MartinM

So if I buy a Cat C car (with no V5), repair it, get a MOT and take it to a VIC check...
...can I tell in advance that I'm going to pass?

VOSA will know the VIN, engine etc numbers that should be on the car, but I won't know what they should be...so I might get a nasty surprise at the check.

So how do I protect myself when I initially buy the car?

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Just make sure the car is repaired properly and your sorted Its only a visual check so don't worry too much

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

It stands for Vehicle Identity Check, so its not just a visual of the repairs.
I've had a few cars done, and they take them away and you can't actually see what they are doing with them.
Its a good point you have brought up, because once a car fails, it can't even apply for another test.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I was at a friends house when the police called to make this check It took 4 minutes and they were gone


I would be more worried about the test for to get your car off the "condition alert " register as that is harder and the slightest overuse of filler will fail the test

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

No he's reffering to a test you have to have done on insurance write off/salvage cars. Its done by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Servise Authority) and can only be done once, by appointment. The Police check you are referring to must be something else.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Nah, me mate own a bodyshop and only drives cat c/d cars and they called at his house when I was there to check the car out It was a few years ago now but it was still after the VIC checks were needed

MartinM

Thankyou - exactly my point...

...I can't imagine the Police coming along to your house to give your car a once over and then issuing you with a VIC20 form that you use to get your V5C

....and a VIC check is not about the condition of the car or it's repairs at all (unless obviously unroadworthy) - it's all about the identity of the car - see
Vehicle identity check : Directgov - Motoring

So I'm still after wanting to know if I can predict I will pass the check....

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

I think it terms of what the check is there for is to stop people actually ringing cars over, or the old cliche of a cut and shut.
They know all the correct numbers, so you have to assume it was a straight motor before the accident, which is still a big risk.
TBH the best way would be to get a HPI check done first. If there is a record of it being written off, before the current write off status, so wrote off then repaired, then wrote off again, that would be one to keep away from.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

FPMSL so who do you think is most likely to conduct a VEHICLE IDENTITY CHECK ????


I'm just telling you how it is believe what you will

MartinM

Well I'd rather you didn't quote my post and take out some of it to give you the spin you want. The subtlety deleted in your quote is about policeman issuing forms that enable you to get a V5C

It's hard enough to get the Police out to a real crime - is that because they are all out doing VIC checks at your own home, and all the admin associated with that, to short-circuit the very formal VOSA VIC check procedure, as some sort of community service ?

Have you read the web page I provided and looked at the VIC application form, especially the last page that lists all the limitations and conditions that apply....
...and there doesn't seem to be an option on the form called "I don't want to come to the official VOSA centre, please send a policeman to do it"

But I do believe you, honest

jjones

this also helps stop insurance fraud. nearly new write offs were being bought, stored in a garage for a period. then re-insured and then claimed on again despite never being fixed.

Snazy

How very amuzing, some of this thread anyway lol.
Some people eh

Like Joey has said, best thing is a quick HPI and see the cars full history. HPI should also supply you the chassis number to check

Roadside official VIC checks, whatever next lol

apples24

iTrader: (1)

if all the cucumbers look original and untampered with wouldnt worry mate, they just look at the numbers and for any sign of tampering.

as above its to try to battle ringing and fraud, the silly thing is the dodgy peeps now just do cat d's and vans / bikes as they dont need vic's lol

MartinM

Thanks all - @apples24...."cucumbers"?

Snazy

numbers ?

I too have a VIC to undertake soon too.
Pretty confident all is well on it.
If all goes well, there might be a couple more to be done too lol

dsmith

Well I got to watch mine.....it took nearly 45 seconds.

Read VIN on car (which I had to show him). Read VIN on V5. Check.

that was it. Admittedly it was a '73 Mg Midget following minor front end damage.

As for the police "popping round" to do work that is VOSA's legal responsibility hmmm.....

Adidas

I didn't even repair the damage before I got mine inspected as there was nothing that could be described as being in a dangerous condition (ie, slight dent in rear panel & bumper). Like the above, the check only lasted 2 minutes maximum.

davegtt

They aint interested in the previous damage etc, as apples said they just do an identity check on it and it'll roll away again, my collegues daughter had her car done last week which shes just bought (ex CatC.)

MartinM

Excellent - thanks all. I now understand a lot more...and if a HPI check gives you the expected VIN number then it seems I should be able to predict a "pass"

I know a policeman as well - I'll just get him to pop round while he's on duty

Just need a lightly damaged cat C bright yellow (or bright blue as a second choice) MG ZR to turn in to a rally car. Any leads anyone?

DanTerzo

iTrader: (1)

Will you really need to have a VIC if your turning it into a rally car?

MartinM

...need to show a V5 at scrutineering i.e. not a single venue stage rally car...

DanTerzo

iTrader: (1)

Oh i see. At least you wont need to pay the fee for a new V5 after it passes the VIC. I will have a look at my local breakers and see if there is any MG ZR's waiting to clear.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Its your lucky day, there is a Cat D (No VIC required) at Gowing £2000. Can't link direct, you'll have to select from the drop down:
Salvage Vehicles from Gowing Auto Salvage

I got my last car from their, they are very tough on the price, expecially Cat D's.