VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not?

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sat 23 Aug 2014 20:16
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - Zazu

Hello everyone.

I'm sorry if I've put this in the wrong section, please redirect if necessary.

However I had a rather unfortunate incident today and I've ended up crashing my lovely little Lupo.

I've got some pictures of the damage.

As you guys are enthusiasts and experts I thought it'd be nice to ask your opinion on whether you think this is: something which'll write off my car & whether this is repairable.

I can provide more pictures and information if necessary.

The door itself closes fine, the car itself drives fine. I just wanted your opinions please.

Thank you very much for your time and I would appreciate responses sooner rather than later.

[IMG]i60.tinypic.com/1zppts3.***[/IMG]

[IMG]i58.tinypic.com/otn8t3.***[/IMG]

- Zazu

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 23 Aug 2014 20:44
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - double_tap_that

Were you the only one in the incident? I would say instead of using your insurance if it was your fault i wouldnt bother, But, If it was the other party (At fault) then of course have it repaired, its only the door frame,not a right off situation.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 23 Aug 2014 21:08
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - daveyjp
Its probably a right off in terms of cost to repair as opposed to value, but if you like the car get it to a bodyshop and ask them for a sensible price to fix it.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 24 Aug 2014 00:00
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - The-Mechanic

Is that the only damage ? No glass broken, no other panels, wheels or tyres etc ? If so I wouldn't bother my insurance Co or getting it repaired at all. Just drive it till it dies of natural causes because it won't effect it in any way.

I've seen cars with much, much more substantial damage being driven and passing an MOT than this so don't worry about it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 24 Aug 2014 00:13
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - Peter.N.

I would agree, there are a lot of cars still driving about with a great deal more damage than that, keep driving and you will soon forget about it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 25 Aug 2014 10:27
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - Andrew-T

Just be grateful you aren't in Russia. You could get pulled for driving an excessively dirty car (or at least you could 20 years ago).

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 24 Aug 2014 12:56
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - Zazu
Thank you very much for your responses everyone. It's been greatly appreciated. The only damage is what you can already see as well as a dent in the door below and a slight dent on the panel next to the door. The structural pillar is completely undamaged ( no bowing or twisting) just crumpled on the outside which you can see. Everything else works fine as well as the door. I was a little worried about whether it'll pass it's not with the crumple where it is?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 24 Aug 2014 15:54
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - double_tap_that

Its not a serious issue, I had a car once that in the storms a few years ago, a damn great trampoline took off in my neighbours garden and landed on my roof (car) it caused one hell of a dent in the roof, and part of the door pillar, but when it came to mot it, apart from a tyre and brake pipe, it passed.

Your worrying over spilt milk.

No offence.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 24 Aug 2014 23:47
VW Lupo - Is this a write off or not? - The-Mechanic

As long as there's no structural weakening of the pillar (in this case there's not) or sharp edges that can cause injury to pedestrians (definitely not), you'll have no worries regarding the MOT.

I've tested cars that have had rusty wings and wheel arches covered in gaffer tape to cover rough edges and could only advise and not fail them as the sharp edges were covered. If they were left un covered and depending on the severity, they would be a failiure.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.

Insurance group finder and how to save on insurance

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide