How to Evaluate Salvage Vehicles: A Practical Guide for South African Owners

Overview: what "how to evaluate salvage vehicles" means for you

When a vehicle is classed as salvage or written-off, owners and buyers need a clear method to judge whether repair, resale or selling to a specialist is the best route. This guide explains how to evaluate salvage vehicles step-by-step, with South Africa-specific notes on paperwork, finance and market realities.

Key factors to inspect

• Structural damage: look for bent subframes, misaligned doors, or repaired/cracked strut towers.
• Mechanical condition: engine, transmission and running gear - can they be tested or do they require dismantling?
• Electrical systems: water or fire damage often causes hidden electrical faults that are costly to trace.
• Repair history and parts availability: check if parts are common or expensive imported units.
• Title and legal status: confirm whether the vehicle is registered as written-off or salvage in official records.

Quick checklist before detailed inspection

• VIN/chassis and registration papers (if available)
• Clear exterior and interior photos
• Notes on how the damage occurred and any previous repairs
• If under finance: the account manager and balance information

Repair cost vs retained value (example table)

Note: figures are illustrative estimates for South Africa and will vary by model, age and parts availability. Labour rates and parts costs in metros such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban can differ from smaller towns.

If you want to understand how salvage valuation ties into a simple sales process, see our How it works page for an overview of paperwork and timelines.

For guidance focused on non-running vehicles, consult the Sell Non-Running Car resource to compare options for sale versus repair.

When to sell vs repair a salvage vehicle

Deciding whether to repair or sell a salvage vehicle depends on total cost to repair, the pre-accident market value, insurance status, and intended use. If repair costs exceed a large portion of the vehicle's post-repair market value, selling to a specialist or into the salvage market is often more practical.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

How the salvage-vehicle process works in South Africa

A practical evaluation includes physical inspection, an itemised repair estimate from a reputable workshop, and a market check for parts or repaired equivalents. If you choose to sell to a specialist, the usual steps are inspection, offer, paperwork and collection. Specialist buyers commonly provide free towing and assist with deregistration processes.

Legal and paperwork considerations in SA

• Title and written-off status: verify whether the vehicle has an insurer’s write-off declaration recorded in registration systems.
• Vehicles under finance: you must inform the finance house. Settlement or consent from the creditor is usually required before transfer.
• Deregistration and transfer: specialist buyers often help with deregistration and transfer to avoid administrative delays.

If you want a practical example of selling a damaged vehicle rather than repairing, our Sell Damaged Cars page explains how offers are calculated and what to expect during collection.

Tips to maximise a salvage vehicle offer

• Provide detailed photos and a clear damage narrative - transparency improves trust and can raise offers.
• Gather service records and parts invoices to prove correct maintenance history.
• If possible, get a local workshop estimate to show realistic repair costs in your region.
• Disclose finance status early - buyers need this to arrange legal transfer and settlement.

What happens after collection

After you accept an offer, specialist buyers typically complete paperwork (including deregistration assistance), collect the vehicle with free towing, and arrange payment. Payment timing varies but reputable services confirm payment release and banking details prior to collection.

For a clear step-by-step of how a cash sale works, visit our homepage overview at Sell Your Damaged Car which outlines upload, offer and collection stages.

Example scenario

A 2012 compact sedan with minor front-end structural damage and a functioning engine may have repair estimates of R18,000-R35,000 depending on parts and labour. If the pre-accident private sale value was R75,000, carefully compare the repair cost, time to repair and resale prospects. If repairs are complex, selling to a salvage buyer who offers free towing and helps with deregistration can be the more efficient choice.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - official transport information
• Automobile Association (AA) South Africa - vehicle checks and owner guidance
• National Credit Regulator - guidance on vehicles under finance