Hpi check failed, but I still want it

[Gfm89]

Hello. Looking for advice.

I put a deposit on a car I'm looking at buying, I completely brain fogged and have only just done the hpi check. It came back as it was failed because it was found at a salvage auction. Everything else came back as green. The salvage report has "minor scratches and dents, and mechanical" I've been. To see the car, driven it, and everything seems fine. It looks good, drives spot on, no knocks bangs or even the slightest rattle.

The dealer is offering a 2 year extended warranty

Any advice would be welcome.

[the-norseman]

Cat N? does it have the pictures of the damage?

I looked at one Cat N car that was literally just scratched badly and its since been resprayed, I looked at another Cat N car that was a full on front end smash.

[Gfm89]

There's pictures of the scratches. I've seen them in person. It wasn't even written off.

[RSTurboPaul]

How much are you thinking of spending?

How long are you going to own the car if you do buy it?

Do you plan to sell it or run till it is dead?

[Gfm89]

It's 4k. I plan to run it till the end of its life. It's been a dream car of mine and it drives perfectly. The dealer is also checking the cambelt for me on Monday. And doing it if it needs doing. It's an auto and has recently had the gearbox serviced. It didn't miss a beat on the test drive. Not a single sound out of place.

[valiant]

In that case, it could be a good buy.

If you’re happy and you’ve done your checks regards to the damage (have you seen photos of all sides of the car before repair?) and everything else checks out then why not?

You’re running it until it dies so resale is moot which will save potential headaches down the line.

[BenS94]

Hasit done many miles since being written off? If it's categorised, it has been.

Service history? 2 keys? Cheaper than other similar cars to account for it's category? Who is the warranty with and what is the claim limit?

Be VERY careful. I'm ashamed to admit I've been caught out more than once...

Edited by BenS94 on Saturday 1st June 20:08

[RSTurboPaul]

As above, if you plan to keep it then that removes any issues regarding potential resale hassles, and any saving you make compared to a car without an insurance marker can be added to the Servicing and Maintenance pot.

You could pay for an AA inspection for added peace of mind (if the seller would allow it?) - I'm not sure how much they are now but I recall they are very detailed in their assessments.

[Gfm89]

All sides of the car and underneath were photographed at salvage and it looks basically like I saw it in person. It's not been categorised or written off. There's no markers at all.

[BenS94]

Gfm89 said:

All sides of the car and underneath were photographed at salvage and it looks basically like I saw it in person. It's not been categorised or written off. There's no markers at all.

Well if you're happy, all history checks out etc, then I can't see there being an issue. If not categorised and if you did decide to sell it, you'd not even need to mention the fact it's been through a salvage auction.

There is however one huge issue I feel has been overlooked - the fact it's been marked down as having mechanical damage. I've personally bought cars from salvage auctions, only to find mechanical issues weren't all mentioned.

[Gfm89]

Yeah, it just says mechanical. But it runs perfect. Seemingly. But I'm getting a two year dealer warranty

[RSTurboPaul]

Gfm89 said:

Yeah, it just says mechanical. But it runs perfect. Seemingly. But I'm getting a two year dealer warranty

Best to read the small print of such warranties - they don't always cover what you expect or wish they might... lol

[BenS94]

Yeah you're gonna be bitten hard. Take those rose tinted glasses off, give your eyes a rub and look again. This won't end well.

[rix]

I’m curious- what’s the car? Meant with the best of intentions, but what’s the dream car with a modest value? Is it rare/classic?

[and31]

Gfm89 said:

The dealer is also checking the cambelt for me on Monday. And doing it if it needs doing.

Checking the cambelt? How? Having a look at it ffs?
Surely a check of the service history will determine whether it needs doing.no proof-assume it needs doing.

[and31]

What car is it ?

[3454.5]

OP, ask yourself what profit making warranty company is going to provide an extended warranty on a £4k car.

[and31]

Sorry-double post ffs.

[Pit Pony]

and31 said:

Gfm89 said:

The dealer is also checking the cambelt for me on Monday. And doing it if it needs doing.

Checking the cambelt? How? Having a look at it ffs?
Surely a check of the service history will determine whether it needs doing.no proof-assume it needs doing.

The Stallantis group puegeot, Citroën etc.2 puretech engine with the wet belt can be seen from the oil fill hole, and there's a width measurement on the belt, and bigger and its taken on oil and expanded. Mind you replacement looks like its a long winded job.

Edited by Pit Pony on Saturday 1st June 21:53

[defblade]

RSTurboPaul said:

Best to read the small print of such warranties - they don't always cover what you expect or wish they might... lol

One I was reading said in big bold letters at the top of each column "ITEMS COVERED" and then, usually a very short way down the column of things covered, "not covered:" in the same size font as the list, and the list continued. I'm sure that when they typeset it, in no way did they intend or expect it would look like all the items not covered were part of the covered list...