How much does a write-off marker knock off a car's value?

A Cat S or Cat N marker reduces resale value, but by how much? Realistic percentages by category and how to price your exit.

SELLING · 3 min read

The headline numbers

A common rule of thumb places repaired Cat N asking values around 75 to 85 percent of a clean equivalent and Cat S around 60 to 75 percent. These are starting assumptions, not achieved-sale evidence. Model, repair quality, documentation and demand can move the result materially.

Why the discount exists

Buyers price in three things: the stigma of a write-off, the risk of a hidden or poor repair, and the harder insurance and finance that comes with the marker. The bigger those frictions, the deeper the discount, which is why Cat S runs lower than Cat N.

What moves the discount

Desirable, in-demand models hold value better because buyers are willing to overlook the marker. Rare or slow-selling models get discounted harder. A clean, documented repair with an MOT lifts the price toward the top of the range. A tatty rebuild drags it to the bottom.

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How to price your exit

Do not guess. Start with several closely matched dealer listings for the same model, trim, age and mileage, then apply explicit category and condition discounts. Asking prices are not achieved sale prices, so use a conservative range and verify it against a professional valuation before bidding. The Analyzer shows the evidence and assumptions it used.

The flipping angle

The discount is only a problem at resale. At the auction, the salvage discount is often deeper than the resale discount, and that gap is your margin. Buy well below the rebuilt resale value and the marker works in your favour.

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