Possible Clues:

• Bitter aristo said to be a dead loss
• Depreciate
• Send away, it's a total wreck
• Give up on, recognise as lost like bad debt
• Car too costly to repair
• Cancellation of debt immediately announced
• Ruined car? Contact the insurance company, perhaps
• To destroy irredeemably
• Apply by letter, but regard as hopeless
• Send a letter - complete failure