Cut and Shut | Car Repairs | Insurance Write offs | Wheels | 1981

Tony Bastable explains to the viewers of 'Wheels' how what has been deemed as insurance @write offs' can be repaired and sold off legally.
First Shown: 05/11/1981
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Quote: VT25515

[@rivolinho]

Just discovered Tony Bastable and am on a Thames TV binge. A straight talking, facts laden, no nonsense kind of fella.

[@flippop101]

The insurance guy looks like he’s been reconstructed from previous owners.

[@agunemnon]

That tie's certainly a cut and shut!

[@GypsyHunter232UK]

QUENTIN CRISP

[@dozenmattah33]

Swiss Toni ?

[@peterbustin2683]

Vomit he talks jeeez !

[@johnbeaven8951]

Swiss Toni; all the while I was waiting for him to mention fine wines and Belgian chocolates!

[@haroldofcardboard]

all those gorgeous cars from my childhood

[@bruce5799]

Nice White Cortina estate in the background

[@carrick2494]

Yes my childhood as well. Funny how we have a fondness for the cars music tv shows films of our childhoods no matter your age. My teenage kids talk fondly of the early noughties and parents talk of the 1950s.

[@freddieparrydrums]

And Rover P5B

[@jatdaman]

They look like shit

[@haroldofcardboard]

@@jatdaman really? then i suggest you go see a gastric doctor right away!

[@Darwinion]

That gold Merc parked outside the lockup is currently taxed and MOTed! Escort PAX 597R was fixed and went on till 1989.

[@Chris.Strange]

The Merc had 167,000 on the clock when it was MOT'd last month.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Darwinion bloody hell

[@MegaWayneD]

The online MOT test check will tell you how many miles were displayed on the odometer during it's last MOT.

[@TheNeilFox81]

So I'm not the only one looking up the number plate on these cars then!

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

You will find the jag from inspector morse is still going too.

[@mb8804]

Just Imagine the value of those cars if they were around today.

[@MrSupercar55]

Many of them probably are still around today as the guy did say that they could be legally repaired.

[@harrykuntz878]

I went to a Robbie Williams concert once and ended up sat beside an insurance broker and through it all he offered me protection .

[@scotty87able]

Whether ur right or wrong?

[@Alexander_l322]

@@scotty87able they dont protect me... I'm loving the bus instead.

[@benconway9010]

Your funny int you... Not!

[@bizzjoe]

Why would anyone go to a Robbie Williams concert?

[@robinbrum]

And a lot of love and affection?

[@-DC-]

Insurance companies tossers since the start of time.

[@citywise8773]

Good campaigning journalism of the old school! Of course many years later we now have the categorisation system in place but it took a long time to be implemented and thousands of horrendous cut and shut motors were bought by unsuspecting punters. I absolutely loved the smarmy chap representing the insurers: a kind of Swiss Tony of motor insurance. So smarmy and (seemingly reassuring) about what was a serious problem at the time and for many years later

[@MrSupercar55]

If you were around back then you probably would have driven or sat in a cut and shut car or two and you probably would’ve been none the wiser.

[@citywise8773]

@@MrSupercar55 yes, I was and you’re probably right!

[@dungareesareforfools]

So it's not the insurance companies' concerns if a punter buys a repaired write-off unbeknown to them? What would they have said if the vehicle had been botched and was subsequently involved in another accident, caused or made worse as a result of bad repairs that the owner knew nothing about? They'd be quick to look into its history then, as a means to dispute the claim. Irresponsible double-standard bastards.

[@David77646]

100 % correct

[@JowoHD]

all insurance companies are leeches, no surprise there

[@pachy444]

Yes, insurance payouts on previously written off cars were based on the trade value of a vehicle 1yr older (a substantially lower payout due to the cars history) So in short they basically recouped their loss by selling the salvage then when the vehicle was put back on the road & insured, the premium was for that of a NON write off, but then if a claim was made by the new owner they would suffer a lower payout. Insurance companies spent years trying to avoid losing that nice little earner.

