Loading your content...
Loading your content...
Learn the true costs of selling salvage fleet vehicles in South Africa - towing, storage, paperwork, finance settlement and ways to protect net proceeds.
Towing, storage, admin, finance settlement and downtime determine net proceeds.
Compare repair cost to value retained; many salvage repairs are uneconomic.
Use buyers offering free towing and paperwork handling to protect proceeds.
When a fleet vehicle is declared salvage, written off, or non-running, selling it involves more than the headline offer. The phrase cost of selling salvage fleet vehicles in South Africa covers direct expenses (towing, storage, paperwork), indirect costs (downtime, admin hours, loss of fleet availability) and market factors (salvage demand, parts value). This guide breaks down typical cost items, shows how they affect net proceeds in R (South African rand), and explains steps to reduce costs while keeping compliance and transparency.
Short take: For fleet managers the single largest controllable cost is logistics and delays. Minimising wait time between valuation and collection reduces storage and downtime costs.
Deciding whether to repair a salvage vehicle before sale depends on repair cost relative to the incremental value regained. The table below shows typical ranges in South Africa; values are illustrative and will vary by make, age and market demand.
| Typical repair category | Repair cost (R, estimate) | Typical value retained post-repair (R) | When repair may make sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor panel/paint work | R5,000 - R25,000 | R8,000 - R40,000 | If repair adds more than cost + selling fees |
| Mechanical overhaul (engine/gearbox) | R20,000 - R80,000+ | R25,000 - R120,000 | Only for higher-value models with warranty/market demand |
| Total loss / structural repair | R50,000 - R200,000+ | Often lower than repair cost | Usually uneconomic - sell as salvage |
Use these ranges only as a starting point. For many fleet vehicles, especially older units, the repair cost exceeds the incremental resale value - making direct sale to a salvage buyer the lower-cost option. For options on selling non-moving units see Sell Non-Running Car for a streamlined process.
Different damage types affect offers in predictable ways. The table below summarises typical impact on salvage offers in percentage terms relative to a clean market value (illustrative, SA market context).
| Damage type | Typical effect on offer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor cosmetic | -5% to -20% | Quick fixes increase buyer pool |
| Mechanical failure (engine/gearbox) | -20% to -60% | Higher variance depending on parts demand |
| Structural / frame damage | -50% to -90% | Often sold for parts or scrap |
| Flood / fire damage | -60% to -95% | Sanitisation/salvage costs reduce offers |
Offers depend on salvage demand in local markets (Cape Town vs Johannesburg can differ) and on whether buyers can reuse parts. For a faster sale pathway and free collection options, consider services that buy cars in any condition and manage logistics; learn more about how the process works on our About / How it works page.
To estimate the net cash impact, add estimated selling expenses and subtract the expected offer. A simple formula: Net proceeds = Offer received - (towing + storage + admin settlements + listing/broker fees + downtime cost). Below are practical ranges and examples for South African fleets.
Example (illustrative, not an offer): a 5-year-old fleet bakkie with salvage-level front-end damage might attract an offer of R60,000. If you incur R2,000 towing, R1,500 storage, R1,000 admin and 10% broker fee (R6,000), net proceeds fall substantially. Using services that provide free national towing and handle paperwork can convert those expense lines into near-zero cash outflow and speed up payment.
Selling salvage fleet vehicles requires careful attention to deregistration, settlement of finance and accurate disclosure of damage. If a vehicle is under finance, lenders typically need settlement or written consent before ownership transfer. Deregistration and transfer must comply with traffic authority requirements; failing to deregister promptly can leave fleets exposed to fines or liabilities. For clear options on selling non-running or damaged units, see our Sell Damaged Cars page.
Fleet manager tip: If your preferred disposal route charges for towing and storage, ask for a bundled quote (offer minus known fees) so you can compare true net proceeds between buyers.
A streamlined sale path looks like this: quick online valuation, acceptance of a competitive cash offer, arranged collection (often free nationwide), paperwork completion (including deregistration and finance settlement) and payment release. Timelines vary: valuation can be immediate, collection often within 24-72 hours in major metros, and payment once paperwork is verified. For a frictionless process that handles collection and admin, see the streamlined options on our homepage.
The cost of selling salvage fleet vehicles in South Africa is a combination of hard expenses and soft opportunity costs. Minimising logistics delays, using buyers who offer free towing and paperwork handling, and consolidating sales where possible are the most effective levers to protect net proceeds. Always compare net proceeds (offer minus estimated disposal costs), not gross offers alone.
Seasoned automotive specialists dedicated to helping you turn your damaged or non-running vehicle into cash fast and hassle-free.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
Get answers to common questions about Selling Guides
Need a tow? We got you
Get a cash offer within 24h!
Somewhere remote? No problem!