Advice on buying a repaired write-off NSW

[calais]

G'day all,

I am looking for a bit of advice on buying a repaired write-off in NSW. I have done a Vehicle History Check on the RTA website and verified that the car has been a 'write-off' previously

The car I am looking at is a 2004 VZ Calais V8, with less than 30,000km and in 2006 it was written off because of a rear end impact. The car has been continually registered, and issued with a clearance certificate to clear the 'write-off' status.

I have had the car inspected and the repair was reported as imperceptible, with no obvious shut line issues, wrinkling of the underlying sheetmetal (rear bumper was removed for inspection) or areas of concern. The odometer reading that I was wary of has been verified by the original owners, the logbook and the servicing dealer.

Because of how the new FBT laws will affect Novated Leasing, I can't viably afford a new car anymore along with a mortgage and investments. I have budgeted 15k for a replacement for my current leased car.

It is my understanding that prior to the new NSW laws regarding repairable write-offs, that there were an unbelievably high number of vehicles being "written-off" as repairable to claim high salvage values. Some vehicle were being written off for simple things like stolen wheels or key scratches. Some even at the request of the owners! (im some cases fair enough).

I am looking forward to obtaining some guidance on whether or not buying this Calais could turn out to be more trouble than I really need to obtain a good car at an affordable price.

Cheers.