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So you've got your eye on a 'write-off' car and want to know what you're really biting off? In Australia, a car is typically deemed a write-off if repair costs exceed its market value or if it's been severely damaged, often by accident or flood. Before you dive into the bargain bin, check the vehicle's history via platforms like CarShowroom or ServiceCentral; they'll reveal if the car is a statutory write-off, which means it's illegal to re-register.

Remember, repairable write-offs still come with a circus of hidden gremlins—frame damage, electrical quirks, or worse. Prices for these beasts can range from a few hundred to a few thousand AUD, but factor in potentially expensive repairs. Buyer beware: sometimes the 'cheap' car can cost you an arm, a leg, and then some.