[@MrSupercar55]

It’s hard to tell. I take it this was recorded before the days of HPI. The clues are in the sorts of cars shown herein. Ford Escorts and other cars that today are regarded as classics. Also he acknowledges the DVLA as the DVLC, the latter is no longer used. I’m 29 and I’ve never heard of the DVLC. Anyway, it’s easier to verify over the phone or online before purchasing a car nowadays. I didn’t want to say this at the outset, but the insurance company doesn’t care either way. All they want is money when you as the proud owner of a fine new or secondhand chariot undertake the annual chore of taking out insurance. Insurance company gives you coverage, insurance company takes your money. Any insurance broker will tell you that the condition of your car and its history are sadly none of their business. They want money and, like any other big company, they’re prepared to do some rotten things to get it.

[@richardwhite4638]

Insurance feller looks like Swiss Tony!

[@dickterpene8697]

and his voice sounds like Harry Enfield

[@clicheguevara8722]

Insuring a car is like making love to a beautiful woman, you know you're gonna get fucked.

[@jimmer1976]

Repairing a car is like making love to a beautiful woman...

[@markf4720]

Making a fraudulent insurance claim is very much like making love to a beautiful woman... Ensure the system is fully lubricated before you set off, and don't over-rev her too early - get her run in before nailing things hard. When the time is right, try to set up the rear end smash, but don't be surprised if the other party swerves the incident.

[@craigstratford5086]

​@@dickterpene8697Tory boy

[@MyManiacGamer]

Tony: "Surely the insurance company would raise some eyebrows" Insurance rep: "no eyebrows would be raised atall actually" Oh okay then 😂😂

[@michaelgrace1298]

They won't raise an eyebrow, until you want to claim

[@majorccunliffe4662]

I only watched this because of the Thames logo and tune...takes me back

[@Sonnyblack100]

Major C Cunliffe dam , that Thames theme tune took me back to my childhood

[@chryslerelectronicleanburn1676]

Took me back to

[@QuadMochaMatti]

Enquiring minds still want to know, "whatever happened to Thames Beat?"

[@michealroberson2651]

Same has mate

[@RPKGameVids]

Flat cap and HP sauce.

[@autumnmatthews3179]

I miss Tony, we still need him

[@JourneywithSmee]

That film is in good condition. Hard to believe it was filmed nearly 40 years ago.

[@becconvideo]

Unlike the rolling stock shown on the footage, the video material didn't change hands too much - probably Thames TV itself digitized the original broadcast master tape using proper studio equipment. So it looks better now than back then on your Colour CRT tube.

[@theweekthatis]

That's because it was tape, not film.

[@zahkam7322]

That gold merc is still Taxed and the MOT now expires in June 2020 ! So awesome to see such a car hanging on for so long!

[@russthebiker]

That insurance agent is master of the double speak, he sounds like a politician, the look on his face as he says second hand motor car !! I am sure he always had a new motor car from a friendly dealer with a good discount

[@artmallory970]

He spoke like a pompous Horse's Hoof...

[@malcolmclements9254]

That Alpha Romeo at the end is a nice collectable now .

[@chryslerelectronicleanburn1676]

I love some of the words that are used in the UK such as Tosser, Git, and Pratt:) As an American I have always enjoyed television programs (programme) for the UK.

[@glpilpi6209]

Tony Bastable , he never waffled his piece.

[@TheHorsebox2]

Glpi lpi Yes Tony was a very slick presenter.

[@steviewonder2049]

He was bloody good wasnt he

[@glpilpi6209]

Stevie Wonder I don't think anyone comes close to him for verbal clarity and enthusiasm .

[@TK42138]

Glpi lpi He also presented corporate training videos. There's a bus driving 'best practice' video on youtube with Tony explaining what not to do with semi auto bus transmissions. He was brilliant presenter.

[@TK42138]

Glpi lpi Sadly no longer with us. Died in 2007.

[@ukmud6218]

Chalk line,ffs I've been using crayons

[@ESCAPINGTHEMATRIXFORGOOD]

blah ha ha !

[@mrkipling2201]

All the cars back then looked different and you could tell what motor it was. Now they are just all identical tin cans you can’t tell one from another.

