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[terry paget]

Looking at this car to replace daughter's rusty 2.5.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-MV6-SILVER-cat-c-damaged-/221749978663?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a1542627
Also wondering how I would get it to Midsomer Norton. Any suggestions?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

My understanding is that Cat C is more serious than Cat D, which is usually cosmetic.

Cat C needs a certificate before it can be put back on the road.

I think.

[ronnyd]

Yep, what the Doc said. Means that the repair is costing more than than the car is worth, thats according to the insurance company. The VIC test is to make sure that the car is the one that the documents say it is and not a ringer. On an older car like Omegas it,s just a paperwork exercise really.Been there, done that , sadly.

[Andy H]

VIC vehicle identity check

Mainly to check that the chassis number hasn't been cut out of a written off vehicle and welded into a stolen vehicle to make a 'ringer' presumably but as the checks occur at a DVLA test centre they will also be looking at safety issues.

[05omegav6]

Requires a fresh Mot and also you cannot register it and therefore tax it until VIC is completed. However rules regarding the process are as per taking a vehicle to or from a prearranged Mot...

VIC is booked online and costs about £40 iirc.

When viewing the car, be sure to check all the chassis id with paperwork and also for any evidence of tampering...

Should have sticker on drivers B post, plate on dash top, stamp on chassis next to drivers seat and plates on slam panel... Obviously these all need to match

[ronnyd]

Also just read the advert and seller says the test can be done at an mot test station, not true, it has to be taken to a VOSA centre only. You may also have to jump through a few hoops when you try and insure it as some companies don,t do Cat Cs.
Also shop around as my insurers tried to more than double the premium so went elsewhere but had to send documented proof of repairs and also had to re-MOT it as well. best of luck if you get it as long as it,s cheap enough to make it worth while.

[MV6Gaz]

Loads of cars about like this, been written off by an insurance company, usually bought back by the owner. Have to be repaired and then Vic tested prior to going back on the road. Some useful links;

http://www.whichcarcheck.co.uk/insurancewriteoffcategories.htm

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-identity-check/overview&ved=0CCIQFjAB&usg=AFQjCNHyralNr4RjdTkEX11Lc2hCVO78UA

From what is said in the listing the car has not been repaired nor tested, and although the damage looks minimal, could have more serious issues, twisted chassis for example, seems odd to sell it not repaired and tested, worth saving though but only worth scrap value and will always have to be declared a cat c writeoff and will need a trailer to move it as it can't be driven on the road until the Vic test is passed!!
Sounds more hassle than worth it, unless really cheap IMHO 

[omegod]

Looks an absolute dog to be honest...stay away....not worth the hassle.... only joking !

It's on my doorstep and the cat c wouldn't worry me one bit and is easily sorted,I'm tempted but the problem here is is it worth the investment as they are near worthless even without being crunched   

[ronnyd]

If the car is in your ownership at the time of being declared Cat C it,s ok to carry on driving it as long as the tax, insurance and
Mot is still current. The VIC comes in to play if you sell it or when you re- insure.

[05omegav6]

No issues reinsuring my white one with an outstanding Cat C...

[omegod]

If the car is in your ownership at the time of being declared Cat C it,s ok to carry on driving it as long as the tax, insurance and
Mot is still current. The VIC comes in to play if you sell it or when you re- insure.

Selling is the only issue !

[ronnyd]

Insurance company insisted on copies of documents as to repair invoice, copy of Vic test, copy of MOT cert and only then did they confirm their quote. But it was still cheaper than what my previous insurer charged me the year before so was happy with what i paid.

[LC0112G]

Also just read the advert and seller says the test can be done at an mot test station, not true, it has to be taken to a VOSA centre only. You may also have to jump through a few hoops when you try and insure it as some companies don,t do Cat Cs.
Also shop around as my insurers tried to more than double the premium so went elsewhere but had to send documented proof of repairs and also had to re-MOT it as well. best of luck if you get it as long as it,s cheap enough to make it worth while.

It's partly true. VOSA are closing lots (all?) of their test stations, and the inspectors can now travel to certain MOT stations and perform their tests there. The process is only just being rolled out, and is supposed to be complete in the next 18 months or so.

[terry paget]

Gentlemen, many thanks for advice. I am a wiser man.
I will give that car a miss. It is cheap, but has problems, and is a long way away.
All my six Omegas are running and useable. The Opel 2.5 (ex-daughter) lacks a rear shock absorber (you'd never know), and more seriously the centre track rod has slight play at the steering box joint. This is an item I fitted last October, new from Germany, gone in 3000 miles, annoying. Car is still useable as a spare. MOT expires in October so I have time to find a replacement.

[05omegav6]

Gentlemen, many thanks for advice. I am a wiser man.
I will give that car a miss. It is cheap, but has problems, and is a long way away.
All my six Omegas are running and useable. The Opel 2.5 (ex-daughter) lacks a rear shock absorber (you'd never know), and more seriously the centre track rod has slight play at the steering box joint. This is an item I fitted last October, new from Germany, gone in 3000 miles, annoying. Car is still useable as a spare. MOT expires in October so I have time to find a replacement.

I am flabbergasted that you think a car with a missing shock absorber is safe to use

I think Jason needs to have a chat to put you straight on that