Thread: $5500 Discovery 2 - Repairable Write Off

Don't know how difficult / costly the inspection might be over your way - definitely wouldn't be a major issue here. But from the sounds of it, you're onto a pretty good deal. The damage etc you've described sounds pretty minor and easily fixed. If there's nothing else major wrong with it, I'd say that for the price, you can't go wrong - it's worth way more than that just as spares.

Al,

I think there is more to the story, and I would be getting it checked from the seller.
A vehicle that is just stolen and paid out, as you have described wouldn't necessarily even go on the WOVR (Written Off Vehicle Register).
If it is a repairable write off, it must've had a reasonable amount of damage to it.
You will need to get a roady and a VIV certificate ($470) regardless. In Vic you need to book in about 2 weeks ahead, and they'll prob. want the car for the better part of a day.

It sounds really cheap and there's normally a reason for that. (warning bells)
As the old saying goes, "if it's too good to be true - it normally is"
Be careful

Hi, in NSW you have to get a Blue slip (roadworthy certificate) and if the vehicle is under 10 years old it had to be presented to the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) for a full mechanical check also a check to ensure all parts used for the repair were legitimately obtained. You must also supply a full list of all parts used in the repair, including VIN numbers and proof of previous ownership of the parts. On top of this is a $400+ fee for this inspection. If the vehicle comes through the insurance system the RTA has a full account of the damage and parts required for the repair. Cheers, Erich.

Thanks. I think the insurance company will probably have considered it uneconomical to repair considering they had already paid out on it as a loss to the owner.

For a full proper repair it would need a full respray as it's scratched all around - this doesn't really bother me for what i want it for but I presume the insurance co would have this as a major repair cost and might be a factor in them writing it off.

The VIV apparently needs to have the car back "within the manufacturers specifications", so it could well need both doors on the drivers side replaced potentially, and possibly a rear bumper. It has an ARB bullbar fitted, not sure if this would need to be removed too but hopefully not.

Only other thing about it that jumps out from memory is that the ABS warning light is stuck on - not sure what would be causing this.

Will likely give it a good checking over and make sure there is no damage to the B pillar linked to the dented door which could be a big problem.

Hmmmm, can't help wondering if it's worth the trouble or if i'm better off sticking to looking for a tidy S1.

Ok, well i think i've decided to go the route of lower risk on this one.

Documentation I've found on the VIV test suggests it may need to be repaired pretty much back to original condition to pass it if i get a picky inspector so it could get expensive. Been quoted $700 each for replacement doors so i can see the repair costs spiraling beyond what i want to spend and it taking quite a while to get it back on the road and usable.

As such i'm taking the too cheap to be true advice and am going to pass on it.

Ad is here for if anyone else is interested:

LANDROVER DISCOVERY V8 4WD on Trading Post Auto ? cars, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Holden, Mercedes, Suzuki, BMW and Ford at low prices.

Thanks for the advice guys, good to have a sounding board to help get thoughts straight and make a rational purchase decision.

Just looked at the ad. Looks good (as they all do over the net!)

If it is a repairable write off, it's supossed to have a large sticker on the windscreen stating so, and state "repairable write off" in the ad.
Think you've made a wise choice.

"Rational purchase decision" - They're not as much fun, but generally far less frustating!

probably a good choise.

in this situation where it seems a licenced dealer is the seller, is it possible to sign an agreement/contract where they get it all roadworthied/rego'd and u are happy to pay the costs, up to say $1000-1300 over the purchase price. if it turns out it cant be done for these dollars, u can then walk away?

I did actually ask them about that, they weren't interested in doing so however.

The suspicious part of my mind suggests that may be because they knew it would cost more than they were letting on to me, but then it could as easily just not be their business model and they are only interested in buying from the insurance co's and shifting on the cars as quickly and easily as they can.