{"id":4430,"date":"2023-07-25T15:05:05","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T14:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4430"},"modified":"2026-06-03T11:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T10:45:54","slug":"should-i-buy-cat-s-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/should-i-buy-cat-s-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Buy a Cat S Car? What is a Cat S Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Deciding whether I should buy a Cat S car comes with a unique set of considerations.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0&#8216;Cat S&#8217;, or &#8216;Category S&#8217;, refers to a vehicle that has suffered structural damage. While these cars have been professionally repaired and are legally back on the road, they carry a history that potential buyers should be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide explains Cat S cars clearly. You can decide with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways: Should I Buy a Cat S Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a Cat S car can save you thousands. However, you must understand the risks before buying. Here is the essential &#8220;need-to-know&#8221; list:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Definition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cat S means the car had structural damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Safety:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It can be safe if repaired to a professional standard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Savings:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expect to pay 20% to 40% less.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Premiums are usually 15% to 20% higher.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The VIC check was abolished in 2015.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Resale:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is much harder to sell later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Must-Do:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Always pay for a professional structural inspection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Cat S Car? (Category S)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Cat S car has suffered structural damage. This means the frame or chassis was structurally damaged. However, it can be safely repaired and driven. It was formerly known as a Category C <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-a-cat-a-cat-b-cat-s-or-cat-n-write-off-car\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">write-off<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurers write these cars off for financial reasons. The repair costs simply exceeded the car\u2019s value. They are not &#8220;scrap&#8221; like Cat A or B cars. Many are repaired and return to UK roads legally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to note that a &#8216;Cat S&#8217; is still legal to drive. Instead, it signifies that the car has undergone major repairs to fix structural damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could have been caused by a variety of incidents, such as a severe collision, that at the time of the incident were deemed too costly to repair compared to the car&#8217;s value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Sell Your Cat S Car Efficiently\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              If you already own a Cat S car and are thinking about selling, sell your car as-is today for a better price. Get multiple instant offers, free collection, and fast payment with trusted UK buyers.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">SELL MY CAR<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The History: Cat C vs. Cat S<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might remember the old &#8220;Category C&#8221; label. The system changed back in October 2017. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) updated the codes. They wanted to focus on safety, not just cost.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old categories confused many buyers. They only described the cost of the repair. The new categories describe the type of damage. This helps buyers understand the risks better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat C is now effectively Cat S. Both mean the car had repairable structural damage. If you see an old Cat C, treat it like Cat S. The risks and checks required are exactly the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a Cat S Car Safe to Drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety depends entirely on the quality of repairs. A professional repair makes the car safe again. The crumple zones must work correctly in a crash. Poor repairs can be dangerous and hide serious faults.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You cannot judge structural safety just by looking. Shiny paint often hides bent metal underneath. It&#8217;s strongly recommended to pay for a vehicle inspection. An engineer\u2019s report is your proof of safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) ended on 26 October 2015. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/sell-my-car-dvla\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DVLA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> still records Cat S status on the V5C. It usually notes: \u201cThis vehicle has been salvaged due to structural <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-damaged-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">damage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers should always check the V5C carefully. A full vehicle history check, like HPI, is essential. MOT history does not show insurance write-off categories. Verifying the car\u2019s status helps avoid surprises later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat S vs. Cat N: The Difference<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F07%2Fcat-s-vs-cat-n-cars.png&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"Cat S vs Cat N Cars: the difference\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will often see Cat S and Cat N together. It is vital to know the difference between them. Cat S involves the structural frame of the car. Cat N stands for &#8220;Non-Structural&#8221; damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat N cars have no frame damage. Their damage is cosmetic or electrical. This could be a smashed bumper or headlight. It could be scratched paint or broken suspension.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat N is generally seen as safer. The safety cage of the car was not hit. However, Cat S cars are usually cheaper to buy. You take a bigger risk for a bigger discount.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Reality of Repair Quality<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most critical section of this guide. A Cat S car is only as good as its repair. Some are fixed by manufacturer-approved bodyshops. These are safe, solid, and reliable vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others are fixed cheaply on a driveway. Lower-quality repairs may not meet manufacturer standards. They might hide bent metal with filler. They might disable airbags instead of replacing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many structural issues are difficult to detect without professional inspection. A clean exterior can sometimes hide underlying structural issues. In some cases, underlying structural alignment issues may remain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Pros and Cons: A Quick Look<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a Cat S car is a balance of risk and reward. You must decide if the savings are worth the hassle. The table below compares the two paths.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Standard (Clean) Car<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Cat S Repaired Car<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Buying Price<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full Market Value<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20% to 40% Cheaper<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Safety<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Original Factory Specs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depends on Repair Quality<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Insurance Cost<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard Premiums<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% to 20% Higher<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Resale Value<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard Depreciation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significantly Lower<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Finance Options<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All (PCP, HP, Loans)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mostly Cash or Bank Loans<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>V5C Logbook<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean History<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent &#8220;S&#8221; Marker<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Pros: Why People Buy Them<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Massive Initial Savings:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0This is the biggest reason to buy. You can save thousands on the purchase price. A \u00a310,000 car might cost only \u00a37,000. This allows you to afford a better model.