Broken-into car - repairs

[dennyboy1]

Hello,

My car (Mazda 2, 2011, petrol manual) was broken into a couple of weeks ago on Hindmans Road and been deemed a write-off (uneconomical to repair). The window was smashed and the guy briefly messed with the panels around my ignition before neighbours scared him off.

I've accepted the write-off and plan to buy back as salvage but want to make sure somebody would fix it for me and that this would be affordable.

I have contacted local garages and one has just got back to me saying they wouldn't risk it, move on and get a new car, what if he did loads of damage, etc.. 

But it's my first car, only got it home a few days before the incident, the guy didn't have long to do too much damage (I hope) so am holding out hope that it's repairable - and given lack of time with the car I do feel it'd be a real shame to already have to get rid of it.

The salvage category with Copart is 'D' which is the lowest level of damage.

I'm wondering if there is somebody locally who is willing to take on the work. I am due to be sent the mechanic's report from the insurer's approved garage which should list exactly what's wrong with it. From the sounds of it they wanted to replace the window, seals, put in a new ignition cylinder and get it back on the road - but because they're an approved garage the cost was very high.

I should be able to buy back as a Cat N car from the salvage yard and have it delivered somewhere hopefully next week.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Kipper_1972]

Does the car start?

[dennyboy1]

  On 17/12/2024 at 15:22, Kipper_1972 said:

Does the car start?

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Not sure: garage mentioned replacing ignition cylinder but not sure how damaged it is. Probably starts fine although didn't try it out in case insurer kicked off about me trying to use the car. Will find out though, thanks

[Kipper_1972]

I would remind yourself that it's essentially a good car. Buy it back. Assume that the ignition switch is Ok (maybe a wire has been pulled). Then you're just really looking at getting the window fixed. Drive it round to a local garage and leave it with them to give you a price on the window (better if they see it). It's now de-valued because of the new category, so wrap the panel back up with gaffer tape, and you'll probably get 15yrs out of it 🙂