I am on the verge of buying a cat c car.

[eraman22]

what should I be looking out for upon viewing the car.
It is a 2006 grande punto with just a few dents.
The seller said it drives but has no MOT or V5 I got the car for 1,500. May I get some advice please.

Paul.

[Azalian]

The first things to look for a a valid MOT and a V5 document.

Ask why the seller doesn't have them, don't touch it until you are satisfied with the answers

A full service history should be available too, it's only 5 years old, "a few dents" suggests a hard life so far!!

Caveat emptor!

[tamborine]

MOTs are important before you lay out money.

[samak]

Are you sure it's not a stolen vehicle ? Sounds very dodgy to me.

[eraman22]

thanks for the replies the person says they sell salvage cars and has provided me with the chasis number I have done a HPI check and the car is a cat c. Im mainly worried about ownership issues.

[boxtops]

I think you should be, eraman - at the least, surely there should be a V5 as the car changes hands.

[venator]

I'm no expert, but surely it has number plates?
If so, the DVLC or a company which does registration checks, such as -

http://www.autotrader...heck/vehiclecheck.jsp

[MrIncredible]

Cat C refers to an insurance write off. There are four levels of damage A-D. Cat D = minor and Cat A = vitually impossible to repair.
without a valid mot I wouldn't touch this with a barge pole!

[venator]

Just been checking - ignore what I said earlier - just couldn't imagine buying an unregistered car!

Apparently it's illegal to sell a car without V5? Think you're buying trouble.

http://www.whatcar.com/car-advice/glossary/V

[Jemisa]

Oh Dear eraman, I hope you haven't made a Boo-Boo!

jem

[jno]

I would be worried too. And the short answer is, if you're worried, don't do it.

[Jemisa]

My old dad used to say "When in doubt BACK OUT" . its stood me in good stead for many years.

jem

[theshedman]

As others have said, don't touch it without the V5 and an MOT. Another thing is have you looked into insuring it as this will be a lot higher too, so even with the other things it could work out expensive in the end.

[TWR]

If you have a family Eraman! think about WHAT could happen If you bought this Cat C, It would be on your mind driving that thing of what COULD GO WRONG, leave it if you value your life's.

[TonyV]

Would not buy it without a V5 - MOT is a personal thing depending how much knowledge you have / price you are paying.

[WELSHYORKIE]

I, personally, wouldn't buy it without V5 or MOT and I would also get the AA or RAC to inspect it to find out if there are any faults that need addressing before putting it out on the road - especially if I was taking the family out in it.

[pauln90]

As a cat C car the V5 is retained by DVLA until such times as a VIC check is done to determine the identity of the vehicle and then you can apply for a new V5. You need an HPI check to check the vehicles history and you need an assessment by a qualified person as to the repairs required.As a rough guide the vehicle when repaired will be worth approx 50% of its pre accident value.
If you are unsure what to do then don't proceed with the purchase

[eraman22]

The car is a Fiat Grande Punto with just 2 minor no mechanical problems. The car is in Durham and I am in london.