Could bumper damage have caused an S-reg Volkswagen Polo to be a 'cat C' write-off?

I've just found out that an S-reg Volkswagen Polo 1.4 we were proposing to purchase was a 'write off' and the status is 'Cat C'. I've spoken to the seller who said it was only the colour-coded bumper that caused it to be a write off.

I've checked the status with a company but it doesn't give a list of the damage. Is there a company or website where I can check the actual damage on this car? I have to say, when we test drove the car and looked it over it seemed fine apart from the need for a cam belt change, securing the exhaust and a touch of WD40 on the starter motor. Should I run for the hills or take another detailed look?

Asked on 21 June 2010 by Dee56

Answered by Honest John
If it's S-reg and the damage was recent, then yes, rather ridiculously, the cost of replacing a bumper and internal bumper crumple zone could have been as much as the car is worth, resulting in a Cat C (repairable) write off.
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