[@energymc22]

Andy clohessy especially when half the cars on the road are VW group junk

[@richardclarke376]

yeah, utter crap

[@waynusp1664]

Dudes, get with it, it's because most cars are all made by the same people,the whole car industry, they share bodyshells,engines suspension, blah blah blah, all to save them money and cost us!

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

You can tell a £5995 dacia sandero though haha!

[@gp3runescape]

Grow some eyes

[@TheGodParticle]

Rip tony, you were the best.

[@adeh503]

Tony "hold the pose " Bastable ....legend 🏁🏁🏁

[@chryslerelectronicleanburn1676]

The Minor 1000 at 1:40 looks like it is drivable. Probably totaled due to age it was about 25-30 years old in 1981.

[@kingspunkbubble]

“Hand built “😂

[@andynightingale7335]

Had to laugh at that comment! Jeez.

[@garylangley4502]

In California, the title paper says "salvage" on it when it has been written off. I had a 1984 Chevrolet Citation that was written off, but I paid to retain the car. I replaced the rear hatch (only because of the broken glass), replaced the tail lights, and the rear bumper, plus minor straightening of the rear panel of the car. These were all used parts, there was no cost of labor as I did the repairs, and I did not bother painting the rear hatch. I got a check for over $1500. and only spent about $200 for the parts.

[@jaggass]

That Morris Marina was in its natural habitat.

[@mark-1rc502]

- Ey!! Watch it Mate, I’m Ford Owner .💪🧐

[@mark-1rc502]

The Marina is actually missing something ---- Something like a Piano on the roof perhaps🤣

[@RoadCone411]

It was written off because a headlight bulb needed replacement and it was determined that it would have cost more to repair than to replace the bulb.

[@mark-1rc502]

BloomingOnion Ouch That’s What you call Depreciation

[@agfagaevart]

F ix O r R epair D aily

[@Chipchase780]

My first car was from a scrapyard in 1981. A diamond white mk 2 Ford Escort. Front end concertinad in from a collision. A cousin threw the outer wings away, pulled the inner wings out again and fitted replacement outer wings. He did all the work on it, and it ran well. A very simple and basic car compared to what we demand these days.. It’s probably someone’s washing machine now.

[@arthurmatthews9321]

Me again. Just one last comment . It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer a low settlement on your write off car and then sell it at auction for more than what they gave you.

[@hotrodhouse]

Insurance is like making love to a beautiful woman, its Swiss Tony being interviewed by Tony Bastard (as we knew him in the 70s).

[@spitfire4206]

that man should be a MP he's good at talking around the house's

[@davidallen7977]

I'd love that Alfa sprint.

[@peterjennings8258]

I love mine.

[@Cheezwizzz]

She’s a beauty alright!

[@sirkastic]

I live in London now, and I wish this city was like how TV shows in the 80's presents it

[@e36racer44]

sirkastic wog central now 😔

[@LondonWalkability]

@@e36racer44 shut up you twat

[@the.internet]

@@LondonWalkability Muhammad was a warlord, murderous pedophile. Why would any sane person consider him the 'perfect being'? You're not wanted here.

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

Excellent video for practising general / motor insurance Actuaries

[@AJustmenow]

The minute insurance became a legal requirement was the moment the vultures started circling.

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

Yeah, to make something compulsory and hand the whole thing over to the private sector for 'competition'. Especially over the last fifteen years, they're a nightmare. I had one company who charged me £350 a year for my van for two years, then £500, then £850. I was getting divorced at the time and took my eye off the ball. I. shouldn't have needed it on the ball if they'd been trustworthy. Something else to watch for, I got a great quote from Admiral and went ahead, and auto renewed, when, after a few years it was due in January! Well, when I started with them it was due in July. Rang them up to be told I'd been put on ten months insurance to get my no claims up!!! I joined them with 72%. so it was purely to get the price acceptable so I'd go for it, what good is ten months cover? Twisters, the lot of them.

