Unrecorded salvage cars for sale
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Top tips for buying an unrecorded salvage car
Buying an unrecorded Category U or X salvage car which has been repaired can often be a very shreud buy, just make sure you go in with your eyes wide open. Here are our top tips for buying an unrecorded salvage car.
Also check out our directory of Unrecorded salvage car sales websites
1) HPI check – Be sure that the car you are buying is definitely unrecorded. Be careful, sometimes it takes days or even weeks for insurers to report or update the records to HPI / Vcar. Be careful if a seller is turning a car around quickly, as it might not yet show when checked.
2) Thoroughly inspect before you buy - Notjust an inspection of the condition of the car itself, but the history. Often you do find that unrecorded salvage cars can be missing paperwork, or keys. History can sometimes be traced via previous owners or via the main dealer network. It also goes without saying that any repairs or damage to the car should be thoroughly checked. Ideally any seller will have taken photos at the various repair stages to highlight the quality of repairs, and invoices showing the parts used in repair process.
3) Buy at the right price – The discounted value of an unrecorded salvage car is much harder to estimate than a cat C or D, it all very much depends on existing damage, history and what work, if any, needs to be done to the car. Ultimately a repaired Category U or X unrecorded car with good history should be worth the same as any other similar car.
A selection of unrecorded salvage cars for sale on eBay.
2012 changes to MOT
MOT changes for 2011/12 confirmed by VOSA
Following my previous post on VOSA’s proposed changes, more detail included below.
These are all new confirmed VOSA stipulations which are being applied to MOT tests gradually throughout 2011/12 as a result of new EU directives.
Steering control
Change to MOT: Where a steering lock mechanism is fitted as standard, testers must now check if one is present and operational.
Steering system
Change to MOT: Before the days of MOT Computerisation, many testers incorrectly failed steering and suspension ball joints if the dust cover was split or missing. These items will be included in the test – so if a ball joint dust cover is missing or no longer keeps the dirt out, testers will fail the vehicle.
Power steering
Changes to MOT: Checks to power steering will now include a check of the fluid level. But because there is no need to remove the reservoir cap, the check will only apply where the fluid level is visible in the reservoir.
Any inappropriate repair or modification to a power steering component will result in a failure – so a pair of tights in place of the drive belt will not be acceptable!
The serious misalignment or fouling of power steering components is also failure. If fluid pipes are excessively corroded, this will also be a failure.
If a power steering warning light is illuminated this is also an automatic MOT failure.
Parking brake lever mechanism and associated mountings
Change to MOT: Electronic parking brake (EPB) controls have been added, and MOT testers will make sure that all parking brake controls have not been ‘inappropriately repaired or modified’.
If the vehicle is fitted with an electronic parking break, the MOT testers will check for any warning lamps indicate a faults. If there are, again this is a fail.
Anti-lock braking systems
Change to MOT: Where there is a warning light illuminated, this will be an automatic MOT failure.
Brake performance
Change to MOT: Another new MOT rule which will be in place before end of 2011, if during a
decelerometer test, the vehicle deviates from a straight line whenthe parking brake is applied, guess what… it’s a fail!
Click the below images for an overview of confirmed MOT changes
Repaired Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Salvage
Salvage repaired Porsche 911 (996) GT2
Currently available through Quality Salvage www.qualitysalvage.net
Asking price: £45,875
Details
2002 Porsche 911 (996) GT2
Registration: 2002 (51 plate)
Milage: 22,500
Recorded (either Cat D or C)
Damage: Car has had the passenger front wing, door shell, front suspension and front bumper replaced approx. 6 months ago by Quality Salvage.
Good spec car with power upgrade, Tech Art wheels with OEM Porsche wheels available. Has recently had Porsche main agent service and has full history and both keys. Car also has Porsche Carbon Ceramic brakes (PCCB).
Salvage of the week – Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Damaged Porsche 911 (997 Gen 2) GT3 RS
Currently available through Quality Salvage www.bluecycle.com
Auction ends:
Current bid: £35,600
Details
2010 Porsche 911 (997 gen 2) GT3 RS
Registration: 2010
Milage: Unknown
£35,600 (Current bid 18.11 on 10/7/11)
Category D recorded
Damage: BOTH Rear QUARTERS, O/S DOOR, O/S B POST, BOTH A POSTS, F/CHASSIS TWISTED, BOTH SILLS AND COVERS, F/PAN, O/S DOOR AND GLASS, O/S MIRROR, SCRN, BULK HEAD, BOTH WINGS AND FLITCHS, F/WHEELS, F/SUSP, F/LIGHTS, BONNET, F/X MEMBER, RADS, STEERING RACK.
