52 replies to this topic

[Boombang]

So now premium membership has been fixed this is the way of selling a car?

[Pidgeon]

 

 

Why does it matter so much about being cat d?

 

Because they are bought by conmen like TVR Dean or UK Lotus Centre who cover up the terminal damage and sell them on.

 

 

I thought terminal damage was reserved for categories A + B?

 

Any way, it matters not. The essence of my post and I think Jonnyboy's  as well is that a cat D car is perfectly okay if you inspect it properly (or have some one else do it if your not sure). If it had been mended to a high standard then there is no problem. 

 

 

We're all entitled to our opinions, but it is simply not correct to state that because a car is is a category C or D write off then it can be returned to the road in as safe condition as before.  The TVR Dean car is a classic example, the front wishbone is ripped from the chassis, that chassis cannot be welded without compromising the structural integrity. 

 

There are many such cars out there with stories of 'light fibreglass damage' when potentially lethal repairs have also been made and are not being disclosed.

[jonnyboy]

A massive part of cat cars is having the all important picture of the pre accident damage. ...

[siztenboots]

Even companies that should know better about these chassis , e.g. ES Motorsport and their scary chassis VX , http://www.vx220.org...uestions/page-7

[VX Boyd]

Feel like I've missed a good thread here, what's the TVR Dean story?

 

Peteslag, there's been a few recently that have gone down as Cat C despite there being chassis damage visible. I guess because the assessors don't understand what can and can't be done in a repair to maintain the chassis integrity.

 

Here's an example http://www.vx220.org...k-driver/page-4

[peteslag]

Feel like I've missed a good thread here, what's the TVR Dean story?

 

Peteslag, there's been a few recently that have gone down as Cat C despite there being chassis damage visible. I guess because the assessors don't understand what can and can't be done in a repair to maintain the chassis integrity.

 

Here's an example http://www.vx220.org...k-driver/page-4

 

Yes you are totally correct. There are plenty of cars out there that have been assessed incorrectly and should never have been returned to the road but this kind of reinforces my point in both of my earlier posts. I can't comment on Cat C cars because I've never owned one but If a cat d car has been repaired correctly and has been given a proper full inspection then there is no problem with driving or owning it, especially if you know where the damage occurred. The pendulum swings both ways, sometimes a car can be written off when there was no need to in which case you have a right bargain on your hands. A freind of mine had a car written off because of minor damage to the rear valance. He fixed it in 10 mins with a club hammer and glue.

 

I suppose my main reason for posting on this thread is to try and dispel the myth that all Cat c/d cars will explode and kill you to death and are only fit for the scrap heap. It simply isn't true.

[VX Boyd]

Ah ok. I guess it's all about finding out the exact extent of the damage. As Jonnyboy said, you can end up with a Cat car in better condition than a non Cat car if it has been repaired to a high standard. My car would have been a Cat D had my insurers refused against using a used rear clam. With these cars especially, it can just be assigned to anything with just panel damage so there are plenty of bargains to be had. Don't think I'd buy one unless I'd seen the before repair pictures to double check the area of damage is untouched underneath - but even then the doubt is still there which is why the value will never match the non Cat.

[Claws]

Don't forget cars that have never been written off, but have been crashed. A non categorised car isn't a free pass to a straight one

[ollie2007]

    

[smiley]

Don't forget cars that have never been written off, but have been crashed. A non categorised car isn't a free pass to a straight one

 

Yes. Usually when fixed up by a clueless guy the mistakes can be spotted by a mile by people here, if you post some pixies.

[Foxy]

IMO, the point with categorised cars is that 'perception is reality'. The perception may be wrong, but the reality is that they are worth a good chunk less. That's it. End of story. Car is forever blighted. However good it is.

[mbes2]

So.... how much £££ would you like for this black mint cat D VX220 ?

[ollie2007]

I have someone who might be interested in the car, can you give me a price so I can talk to him?