[@AJustmenow]

Bellerophon challen yes, never auto renew, lesson learned, I’ve just been quoted £6,600 to insure a transit size recovery truck, with a separate quote for the cars being transported. So bang goes my part time business plan. I live in an area that has the highest rates of uninsured drivers, so someone’s got to pay for those that won’t☹️

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

@@AJustmenow Absolutely, I now ask; Is that for twelve months? Have you pressed auto renew? Then press no auto renew please. Have you protected my no claims? and, no thanks, I don't want legal protection or any add ons, thank you. Just the legal requirement to get me on the road. It was bad enough getting divorced without them ripping me off too. Mate, that is a serious amount of money for a recovery truck, plus the load extra. They've really started to hit commercial vehicle insurance lately. If only they stopped hawking for new business at the expense of people who are loyal, they would be much better off. I'm the sort of person who doesn't want the hassle of hunting around, if you treat me good, you'll get it all, car, van, home, tools, workshop every year. I remember the days when you had an insurance man came round and did business in the house. Injury insurance, the lot. He got all my parents business back in the sixties and seventies. Had a nice house and car off the round he had too, so it paid well. You're probably like me, if that quote had been reasonable and fair, you'd have stuck with them and over the years you'd have proved yourself a good insurance risk. You'd have a good business and so would they. Crazy.

[@manofweed1]

So many classics here that I doubt would be written off now. Spotted an Alfasud sport, Corvette, Triumph sport and a few others, Jags etc !

[@elpistolero9394]

Looks like the priest in the original Omen movie. “He’s the son of a jackal, Mr Thorne!”

[@ranat5526]

Ask ' Arthur Tassik' , if in doubt!

[@yusuf.alajnabi]

So much has changed since then in Australia they now have a data base, where all cars that have been ridden off go onto and can easily be checked. This was after so many people died or were seriously injured due to cars being cut and shut and poorly repaired by shifty people who were looking to make a quick dollar.

[@Toby_the_Glen]

We are currently going through a renaissance with salvage repair channels on KZbin. Buy a car off Copart, video the repairs and then sell it on (not as a trader obviously). Because it's 'fun' and "just a hobby" anyone can do it. You don't need to be qualified or professional, which means too many guys are getting involved in serious traits that should never be allowed anywhere near a spanner!

[@AdrianCartersheffield]

Insurance fella is proper Swiss Tony

[@bilalahmed2123]

That S Class must have been fairly new, since this segment was produced in 1981.

[@51StPi]

That must have been Tony's, we've seen how he drives, must have given him the idea for doing this piece.

[@barrychatwin661]

At around 6:00 mins the insurance man basically admits that UK insurance is a con and a scam. Purely a licence to print money without call for recourse.

[@johnmorrow7080]

Haha still driving a right off , never used chalk line drop check but seen it done in the early 80's , used car bench and dataliner and other pulling systems over the years , was a panel beater for 35 years .

[@KRAMPUS1933]

ivor biggun; Thanks. Its good to see folk are waking up to it all. Today's youth think its cool to be dirty lazy, arrogant and stupid - because the truth is, it hides their embarrassment at being losers. They attack any of their contemporary's who study and try improve their lot in life, and with a backdrop like that, is it any wonder kids just give up and drop out? I think its high time that we drop the "equality" rubbish and award kids who do well with real education in order to improve their abilities and bring pride back to our nation.

[@philhealey449]

I'd like a fresh crumple zone in a crash though.

[@omarks]

Tony Bastable's cardy was actually assembled from three previously owned garments. you can see the 'cut n shut' ill fitting effect at 08:04

[@danny355]

I love that he thinks the Merc at 1:06 is going to be repaired! Thing looks like it's been written off multiple times

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

Yep, saw a BMW almost a third its original length from a massive frontal, rebuilt recently. Proper job, drove better than new.

[@video99couk]

5:17 I could really use some spares from that nice blue Hillman Avenger in the background.

[@owensteele1645]

That yellow Spitfire was later painted red and was put back on the roads until 1990.

[@andrewb2475]

So Swiss Tony was a real guy!😂

[@markrutter6439]

I brought a austin maxi 1795cc from a garage once in 1982 sold as seen for £200 two weeks later whilst sitting at traffic lights then when i pulled thrashing it ( i was 17yrs old at time) when the front end of the car seperated just behind the "b" pillar and i was sat there car split in two pieces only held together by the brake lines fuel lines i was fucking fuming when i found out that this had been done it was spot welded all around and the roof had covered the welds by the vynil roof it had lost my money and car proper nightmare

[@frazzleface753]

RIP Tony Bastable

[@alexrankin1046]

Frazzle Face , I didn’t know, sad that he is no longer with us.

[@vikingraiders4138]

Lots of rare cars today.

[@peterm1042]

Insurance guy looks and sounds like a Jeremy Hunt !

[@DavidandShirley]

Or something that rhymes with it

[@stevemason5348]

Chalk lines on the floor, takes me back to the early 70,s

[@blinski1]

It is very interesting to me, that in the long shots when you can see whole lot you can distinguish by the glipmse of the eye which car is from the mid 70's or earlier and which is from the late 70's. The colours went straight from pastels and bright palettes to dark greens, browns and grays.

[@phillipecook3227]

The presenter is a real pro.

[@Cobra83.]

Golden age of television

[@riverhuntingdon6659]

Some nice old cars there, BMC1100, Rover P6 and SDI, Renault 16, Cortinas, and even an old Hillman Avenger. If it's done right, using the proper jig to check alignment, well and good. But too many Arthur Daleys out there !

[@sirmugman]

a very nice scrap yard indeed! loads of lovely cars there, though the hillman/humber/singer estate might be too gone, sad to see the marina and that one blue allegro in there

[@neildempster2827]

Not really, best place for them I'd say.

[@keithfletcher6123]

Insurance Dude: “ … well … you see … we just don’t give a shit … and how dare you for asking. I say driver … I’m done here … bring round the Jaaaag” What a delusional bellend - he actually believed what he was saying Don’t forget - the insurers never lose … Tony had him backed right into a corner there - brilliant to see - good old Tone …

[@mikiex]

Tony Bastable, a more serious Alan Partridge :)

[@thesoundunit]

AHAAAAA!

[@melgrant7404]

Crash bang wallop what a video!

[@Skin-ve2tt]

That pile of "scrap" cars would be worth a fortune today.

[@speakfreeley4473]

All these cars here are proper cars. No computer controls under bonnet & idiot warning lights to complicate things.

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

Private sellers still don't have to declare if it was a write off, but trade sellers by law have to in the uk. Another reason why to always ring them about 'the car' and not 'the jaguar f type convertible' (e.g) because only trade sellers posing as private ones, possibly to hide a write off, will ask 'which one?'.

[@e36racer44]

That insurance bloke was totally in the closet 😂

[@paulsanderson9027]

If only to have the keys to that yard today ! Sat on a gold mine.

[@charleswoodrow]

0:10 Just amazing.... A purple Stingray, a golden Rover SD1 and many more beautiful cars.

[@philhealey449]

I was fearing the gold SD1 was the lemon I regrettably briefly owned in 1984.

[@charleswoodrow]

@@philhealey449 I would like to own one

[@philhealey449]

@@charleswoodrow Wear waterproof clothing and take plenty of spanners.

[@charleswoodrow]

@@philhealey449 Haha

[@philhealey449]

@@charleswoodrow I could go on. My dream car was a six month nightmare. Take care !

[@stumac869]

If you had that Triumph GT6 and Spitfire (one of each in the yard) you would certainly repair them.

[@justsumguy2u]

Insurance guy; "I dunno, it's not our problem" (shrug)

[@MrWombatty]

Nor was it ever their problem the bigger issue of using the details of write-offs purchased at at auctions for rebirthing stolen vehicles!

[@becconvideo]

@@MrWombatty Thoughout the 90ies, when on the continent cars car theft was endemic with a long caravane of vehicles going East of the border, I was amazed to learn that in the UK it was even worse of a problem despite the fact that right hand drives are harder to sell with fewer countries to export them to. Did nobody asked for the Vehicle Identification Numbers which are hard to fake - when registering a car in the UK?

[@TheKieranator]

How on earth did we live without HPI checks.