2011 MOT changes confirmed by VOSA
Following my previous two posts:
2011 MOT update: http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/11/update-2011-mot-changes/
2011 MOT changes: http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/
VOSA have provided a further confirmation that changes will made to the current MOT to further bring it in line with the EU.
Taken from the latest VOSA – MOT matters newsletter, which can be found via the below link.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2049%20-%20Jan%202011.pdf
Notices over the coming year that will explain what is happening and when. We will be launching new test items, releasing new Inspection Manual pages and helping you to familiarise yourselves with these changes ahead of time.
The year is only just getting started – if you want to know more about the forthcoming changes why not visit one of our MOT seminars that are currently taking place around the country.
Visit: www.vosa.gov.uk/events-diary to book your place on the 2011 MOT seminars. “
Update: 2011 MOT changes
Update to previous post
http://wrecks2riches.co.uk/2010/10/2011-changes-to-mot/
Some further info on the potential changes to MOT’s from 2011. (Potential is the key word here, I don’t profess to be an expert on these changes, and as yet I haven’t read anything confirming the changes definitively)
The rules seem to be driven by an updated EU directive, which looks to align our testing rules to the rest of Europe. Link to directive below
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:173:0047:0072:EN:PDF
HID lights – In my mast post I’d commented about how these would be an MOT fail. This seems pretty common sense, as I mentioned all cars fixed with Xenons, should be self levelling / adjusting and by law should have headlight washers. A large proportion of after-market kits wont have any of these. Hence why other drivers are always being dazzled by cars with after-market kits. Link below shows the Department of Transports view on after market HID kits.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps
Chipped ECU’s – Very little detail has been provided on if/how VOSA would approach testing for Chipped ECUs. The general consensus is that it could not be enforced. In some parts of Europe this is upheld, and its illegal to chip cars. So if the EU rulings does require us to align, it wouldn’t seem too far fetched. Personally I think it would be absolutely crazy, and would be unenforceable. Will wait and see if/when VOSA issue more details.
Wiring harness – This seems to be common sense, although lots of MOT testers have raised queries over how much additional time and subsequently £££, it would add to the MOT. Checking wiring harnesses takes time, and its not something which is currently done in detail. Again, will have to wait for more detail from VOSA.
Warning lights - This covers SRS airbag, Power steering, and ABS . If any warning lights are illuminated, it will again be an MOT failure. Likewise, this rule seems like common sense from a safety perspective, and would be a simple check for any MOT tester to complete.
MOT Frequency - There are rumblings about changing tests to every 2 years, again to align with Europe. At the moment nothing has been confirmed, but if the MOT is getting bigger, taking more time, and costing more. This would at least make it a bit more reasonable for MOT testers and customer alike. Will have to wait and see how it works out.
Will be adding more detail as soon as I find out anything new.
Source: October 2010 VOSA newsletter (Link and relevant extracts below)
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2048%20-%20Oct%202010.pdf
Car SOLD: BMW Z4 3.0i, 54k, FBMWSH
Update: Car now Sold…
For Sale: 2003 BMW Z4, 3.0i roadster
Not salvage, and never been damaged or repaired. Selling my pride and joy, details below.
Had the pleasure of owning the zed for over 2 1/2 years now, and unfortunately its time to sell to upgrade to a 911. Spotted the perfect one so looking to try and sort my funds out ASAP, hence forcing the sale of zed slightly earlier than I had wanted..
She’s been my pride any joy. Well cared for example, washed and waxed weekly, and always garaged. Its a great spec, having professional Nav, TV function, red //M sport seats, and a set of 19” Alpina Dynamic wheels, with Brand New Avon’s. (I’m not currently considering selling wheels separately). These came straight off an Alpina Roadster, so fit with the right off-set’s and absolutely no rubbing!
Its also quite unusually got a matching grey hood, which goes great with the paintwork. Quite unusual, as most zeds seem to have the black hood.
Its had all the ‘usual’ z4 issues resolved in my ownership, notbly…
- Rear springs replaced
- Roof motor replaced
- Central locking ECU replaced
- Drivers window regulator replaced.
