Immersion, or partial immersion in water, especially sea water, will render a car a Cat N write-off. This may not involve bodywork damage, but will have longer-lasting catastrophic effects. And the date would coincide with a number of reported floods and tidal surges.

Just speculating!

Indeed, and precisely why I wouldn't touch an insurance write off.

As a Cat N, there certainly shouldn't be any structural damage. But the possibility put forward by leaseman, especially in the absence of any actual info from the seller, should at least give you pause for thought.

As I said I wouldn't go there personally, but for the OP, if in any doubt, walk away. Its just not worth it.

Thank you both.

Ah, that's something that hadn't crossed my mind!

Is there really no way to find out the cause? Seems remiss of the whole HPI procedure, and quite astonishing that such info isn't recorded somewhere.

I appreciate your reservation re Cats, but I am open to considering them provided I know what the damage was, and how well it's been repaired. My second-to-last car was a Cat D (non-structural), and was bought with the above provisos; it was a snip and gave great service for 5 years before I then sold it on at half the typical price to someone with the understanding. Still going strong.

Is it worth trying an alternative HPI service, do you think?

Thanks.