So my previous car, a 2001 Mk4 Vauxhall Astra (the car which I have just replaced with an Octavia in fact), is a category C write-off by virtue of its low value and being shunted in the rear at a roundabout.

I have retained the car and been given a cheque for most of its value by the insurers.

The car runs absolutely fine, but needs the bumper replacing and has some damage to the bodywork under one corner of the bumper, and some distortion of one rear wheel arch.

I am loathe to scrap a car which runs perfectly well - it seems like such a waste.

Does anyone have any experience of selling write-offs like this?? (being honest and up front about the write off, of course)

Is there much market, either from people looking to buy to run it, or to break it?

Cheers

I've bought and sold 2 cat d's!

For a cat c your looking at 50% of unsmashed value!

Pretty big market! People always looking for a bargain!

Cat c will need a vic check i think?

Cat c will need a vic check i think?

You'll need a vic check and an up to date mot if you do reinsure it you have to notify your insurance company as some don't accept any type of write off

Stick it on the bay of E thats what i did with my 406 and made a killing on it by time i'd been paid out and then sold car aswell

Stick it on the bay of E thats what i did with my 406 and made a killing on it by time i'd been paid out and then sold car aswell

What age of vehicle and level of damage was that?

For sticking on Ebay, did you fully repair, bring to a drivable standard, or leave "as is"? Did you get the VIC done yourself or leave that to the buyer?

I may have to SORN it, if my insurer won't cover a write off.. (I haven't got round to informing them yet, but I haven't driven it since getting it back either.) Don't know how much that will harm selling potential..

I would definately not scrap the car if it is running fine. Cars shouldn't be disposable. There is nothing wrong with repairing a perfectly working car and there is definately a market for it out there. I currently have a Toyota Supra which I bought from auction, it was a Cat C. It cost me a £100 in parts (a headlight and wing) and the VIC check. I am still using the car 4 years later. The only thing it has cost me is 2 sets of rear tyres and a clutch :-)

I've just purchased a Cat D Fabia which is why I am on this forum now. The Fabia is being repaired. I got it started on Saturday for the first time. Sounds fine. Its a 08 Plate with only 41k miles. I'm sure many on here will confirm it has plenty of miles left in it.

For the record, the Skoda is to help the wallet and give the Supra a rest (in winter). I am not a trader. Just to remove any doubt. Can't wait to get it going. Should be a great run around and give me a few more miles per pound.

Back to topic, there is definately a market out there for such cars otherwise many auctions would be out of business. If I was closer I would be tempted to make you an offer myself. If you do not want to repair, you can sell it as it is. Stick it on eBay. Will be a good project for someone.

Kammy.

My 406 wasnt catagorized as i went through a claims company but it was os rear quater and scrap down doors and rear suspension was bent.

I had an hour knocking dents out best i could and sold it as it was

It was on a v plate with 100k on clock

I drive a Cat C every day. The Rallye was written off in 2006, repaired to such a standard that unless I tell anyone working on the car they can't tell. I knew all about it when I bought the car and it was the best out of all the examples I saw. It doesn't bother me at all and considering how it just did a 60 mile trip through the winding lanes of North Yorkshire this morning I can't complain.

I have a VIC certificate in the pile of papers that came with the car and I informed the insurance company of the fact it was written off. They said as long as it's roadworthy they weren't bothered in the slightest. The previous owner was very open and honest about selling me a Cat C car, he'd bought it off the person who'd bought it off the person who'd had it repaired. If everyone is aware then as has been said, there shouldn't be an issue.

Well it's good to hear it may not be an un-sellable lump.

The car was low value before the accident (around £760-800) is high mileage, and is a reasonable but not range topping model (1.8l petrol with a decent trim level). I might not get much, but I'd definitely prefer if someone can make use of it, rather than it just being scrapped.

I think I may try selling it in a drivable and road worthy condition, but without cosmetic repairs or VIC. I don't really have the patience to spend loads of time getting it looking if there's a chance it won't sell..