Cat X Salvage - Buying brand new damaged repairable cars

A quick insight into buying unrecorded brand new cars.

Category X or unrecorded damaged cars are a buyers dream, once repaired there is no record of the damage and cars are not recorded on the HPI register. Also this means no need for a VIC.

Typically Cat X car will be sourced direct from manufacturers or from the likes of rental companies who are either not able to re-sell the car as 'new' or are not willing to progress the insurance claim.

New cars direct from the manufacturer are often referred to as 'MOT' Cars (Don't ask my why) These cars are not registered and cannot be sold as new as they have damage to multiple panels. Although the damage is likely to be very light and easily repairable. Often occurring from careless driving when being PDI'ed (pre delivery inspection) or whilst being held in a manufacturers or dealers compound.

Pro's of buying a brand new Cat X damaged repairable car.

• You can register yourself cheaply and easily, and it will be on the newest registration plate i.e 58 plate
• Damage is likely to be light so its an easy repair
  

Cons of buying a new Cat X

• Parts can be harder to source on new cars, especially if its a new model. Second hand parts may also be a no-go. On a new car always try to replace with new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) parts.
• Little profit to be made, once you have bought and repaired, and factored in depreciation. Remember - A new car looses 10 - 25% of its value as soon as you drive away from a dealers, its the same situation here.
• Check the spec of the car closely, and make sure you don't end up with a dodgy spec car nobody wants to buy.
  

Stick to these golden rules and you should be fine.

Here is a good example of a car currently for sale at South West Salvage

Picture courtesy of South West Salvage

Audi A5 3.2 FSI Quattro tiptronic
2008 - 58 reg
met black
16 miles
Petrol

£31,550

NEW CAR. Very high spec inc parking plus (camera) Navigation, heated elect memory seats, paddle shift, full leather, cruise, xenons, telephone, prep, auto dim mirror etc. Scratch on o/s/f wing, needs bonnet & screen from dents