Buying A Cat D - Thoughts.

i'd want a good 20% off compared to a non listed example before i'd consider a damage repaired one. you will be able to move it on but it will always only be worth a good chunk less of other non listed similar bikes. has the seller got pics of the damage as it would be good to verify what they are saying?

 

You pay less, you get less back. I'd check out how much the insurance is as that can get expensive if a vehicle was once written off.

 

I’d also want to see pictures of the bike when damaged. Some people’s interpretation of “a few scratches” always surprises me. Insuring a cat bike can also be a pain, and more costly so lots of things to consider

 

I’ve never seen any lasting on a written off vehicle, it’s not a question regulate asked and you don’t have to decals. All that would happen is they won’t give you as much on a pay out, so don’t insure for what a non-write off would be. Mine was 25% under regular value and I insure it at that rate.

Re selling on, as said already: buy for less and sell for less. It won’t depreciate more than no real imo so say you pay 9k for a bike that would be 12k, when the 12k bike is worth 10 yours would be worth 7k.

 

It’s not selling it at X price that’s the issue, it’s actually finding a buyer for a cat bike. There aren’t as many people in the market for a cat bike, regardless if it’s 20% cheaper. IMO.

You are also limited by the amount of companies that will insure a cat bike and often you pay a premium too. Factomundo.

 

I broadly agree with you, but you don't get three or four grand off the price for nothing!

 

It’s not though. Insurers will insure bikes and cars ex write off without a problem. I’ve had both, never had an issue, compare sites also allow it. Now if you are talking about Q plates, totally: insurers don’t like those at all.

 

Pinnacle insurance insured my Q plated 900SS without batting an eyelid.

 

I bought a written off R1 from MCE a few years ago, got replacement fairings, brackets etc from eBay, had frame, wheels, forks checked properly and any issues sorted. Insurance wasn't a problem, it passed an MOT so technically completely road worthy before it was put back on the road. After getting it all sorted I actually made a few quid on it when I sold it, but as others say, you need to buy it at a good discount.

 

Personally i would say it’s all depending on what you want from the bike. Only you can make the decision, we will all have different thoughts when it comes to Cat D bikes, but when it comes to it, your decision is the only one that matters

 

But don’t pay over the odds. Or expect to have a queue of people when you sell it.