[@MrSupercar55]

We didn’t. Cutting and welding the chassis weakens it, reducing the protection offered if you have the misfortune of crashing. Of course that’s not to say that you can hit a modern car head on in a busted old Ford Cortina and live to tell the tale. Newer cars are always safer than older ones. Fifth Gear have demonstrated this time and time again in their crash tests.

[@e36racer44]

Those mk2 escorts are gorgeous!

[@bernardlaus9996]

When I see those shiny cars from my generation that I grewed up, into a scrapyard, my hart is broken

[@imnotavingthat6813]

Many a memory of wonderful old cars from my youth

[@mickriordan3639]

Metro Breakers Colindale North London closed only last year

[@tomh3627]

I recognised it too. Used to get bits and pieces for my old bangers: gen 1 honda civic, ford P100, Bedford Astravan

[@stephendartnall8928]

Always had bovver trying to connect a mini to a series 7 BEEMER THAT WELD showed out a treat.....sold it in Iraq

[@w3dnesd4y57]

Can't have a decent car show without Swiss Tony 5:00

[@OffGridInvestor]

Minor rear enders aren't too bad to be fixed up. Especially in a fwd car. They're not too bad if done PROPERLY. But if not, they will actually crack right in half in a crash. You need someone who can crack test their welds and has a few years welding experience behind them.

[@guitarlover302]

What a hair cut from insurance guy 🤣🤣

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

I'm off to the barbers tomorrow with a print off of that one. Just about got enough hair left to make it work.

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

I bet you are the Belle of The Old Dame down in Old Compton Street tonight.

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

​@@rattusnorvegicus4380 Ah, didn't work out, I thought that hairstyle looked cool but I'd forgotten my Turkish barber's gay and they don't take no for an answer, the Turks.......

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

Buggery may become compulsory if Labour get in, so buy your chas-titty belt now. Don`t say I didn`t warn you.

[@saxongreen78]

The Council cut his hair...on a rainy Wednesday during the Garbage Strike.

[@spankysmp]

Just think how much those cars would be worth now.

MichaelKingsfordGray You have to be kidding.

[@sanchoodell6789]

They would be worth millions now. Just get Tracey Emin or Damien Hurst to use them in any of their art exhibitions or have Banksy paint on them!

[@stephenusher7059]

When cars were made of real metal! I restore classic cars for a living and would love to get my hands on any of these...

[@IamCombustible]

If I was sent back in time to the seventies, i'd buy up as many 1st gen Escorts as I could. Incredible how something that was considered undesirable junk back then is like gold dust now.

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

@@sanchoodell6789 Tracy Emin period some sick fuck like her would buy it.

[@simonlloyd7557]

8.30 is a pure Alan Partridge moment

[@skylined5534]

*COOKPASS BABTRIDGE*

[@fightersweep]

Could have done with some of those spares for my Cortina Mk III a few years back. Great film though. Chances are I probably watched it on TV as a 12 year old back then.

[@boobsthechemist2067]

I bought a cut & shut motor many years ago. It was a Land Rover discovery at the front & a robin reliant at the back. Didn’t notice anything was untoward until the police impounded it 😢

[@kenh3344]

The rear of your car was it the front or rear of the reliant robbin just trying to picture it in my mind??

[@andrewdaley3081]

I've been in a cut and shut it was my dad's friend we were going to a cricket match he said lift the carpet up and it was welded across the middle of the car. Andy England 🇬🇧

[@Banglish123]

Was your dad Arfur

[@thesoundunit]

Casual jacket over formal shirt and tie!

[@cambs0181]

I was half expecting that Dennis Newby to say Writing off a damaged vehicle, is like making love to a beautiful woman!

[@AldershotDave]

Surely making one car out of the front end of one car and the rest end of another is illegal? That’s a cut-and-shut isn’t it?

[@robfuller7841]

PTC 904M on the road till 1990

[@milojanis7376]

I have done a lot of cut and shuts in my time and I had a back street garage,my own car is two cars welded together I miss the good old days.

