toddx

I've got Eibachs on my wagon and really rate them. Decent drop, though not as low as Teins and comfortable ride. I asked Duncan's advice at Hypertech and he recommended the Eibachs to me over the Teins due to my circumstances (newborn in the family, so didn't want too harsh a ride). Cheers, Andy

So, the car has been written off as a Cat D by Aviva. The guys at Nationwide have kindly offered to give it a thorough once over to check that there are no more hidden nasties before I buy the car back as salvage and ask them to repair it. If, as expected, it's purely bodywork, then I'm happy for them to complete the work. I did get a quote from Steve Walker and it was a fair bit more expensive, though I'm guessing they were erring on the side of caution not having seen the car in the flesh. The extra cost may not have been a massive problem in itself, but when you throw in the need for a hire car, it made it prohibitive. So, I know having a Cat D car shouldn't affect my insurance premium (though I obviously need to flag this to them), but am I right in thinking that if I want to move the car on in the future, I can only expect to get about 60% of its true worth? Again, not a massive problem because we're looking to keep hold of it anyway. I'm just asking out of interest really. The amount of work Duncan at Hypertech has put in to the car means we want to keep it as we know what we're getting and don't need to compromise looking at other cars. Just as an aside, I talked to Gary Moulson at Keith Michaels Insurance and apparently alot of the insurance companies are looking to build up their books in Scotland and there are good deals to be had - may be of use to someone if you're insurance is due for renewal soon. Cheers, Andy

OK, thanks once again for all the advice guys. Have a top Christmas. Cheers, Andy

Showing my ignorance now, but how would I go about doing that? Surely the insurance companies aren't so daft as to pay out, then give you the option of buying the car back for less than they paid out? Or am I being too kind to them?

The steer I got from Nationwide was a new radiator cover was required - nothing else mechanical was mentioned. That said, I'll be sure to get an entire list of things they were quoting for so nothing's missed should I have to get another repairer involved. Talking of which, talked to the lovely Mr Walker this morning and he suggested I get some pictures of the car and email them across. I never saw the car in the light, so will probably need to pop across to Larbert, but based on the pics Stevie reckoned he could provide me with a guess-timate. He seemed fairly confident that he could come in under Nationwide though. I reckon Duncan at Hypertech would take care of the mechanicals as he knows the car. I'll keep you guys updated re progress - as yet NU haven't made a decision (I'm guessing they're snowed under...OUCH!)

Thanks very much for all your replies, guys - I feel a little better about things this morning. I'll give Steve Walker a call this morning to see how I'd go about getting a quote for repairs from himself. I don't think there's much wrong mechanically with the car - that's the steer I've been given by Nationwide Falkirk. I'm not dissing them at all (just in case anyone on the forum works there), but I can't believe it costs £6.5K to replace the panels and lights. Anyway, I'll see what Mr Walker says. Cheers again for the advice!

Hi guys, I'm new to the forums, but have been lurking a wee while. The other day my girlfriend was driving back from Livingston in the snow when she pranged the car. She managed to drive it back home, but by the time she got there, the cabin had filled up with smoke and the engine was making a helluva racket. So, I get on to the insurers (Norwich Union through Keith Michaels) and agree to have the car taken to one of their repair centres (Nationwide in Falkirk). Unfortunately, we're quite new to the area so didn't have any contacts. We get a call today saying that they estimate the repair costs to be just shy of £6500. The car itself is probably only worth £8K (54 reg WRX wagon with PPP). Can anyone give any advice on what options I have here? Ideally I'd like a second opinion on the work required (primarily body panels, but some very basic mechanicals when the front wing got bashed in too). Can I insist on this, or is it a case of having chosen to go with the recommended repairers, that's who has to do the work? Equally, if NU come back and say we're writing it off, can I fund the difference on the repairs myself? Or does the insurer not give that option? Sorry for asking what seem to be very basic questions, but it's the first time I've had to make a claim and I don't want to be taken for a monkey. BTW - great forums, and if I get the Scoob fixed, I'll do less lurking and more writing. Cheers guys and gals, Andy