Mazda MX5 - Crash damage repair costs and write-off

GB · 2006-04-25T21:03:32+00:00

I hope somebody can explain something to me, please, because I am really puzzled.My car was involved in a crash, not comprehensively insured, so I have to pay the cost of the repairs myself. The car is worth 8k to 9k Pounds in good condition. The crash has done the following:-1. badly damaged front wing and bonnet, but chassis not damaged2. some damage to suspension3. one wheel is brokenThe estimate for the above is just over 3k.Also, both air bags have popped, and I am staggered to be told that the cost is around 3k. (It's a Mazda MX5, and the driver's airbag is 450 + VAT, the passenger's is 850 + VAT, and the control units come to 1000 + VAT, apparently - add some labour and it comes to 3k.)What I don't quite follow is why I am being told to treat the car as a write-off? The car is worth 8k to 9k, and the repair is 6k to 7k, so surely there's 2k of value left in the car? (Actually, I can reclaim the VAT on the repair work, so that the repair will actually cost me 1k less than the above figures.)I am being advised to sell it off as a repairable wreck, or to dismantle it and sell off the bits - 90% of the car is in excellent nick, it only having done 10k miles since new.I have never been in this position before, so any advice would be welcome. I am not sure what the neighbours would think if I turn the drive into a sort of breaker's yard, and even if I did that, how would I dispose of the bits? Would there be any demand, and where would I advertise?As I said, any help most gratefully received.Thanks

Apr 25, 2006 62 Replies

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Johannes 20 years ago

Seen a green one in a crash on M4. That's all.

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Zog The Undeniable 20 years ago

Dimunition in value. Tha car isn't worth 8k to 9k after the repair, because it will be on HPI as "condition alert".

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GB 20 years ago

No it won't. Who would put it there?

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