15 replies to this topic

[Paps]

Hi all. I’m thinking of buying a Mini Cooper, it was a cat c about 20 years ago. It looks as though it was repaired properly, I cant see any bad repairs to it. It is a nice clean mini and the price reflects its cat c status. I’m very tempted by it but just a little hung up on the cat c thing.

What are other peoples opinions please.

Thank you.

[whistler]

Ask on thsi forum for any garages that specialize in Minis around you and ask for an inspection or if they're an MOT garage as well, go for an MOT.

[Paps]

It has not long ago passed its mot. I trust the person selling it, he is honest about it being a cat c and it’s condition

[slidehammer]

Provided the repairs have been done safely and price reflects its status as it will always have an affect on its value I don't see a problem.

There are so few original Minis now due to all the rust repairs they require to keep them safe, most have had quite a bit of work done to them over the years and not always very well!

[Maccmike8]

Well repaired aside, insurance will be more expensive and the future resale may be harder and the money and parts you put into it worth less than a non cat c come resale time.

There are a lot of Minis out there if you dont choose this one.

If your budget can only afford a cat c then go for it.

[Ell.s]

It makes no real difference, most of them have had multiple panels in their life. It is probably more solid than ones that's not had damage recorded. Wouldn't put me off.

[Ethel]

Is insurance going to be an issue? Minis aren't generally on mainstream policies,  get a quote & find out. I'd have thought it more likely to be an excuse to reduce its insured value, so consider getting an agreed value policy.

 

A lot of repairable older cars got Cat C'd just because it was easier, with fewer comebacks for the insurer. Parts availability, repairs exposing a need for other repairs, matching weathered paint...

[E23TFD]

Same situation here, I went and got it based on cost and condition. Depending on how old the car was when it was written off then it’s easy that a low level knock could write it off. May also be written off due to being stolen recovered or vandalism.

So many Minis are rebuilt from dust and vin plate it really is down to condition to make that decision work.

[Paps]

Thank you all for your advise. I think I’m going to buy it, it looks like a nice car, a low mileage 1999 sport pack, for 5.5k. Hopefully in many years to come it won’t really matter if it is cat c or not.

[Maccmike8]

Your budget will just about buy a fully refurbished car if you wait and shop about.

[Ethel]

1999 is 20 years ago. Cat C'ing any nearly new car is likely to take a bit more than cosmetic damage. I think my biggest concern would be if it could be a ringer.

[Paps]

Thank you all for the input. Just to give some info I found this page online

https://www.pistonhe...3&t=811785&i=20

It seems to imply that a cat c can be removed after an inspection from autoline, then future vehicle checks would show inspected rather than cat c.

[Maccmike8]

Find the facts on a Gov page before biting the bullet.

Pistonheads is like any forum, opinion based. Granted theres experiences too and of course some facts but unless I can read it on a Gov website, I wouldnt believe it. 

[Tomm]

If it’s an affordable route into mini ownership, then why not.

I’ve owned Cat C cars, I’ve repaired Cat C cars and I have honestly not had a single problem with any of them in 15+ Years. I have a daily in my fleet at the moment, prior Cat C and has been by far the most dependable car I’ve ever owned and has been for years.

Provided the car is priced accordingly and the repair has been done to an acceptable standard I would go for it.

[Ade-Cooper]

Wouldn't put me off buying as long as it was done to a good standard.

 

But sale value should have difference to an unregistered damaged car - if you ever come to resell just bear this in mind