How to Sell Scrap Vehicles in Pretoria - Step-by-Step Guide

Overview: Selling scrap vehicles in Pretoria

If your vehicle is beyond economical repair, non-running, accident-written-off or simply scrap, selling it can recover cash and remove ongoing costs like storage and municipal fines. This guide explains how to sell scrap vehicles in Pretoria, what affects offers, and the paperwork you’ll need in South Africa. Where useful, we reference practical local options and services from Sell Your Damaged Car that handle towing and admin nationwide, including Pretoria.

Is your car scrap or repairable?

Deciding whether a vehicle is scrap depends on repair cost versus aftermarket value, safety, and whether the vehicle is under finance. Typical indicators a car is scrap: structural chassis damage, total loss declared by an insurer, severe flooding or fire damage, or a non-running vehicle with prohibitive repair estimates. For help with non-running cars see Sell Non-Running Car.

When to sell vs repair

A practical decision framework compares estimated repair costs against expected retained value after repair. For many older or heavily damaged cars in Pretoria, selling as scrap is faster and often yields more net value than investing in repairs.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Different damage has predictable effects on offers. The table below shows typical directional impacts - actual offers vary by make, model, year and local scrap demand in Pretoria.

Where to get valuations in Pretoria

Options include scrap metal buyers, breakers’ yards, insurers (if submitting a claim), and specialist car buyers. Specialist buyers and dealers tend to provide online offers quickly if you upload photos and vehicle details. For a streamlined online sale process, including free towing and paperwork handling, see our national service overview at the homepage.

How the selling process typically works

A standard and low-effort route to sell scrap vehicles in Pretoria follows these practical steps. The timeframe and inclusions vary by buyer, so confirm towing, paperwork and payment details in writing.

Step-by-step

• Submit vehicle details and photos - make, model, year, odometer, location (Pretoria suburb) and clear images of damage.
• Receive a written offer - typically an obligation-free cash figure based on condition and local salvage demand.
• Accept the offer and schedule collection - many reputable buyers include free towing and will collect across Pretoria and Tshwane metro.
• Complete paperwork at collection - proof of ownership, ID, and settlement of any finance if required.
• Payment is made - reputable buyers confirm payment method and timing before collection.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa (what to expect)

Selling a scrap vehicle in Pretoria requires the same core documents as any vehicle sale. Key items include the vehicle registration document (logbook), a valid ID or company documents for fleet vehicles, and details of any finance agreements. If the vehicle is under finance, the outstanding debt must normally be settled with the finance provider before transfer or the buyer may pay the lender directly.

Buyers that offer a full-service sale will often assist with transfer and deregistration. For an explanation of deregistration and transfer practices, see this service’s description of selling damaged vehicles: Sell Damaged Cars.

Tips to maximise your offer in Pretoria

• Provide clear photos: four exterior angles, engine bay, interior and close-ups of damage and VIN/chassis number.
• Be honest and detailed about mechanical issues - transparent information speeds up the valuation.
• Include service history and recent maintenance receipts if available; even scrap buyers value known parts condition.
• Remove personal items and prepare ID/ownership documents before collection to avoid delays.

What happens after collection

After collection, a buyer may strip usable parts, recycle metal, or recondition salvageable components for resale. Payment timing varies: some buyers pay on collection, others release funds once paperwork is complete. Expect clear confirmation of payment timing before you hand over keys and documents. If you sell a fleet vehicle, ensure the buyer issues a proper invoice and transfer paperwork for your accounting records.

Practical Pretoria examples

Example 1 - Private owner in Hatfield: a late-2000s hatchback with a seized engine and good interior was sold to a specialist buyer who arranged free towing from Pretoria central and paid the seller via EFT the same day paperwork was signed. Example 2 - Small business fleet: a panel van with front-end crash damage was quoted by two breakers; the business chose the buyer who offered towing from the business yard in Silverton and handled deregistration.

Avoiding common pitfalls

• Don’t hand over keys or paperwork before payment terms are agreed in writing.
• Verify a buyer’s reputation - look for clear contact details, written offers and references or reviews specific to Pretoria.
• If the vehicle is financed, get a written payoff figure from the lender and understand how settlement will be handled.

Further reading and services

For sellers who need a straightforward, nationwide option that includes free towing and paperwork handling, the Sell Your Damaged Car service outlines how they buy vehicles in any condition and manage collection and admin across South Africa. For more on non-running vehicles see their dedicated guidance at Sell Non-Running Car (useful if your scrap vehicle does not start).

Sources

• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - vehicle registration and eNaTIS information
• South African Government - vehicle licensing and registration guidance
• AA South Africa - advice on written-off and damaged vehicles