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I was looking at an Australian imported BMW. After PPSR search it identified as "Statutory Write-Off" and apparently "Impact Damage-Total vehicle and Malicious damage". Does this mean that the car has been badly damaged?

Hi there,
Yes this would indicate extensive damage beyond insurance threshold. And written off vehicles can no longer be re registered in Aus so are often sent here.
It may have been adequately repaired and certified to be allowed on the road here, but just be aware it has a history.

I am currently shopping for a late model used car and can see that these ex-Aussie cars are very competitive on price. Given that they are adequately repaired and certified for NZ roads does this mean they have been repaired to a high quality standard or just a barely legal standard? In other words, can we be confident these cars have a life and performance that compares favourably with the same models who have no such history?

I am currently shopping for a late model used car and can see that these ex-Aussie cars are very competitive on price. Given that they are adequately repaired and certified for NZ roads does this mean they have been repaired to a high quality standard or just a barely legal standard? In other words, can we be confident these cars have a life and performance that compares favourably with the same models who have no such history?

Hi there,
If a car is imported as a stat write-off or any evidence of damage/ or repair is detected, it will be flagged and will then be referred to a repair certifier for inspection before the compliance process can be completed. So the vehicle should be inspected and made sure that any repairs have been carried out satisfactory before the vehicle is allowed on the roads. So hopefully this process would weed out any dodgy repairs or shoddy workmanship.

Would an AA inspection fairly detect that?

Hi there,
If any damage or repairs are detectable, the inspectors should make mention of it.