Determining Non-Running Car Worth in South Africa - Practical Guide

Overview: What 'non-running car worth' means

Determining non-running car worth requires comparing the vehicle’s current market value, expected repair costs, salvage demand and legal considerations in South Africa. A non-running car can be a candidate for repair, parting out, scrapping or sale to a specialist buyer. This guide explains the factors that influence offers, how to estimate realistic values in R terms, and when selling may be the more practical option.

Key variables that affect value

• Make, model and year - common, in-demand parts raise value.
• Extent and type of damage - mechanical failure vs severe structural damage.
• Location and transport costs - collection availability across metros matters.
• Paperwork and legal status - vehicles under finance or without clear title require extra checks.
• Salvage market trends - pricing can vary by region (e.g., Johannesburg vs coastal areas).

Repair cost vs retained value (illustrative)

Note: These ranges are estimates for South Africa and will vary by region and vehicle. When repair cost approaches or exceeds the retained value, selling as-is is often more practical.

When to sell versus when to repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell hinges on a few practical comparisons. Consider total repair cost, how long you plan to keep the vehicle, and alternative options such as parting out or selling to a specialist. For many owners of older cars or fleet managers with downtime costs, a quick sale is often financially preferable.

• If repair cost is greater than 50-60% of the car’s pre-failure market value, selling is usually advisable.
• If the car is under finance, contact your lender - payoff requirements affect net proceeds.
• For cars with extensive structural damage or sunk-cost issues, consider selling to a salvage buyer.

If you want to compare options tailored to non-running vehicles, see the Sell Non-Running Car page for how specialist buyers evaluate these cars: Sell Non-Running Car.

For an overview of how specialist buyers handle offers and paperwork, review our process explanation: About / How it works.

How the valuation process works for non-running cars

A practical valuation looks at serviceable parts, salvage resale potential, and the cost to tow or repair. Specialist buyers commonly ask for make, model, year, mileage, fault description and clear photos. In South Africa this process is usually fast - upload details, receive an offer based on condition and market demand, and decide whether to accept.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Legal and paperwork considerations in South Africa

When selling a non-running car, ensure the identity document and vehicle papers are available. Vehicles under finance need lender consent or settlement; failing to address finance obligations can delay or reduce net proceeds. Deregistration and transfer processes differ based on whether the vehicle is written off or sold as-is. Specialist buyers typically handle deregistration and paperwork, which reduces admin for sellers.

• Confirm whether the vehicle has outstanding finance - obtain a settlement figure from your lender.
• Have the original ID and registration book (or copies) ready to speed transfer.
• Buyers who offer free towing usually also assist with deregistration and transfer paperwork.

If you want a step-by-step look at selling a damaged vehicle (including paperwork assistance and collection), see the Sell Damaged Cars information here: Sell Damaged Cars. For a quick way to start a valuation, the homepage has the upload form used by many sellers: Sell Your Damaged Car - homepage.

Tips to maximise your offer

• Provide clear photos of the exterior, interior and underbonnet - multiple angles help precise offers.
• Disclose full history and existing faults; transparency reduces time-consuming follow-ups.
• Remove personal items and gather service records - evidence of maintenance can improve value.
• If the vehicle is drivable for delivery, note that transport costs may be lower and offers higher; otherwise free towing matters.

What happens after collection

After you accept an offer, the usual steps are paperwork completion, vehicle collection and payment. Specialist buyers often handle deregistration and transfer, and arrange free towing nationwide - beneficial for sellers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and surrounding regions. Payment is normally released and verified shortly after collection, subject to any outstanding finance settlement arrangements.

Practical South Africa examples

Example: an 8-year-old hatch with a non-starting engine and intact body may fetch a competitive cash offer based on parts demand, especially in metros. By contrast, a structurally damaged sedan with water ingress will typically be valued lower due to costly repairs and limited resale channels. Always treat R figures as indicative; specialist buyers evaluate each case individually.

Sources

• South African Government - vehicle registration and transfer procedures
• Industry guidance on vehicle safety and repairs (example resource)
• South African salvage and parts market overview - regional demand notes