I have an 02 reg Fabia 1.9 Tdi which has requires a new turbo. Quite by chance, the same week I got the diagnosis on the turbo, a friend's Y-reg Fabia (exact same model and engine code) was rear-ended and written off. He was able to buy it back from the insurers very cheaply and it's now mine.

It's high mileage (200k), and very tatty on the outside, but the engine & servicing have been looked after. It was only a Cat D write-off and drives fine. It has 9 months MoT, and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't pass again. As far as I can tell, it doesn't need an engineer's report. Taxed until July, but insurance runs out tomorrow night, after which I would have to take it off the road. (Or pay quite a bit for temp insurance.)

So my question is, what's the best strategy for harvesting parts? Particularly interested in the turbo, obviously, but the starter motor and alternator on my car also have question marks hanging over them, so it would make sense to grab those. Also the window motors, the button switch on the tailgate and a couple of other minor things. Is there anything else that makes an obvious candidate for removal?

The next question is then how to get rid of an immobile pile of scrap. Will scrap merchants come and collect for a car with large chunks missing? Will they pay for it?

Or should I SORN it and and take bits off as I need them? Garage space is tight, so I'd have to get rid of it sooner rather than later.

Or maybe take both cars to a garage. Ask them to remove the parts and keep the car themselves.

I could also sell it on, I suppose. Not for much, but it's roadworthy.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

My local scrap yard will pick up cars in whatever state there in as long as they have a logbook (which they take off you + declare as scrapped)

I broke a polo gti for bits + they took it as a bare shell with no doors no front end/ gearbox/ engine/ tailgate/ rear axle/ wheels/ brakes/ hubs/ wings/ no interior whatsoever (i even ripped all the wiring looms outs + weighed them in seperatly lol)etc.. etc..and they still gave me £75 for it after picking it up

Best bet is to take the front end off + rip the engine out then take what you need off it + sell engine/ g.box to re coop sum funds. If ur doing it at home make sure u drain the coolant/ oil 1st then u wont make a mess of your garden/ drive..

Id leave the wheels on for as long as poss to keep it mobile for you.. but dont worry about the scrap man.. also if u take anything off that doesnt sell just throw it in the back + they will take that too

If your taking the turbo off the car wont be worth anything to sell with 200k and a cat D.

Edited 6 June, 201313 yr by mattvrestate

The turbo will not be worth having at 200k

The insurance will have ceased the day they paid out on it as a write off. As to putting it back on the road you will need a new MOT as it's now invalid as well. You really should have looked into this before jumping in. Also after 200k what exactly did you think was worth salvaging?

Thanks for the replies.

As far as I can tell, the existing MoT is still valid for a Cat D write-off. I can't remember where I read this though. Either way, it's now off the road and duly SORNed (what a palaver that is!).

I've already had the parcel shelf, rear headrests, and mats for my car. The aftermarket radio and handbook will go on eBay. The battery and 3 tyres are nearly new. With the tax refund, I've already got my money's worth out of it before I strip any parts.

Oh, and there was 22p in the ashtray.