Cat C or D write offs. Any experience?

Cat C or D write offs. Any experience?

Author
Discussion

deak

Original Poster:

8 posts

234 months

Saturday 8th October 2005
quotequote all
Hi,

I'm still looking for a good Esprit to buy (when will some sell a black one!). I've been checking out Lotus Esprit World lately and there's been a couple of Category C and Category D write offs advertised at somewhat lower than normal price.

Now, I know that these are bad things on a performance sports car as not done right, all sorts of things like balance and braking etc can be affected.
However, is it possible for cat c/d cars, if done right to be just as good as none cat c/d car? Is there anything to look out for or ways to get it checked? Or does anyone know where else I can go for this sort of info. Can barely find anything!

Cheers

D

rob.e

2,861 posts

283 months

Sunday 9th October 2005
quotequote all
I'd want to know who repaired it, and what prior experience they had on the esprit before hand. Ie are they experts, or just a bunch of cowboys out for a quick buck?

I would also want to know exactly the nature of the repairs ie pics before hand etc. If they tell you it was just a 'stolen recovered' then it could be a bargain (or more likely they are lying to you).

Would also get a very thourough check over by a marque specialist.

Bear in mind, although the car may be cheaper to buy, you will have to price it much lower when you sell it, so is it really going to save you any money in the long run??

cnh1990

3,035 posts

268 months

Sunday 9th October 2005
quotequote all
I only trust a handful of guys to fix a totalled Esprit. Hard if not impossible to check frame dimesions on the measuring points without lifting the body. I think the frame correctness is the main thing other than the strength of the A pilars. Better be sure and confident of repairsif you are going to drive it at 140+mph

deak

Original Poster:

8 posts

234 months

Sunday 16th October 2005
quotequote all
Thanks for the comments guys and sorry to not get back sooner. Having spoken to a mate in the industry I think my best bet is steer clear for the mo. Yes I could get a bargain but I could also get a nightmare. Either way, I'm not up for the gamble!

Cheers again for the help

D