Specification:
2003 – 03 plate
54k miles
FBMWSH
3.0L Petrol (231 BHP)
6 Speed Manual
Electric Roof – Hydraulic roof motor just replaced
Cruise Control
3 x Keys (including wallet key)
19″ Alpina Dynamic wheels with brand new Avon zz3′s
Electric Heated Mirrors
Comfort Package
Full and Complete Manuals, Receipts
Red //M sport Heated Electrical Memory Seats
On Board Computer
Headlight Washer
Rear Parking Distance System (PDC)
Sport Button
Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control
Climate Control
Auto Dip Rear View Mirror
Rain Sensor Wipers
Automatic Headlights
Tyre Puncture Warning System
£12,000
Leave a reply to this post if you have any questions, or want more details.
(Car currently has a private plate, which needs to be removed prior to sale)
2011 changes to MOT
2011 VOSA changes to MOT
Still 13 months away until these new regulations come into force, but some interesting changes. From MOT from December 2011, the below changes will come into force, which will be very bad news for some.
HID lights – Specifically those aftermarket kits that give the very bright headlight beams. Any cars found with these kits will be an automatic MOT failure. Testers are able to easily spot the difference between HID kits, and manufacturer fitted Xenon’s. Easy to spot as Xenon cars have suspension level sensors, in car beam adjuster, and usually headlight washers.
Chipped ECU’s - Unsure of just how/if this one will realistically be enforced, but any cars with chipped ECU’s will in theory be an MOT failure. I can only assume VOSA have found an easy way of checking ECU software through the cars OBD port (diagnostic plug).
Wiring harness – The general condition of he wiring harness will be checked to make sure there is no rubbing or chaffing, and that the harnesses are in generally good condition. If unsecure, or damaged again MOT failure.
Airbag warning lights - If any warning lights are illuminated, it will again be an MOT failure.
EDIT: Received few comments about the link not working/containing the right info..
The above was confirmed in the October 2010 VOSA newsletter. Which can be viewed as a PDF from their website. Link below, see page 8 for details.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2048%20-%20Oct%202010.pdf
Richard Hammond’s crashed Harley Davidson
Currently available through Quality Salvage www.qualitysalvage.net.
Details
Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide Special
Registration: 2008
Milage: 1538
£19,875
Damage: Main fairing, some rear chrome work either side of the rear mud guard and on the handles. Quality Salvage have the V5C Registration Document. Bike was prepared and specced up by Warrs and Charlie Stockwell.
Bike was previously owned by Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, who can be seen below with the bike!
Quote from the Warrs London site – Warrs Harley Davidson site
“BBC Top Gear star and TV presenter Richard Hammond commissioned Warr’s to build him a customised Bagger style tourer based on a new Street Glide. Work started at Warr’s Kings Rd workshops last December.
Highlights include a 200 section rear wheel, bespoke front and rear wings, Screamin Eagle 103 cubic inch motor, Ram charge air box, High gloss black paint, colour keyed front end, Performance Machine Chariot wheels, stealth mirrors, custom made antique leather seat, blacked key components, shark fin two into two exhausts. For further detail on Richard’s new bike view our Custom and Performance section.
Richard’s verdict after trying out his new cycle; “I absolutely love it. This is the best bike I’ve ever had.”
What the bike looks like now……
New bluecycle .com website
Today BlueCycle launched their updated and improved salvage uauction website. After taking a good hard look today, I’m honestly very impressed, the changes they have made make a big improvement to the sites usability, and definitely improve the experience.
New stuff I like…
Better search functions - Much improved, really like the option to search for cars nearest me. This was my biggest bug-bear with the old site, as it meant searching through all the cars in the North or South lists. You can now also search through listings based on closing soonest, newly listed, lowest price first, or highest price first.
Vehicle details pages - Huge improvement, pictures are much easier to navigate through, and bids on each vehicle are much easier to view.
Previous total loss – Gives details on when/if the car has previously been involved in an accident/written off.
Stuff that needs improvement
Site Map - Doesnt seem to be clickable, not a big issue, just a niggle.
Cookies cleared - Just a frustration, as I never remember passwords.
Overall, a great set of improvements. Well done BlueCycle team. Check the revised site out at www.bluecycle.com
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Recent Posts
- Unrecorded salvage cars for sale
- 2012 changes to MOT
- Repaired Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Salvage
- Salvage of the week – Porsche 911 GT3 RS
- 2011 MOT changes confirmed by VOSA