[@wilsjane]

Older cars have such a low market value that the insurance company that has taken your money for years will want to write them off. Some of these vehicles have not even been involved in a crash at all. One vehicle was simply splashed with a chemical that damaged the paintwork, but the £1,000 write off value was cheaper than the £2,500 respray costs. Clearly, a small garage could repair and resell the vehicle to someone who wanted a reliable car to take the children to school, but was not too fussy about the finish on the paintwork.

[@agfagaevart]

i could moan to you about insurance garages who deliberately over-charge in quotes. :-(

[@wilsjane]

The big insurance garages go in high because the insurance companies who list them get quite a large discount. It is therefore never a good idea to use them for work that you are paying for yourself. What I was thinking about above, was the small independent guys who buy and repair lightly damaged cars to sell on. They can often get items like a £300 bumper from another car in the scrap yard for £50 and fix up a 10 year old car with very little expense. If they buy the £1000 write off for its £300 scrap value and spend another £200, they can make an honest profit and supply a customer with a good car for around £1000. Unfortunately people like this are few and far between these days.

[@agfagaevart]

buying a write-off from anyone is never a good idea...even if its because of door damage only.

[@wilsjane]

Agreed, their are a lot of sharks out there. Another thing that the small guys used to do, was buy a car that had been scrapped due to an engine / gearbox failure and substitute for an engine from a much newer car that had been wrecked. Here in the UK, when the registration plate changed, the scrap yards would post on their internal site the first new reg car to come in. Most years it was within 24 hours and one car a few years ago had less than 40 miles on the clock. It was a £35,000 BMW that looked as if it had been dropped off the roof of a tower block.

[@agfagaevart]

:-0

[@stephenwhitehead5351]

Arthur Daley owned that yard where's Tony now???

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

"crazyclive1 year ago He died in 2007 - something you could have checked out yourself!" Arthur Daley died in 2007?!

[@tomharvey2040]

i got ripped off in this way, i bought a '82 Fiesta XR2 in '88 for £2K, went to sell it in '90 and was told it had been written off😡 managed to to get rid for £1500 in the end so was relatively lucky

[@andyrussell3983]

Ha mk 2 escort was my 1st car, found out it was a cut and shut

[@QuadMochaMatti]

I suspect that my first car, a 4-year old second-hand VW Wolfsburg Edition Mk 1 Cabriolet was as you term it, another "cut and shut". With the help of my parents, we purchased it from a local, long-established VW dealership in the Pacific Northwestern region of the US, and took them at their word that it was in proper working order. There was no mention from the dealership that it had been rebuilt. I did a Carfax search on the VIN at one point (back when Carfax was still a relatively new service available to consumers), which didn't reveal much other than it had been in a non-specified accident; there was no description as to whether it was ever declared a total loss or not. Everything appeared to be cared for, or otherwise acceptable in the course of a surface-level inspection. A number of years later whilst I was in the process of performing some DIY refurbishments/replacement of components, I discovered that the RH quarter panel appeared to have been replaced, along with evidence of some other body work, including some sub-structural damage.

[@patrickr6505]

Where are they now??

[@supercool2999]

Reminds me of that episode of Pimp My Ride when a dude had a cut and shut vehicle made out of two 1989 Ford Escorts that was welded and glued together with liquid nail. It was so bad that the guys at WCC couldn't do anything with it and Xhibit had gotten him a brand new 2004 Scion XB.

[@edwardbennett3572]

That insurance guy has Swiss Tony’s haircut

[@stevehillier7018]

Arthur Tussik likes this lol 😂

[@Wreck-Gar]

That would make a fantastic series of videos! 👍

[@General.Longstreet]

That s class Merc at 1 :06 must have been almost new when this was filmed.

[@ells-aviation]

“The man that buys the vehicle “ 🤣🤣how that’s would have been edited out nowadays

[@matty6848]

Yep we can’t use man now. It has to be them they or whatever those fucking weirdo’s identify as on the day😂

[@P8FPV]

What a Bell end...its your responsibility to make sure the car your buying isn't a written off wreck. Even tho he's the one selling them!!

[@benconway9010]

Why dose he keep saying DVLC wen i know it as DVLA wen did it change??

[@jaggass]

If you can try and buy one owner from new cars with low miles and get a HPI check done. Very unlikely that one like that would have been in a crash.