Guide to Selling Damaged Vehicles in South Africa - Practical Steps & Legal Notes

Overview: selling damaged vehicles in South Africa

Selling a damaged vehicle is different from a standard private sale. Buyers factor in repair cost, salvage demand and administrative effort. Professional vehicle buyers, including specialist services, buy cars in any condition and often include free towing, help with deregistration and quick payment. For practical details about how a specialist operates, see the company’s explanation of services on the About / How it works page.

When to sell versus when to repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell depends on repair cost, the vehicle’s pre-accident market value, availability of parts, and how quickly you need the vehicle removed. Consider selling when repair cost approaches or exceeds a large portion of the vehicle’s value, or when the vehicle is non-running and storage or towing expenses mount.

Repair cost vs value retained (estimates for illustration)

Estimates vary by make, model and region. Figures above are examples in South African rand and should be treated as illustrative ranges, not guarantees. If estimated repairs consume a large portion of a vehicle’s retail value, selling for salvage or to a specialist buyer is often more cost-effective.

Key practical considerations

• Time: non-running cars can accrue storage or towing costs.
• Liability: ensure transfer of ownership and any deregistration is handled correctly.
• Finance: if vehicle is under finance, inform the lender-sale proceeds usually settle outstanding debt first.
• Market: some makes/models have strong salvage demand; this affects offers.

For examples of vehicles we regularly buy and the types of condition accepted, see the Sell Damaged Cars page for more context on acceptable conditions and photos that help valuations.

How the process typically works

A clear, documented process reduces delays. Most specialist buyers follow these steps: you submit vehicle details and photos, the buyer provides an online valuation, you accept or decline the offer, the buyer arranges free towing and completes paperwork, then payment is released. For a deep dive on selling a non-running vehicle, review the Sell Non-Running Car guidance.

Damage types and how they commonly affect offers

Legal & paperwork essentials in South Africa

Correct paperwork protects both seller and buyer. Key items include a valid ID, vehicle registration documents, a completed sale agreement, and a clear process for deregistration or transfer. If the car is under finance, proceeds are normally used to settle the outstanding debt first - confirm obligations with your lender. Specialist buyers frequently assist with deregistration and paperwork to make the transfer straightforward.

Practical tips for a smooth sale

• Photograph the vehicle from several angles and capture visible damage and odometer reading.
• Have ID and registration papers ready so paperwork can be completed quickly on collection day.
• Declare finance or outstanding debt early to avoid delays at collection.
• Get offers in writing and confirm what the buyer handles: towing, deregistration and timing for payment.

What happens after collection

After you accept an offer and the vehicle is collected, the buyer typically completes transfer and deregistration where applicable and releases payment. Expect the buyer to confirm the receipt of the vehicle and provide documentation showing transfer of ownership. Specialist services often arrange towage across metros and remote areas; check service coverage on the main site to confirm collection from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or surrounding regions: Sell Your Damaged Car - homepage.

Real-world example (illustrative)

A non-running compact car with moderate body damage might see repair estimates of R20,000 but have a pre-accident market value of R80,000. Given storage, towing and repair uncertainties, many owners opt to accept a competitive cash offer from a specialist buyer and avoid further delay. Values and decisions will vary by region and model; use offers as part of your decision-making.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - vehicle registration and licensing
• Automobile Association (AA) South Africa - advice on selling and buying used cars
• South African Government - official guidance and resources