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Modern Features for Less:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can get newer tech for a lower price. Maybe you want a car with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/apple-carplay-android-auto\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apple CarPlay<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Or perhaps you need a newer hybrid engine. Cat S makes these &#8220;luxury&#8221; features affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Long-Term Ownership Wins\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/free-car-valuation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resale value<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only matters if you sell. If you keep the car for ten years, it is a bargain. The &#8220;market value&#8221; becomes less important over time. By then, the initial saving has already paid off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cons: The Hidden Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Difficult to Sell Later:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people are afraid of structural damage. This makes your pool of buyers very small. Most dealers will not accept a Cat S trade-in. You will likely have to sell it privately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Insurance and Finance Hurdles:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some insurers will flatly refuse to cover you. Others will increase your monthly or yearly cost. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Car finance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> companies also see Cat S as a risk. You usually cannot get a PCP deal on them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. The &#8220;Repair Quality&#8221; Gamble:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are trusting a stranger\u2019s repair work. If the chassis is not perfectly straight, it\u2019s dangerous. The car might &#8220;crab&#8221; or pull to one side. Tyres might wear out much faster than normal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Check Before Buying a Cat S Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must be extra careful with these cars. Do not skip any of these vital checks. A mistake here could cost you thousands later. Follow this list to protect your wallet and safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Run a Full History Check:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never buy without a full vehicle history check. Use a service like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/hpi-check-complete-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HPI Check<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or similar providers. This confirms the car is definitely a Category S. It also checks for outstanding finance or mileage fraud. If this information isn\u2019t disclosed, it\u2019s best to proceed with caution or reconsider the purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Inspect the V5C Logbook:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask to see the V5C registration document legally. Look for a specific note on the front page. It will say: &#8220;This vehicle has been salvaged.&#8221; This proves the car has been properly re-registered. If the V5C is missing, do not buy it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Get an Independent Engineer\u2019s Report\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most important step of all. Do not rely on your own eyes or knowledge. Pay for a professional &#8220;accident damage inspection.&#8221; They will put the car on a ramp. They check the chassis alignment and weld quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Check the Panel Gaps and Paint\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walk around the car in good daylight. Look at the gaps between the doors and panels. They should be even and consistent all around. Uneven gaps suggest the frame is still twisted. Look for mismatched paint shades on different panels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Test Drive for Rattles and Steering\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn the radio off and drive in silence. Listen for creaks or rattles from the suspension. Drive on a straight road and let go slightly. The car should drive straight, not pull aside. If it pulls, the chassis geometry might be wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Confirm You Can Insure It\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not assume you can get cheap insurance. Get a firm quote before handing over cash. Use the car\u2019s registration number on comparison sites. Be honest about the Category S status. Ensure the price is affordable for your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Cat S cheaper to insure?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, it is usually more expensive to insure. Insurers view repaired cars as a higher risk. You might pay 10% to 20% more annually. Always check quotes before buying the car.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need a new MOT for Cat S car?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, it&#8217;s strongly recommended to get a fresh <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-mot-history\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If the car has been significantly repaired since its last MOT, it\u2019s advisable to get a fresh test for reassurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Cat S worse than Cat N?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, Cat S is considered more serious damage. Cat S involves damage to the structural frame. Cat N is only cosmetic or non-structural damage. Cat S requires more complex and professional repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much cheaper should a Cat S car be?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be significantly cheaper than a normal car. Aim for a discount of 20% to 40%. If the discount is small, it is not worth it. Remember, you will sell it for less later too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you finance a Cat S car?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but obtaining finance is much more difficult. Some lenders may be more cautious about financing write-off vehicles. PCP and HP deals are rarely available on them. You will likely need to pay via cash or a personal loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a Cat S car is a personal choice. It is not inherently right or wrong. It depends entirely on your budget and risk appetite. If you get it right, you save a fortune.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This option tends to suit buyers planning long-term ownership. Do not buy if you want a quick resale. Always pay for an independent structural inspection. Never trust the seller\u2019s word on safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the repair is solid, the car is safe. The &#8220;S&#8221; marker does not affect how it drives. It simply affects the value and paperwork. Be smart, check the history, and drive safely.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deciding whether I should buy a Cat S car comes with a unique set of considerations.\u00a0&#8216;Cat S&#8217;, or &#8216;Category S&#8217;, refers to a vehicle that has suffered structural damage. While these cars have been professionally repaired and are legally back on the road, they carry a history that potential buyers should be aware of. This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":10935,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[96,1],"tags":[605,1505,1507,1502,1504,1506,1503],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4430"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12066,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4430\/revisions\/12066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}