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EBay Partners With Mission Motorsport To Restore CAT N Subaru BRZ Using Only EBay Parts
eBay has partnered with Mission Motorsport, a charity supporting military personnel, to rebuild a category N (CAT N) classified 2016 Subaru BRZ. The initiative aims to use only eBay parts and accessories, providing training opportunities for service leavers. The project will see the written-off coupe returned to the road using both new and certified recycled parts.
In 2023, 185,000 vehicles were designated CAT N, but eBay research reveals that 83% of UK motorists do not understand the classification. Once informed that CAT N models have not suffered structural damage, 26% of motorists said they would consider buying one. A Freedom of Information request revealed that the Ford Focus was the most common CAT N write-off in 2023.
London, 18 June 2024 – eBay and Mission Motorsport are working together to restore a crash-damaged Subaru BRZ using items purchased through eBay’s Assured Fit, Certified Recycled Parts, and My Garage services. This collaboration showcases the affordability and variety of parts available on the online marketplace. The work is being carried out by former service personnel.
Once complete, Mission Motorsport will convert the Subaru BRZ into an MSUK spec race car for this year’s Race of Remembrance at Anglesey in November. This event marks the 10th anniversary of the commemorative fundraiser. Nearly the entire team running the car – from drivers to pit crew – will be wheelchair users or have life-changing lower limb injuries.
Mark White, Operations Manager at Mission Motorsport, stated: "We knew from its eBay listing that our Subaru had sustained front and rear damage, but it wasn’t until we got our hands on the BRZ that we could completely understand the scale of our challenge facing our former services personnel. We’ve sourced replacement light clusters, body panels, suspension components and even a seat using eBay Assured Fit."
A vehicle classed as CAT N has been involved in an accident but has not suffered any structural damage. Of the four categories (A, B, S, and N), CAT N is considered the least critical rating. In 2023, 186,423 cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were designated CAT N, slightly down from 186,999 in 2022.
Despite these figures, more than 80% of UK motorists do not understand the significance of CAT N classification. Once informed, a quarter (26%) would consider buying one if convinced by significant savings – with 28% saying they would only buy a CAT N vehicle if its market value was reduced by more than 30%.
Laura Richards, Category Lead at eBay car parts and accessories, commented: "Consumers are seemingly unaware of insurance write-off categories and what they really mean. With some fixes being relatively straightforward, parts motorists might need are easy to find through eBay using the My Garage function. Our Certified Recycled programme provides quality assured reclaimed parts at even more affordable prices."
A CAT N classification is applied when insurers calculate that repair costs exceed the vehicle's total value. Vehicles categorised as CAT N are typically sold at a reduced cost even after repairs. Almost half (42%) of the 2,000 motorists surveyed said they would feel safe buying a CAT N car or van.
Savings on Certified Recycled Parts
Motorists who choose to buy a CAT N vehicle can find replacement body panels, wheels, interior trim, engines – and everything in between – using eBay Assured Fit. This service uses registration data to find suitable items for specific vehicles. Additionally, eBay’s Certified Recycled programme offers OEM quality assured parts sourced from end-of-life vehicles.
| Rank | Make / Model | Volume | Part Description | New RRP Ex VAT (£) | Certified Recycled Part Ex VAT (£) | Savings (£) | Savings (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Focus | 7,219 | Rear bumper | 485.85 | 175.00 | 242.84 | 63% |
| 2 | Ford Fiesta | 6,422 | Front axle support | 677.00 | 90.00 | 587.00 | 86% |
| 3 | Vauxhall Astra | 6,363 | Tailgate | 784.43 | 175.00 | 609.43 | 77% |
| 4 | Volkswagen Golf | 6,123 | Right-front wing | 320.34 | 60.00 | 260.34 | 81% |
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