#9
MSL Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 240	My CQ is a Cat D. Very light front damage. The new parts to repair it are were no longer available. The previous owner bought it back from the insurers and replaced the parts with second hand items. Hasn't bothered me at all.