Loading your content...

Is it worth scrapping my old car in Johannesburg? - Guide & next steps

Overview - Should you scrap your old car in Johannesburg?

Deciding whether to scrap an old car in Johannesburg depends on the vehicle's condition, repair cost vs market value, administrative requirements and your priorities (speed, convenience, or maximising cash). Scrapping or selling to a specialist can be the fastest way to remove a non-running, accident-damaged or written-off vehicle while avoiding storage, towing or ongoing repair bills.

Quick consideration

If estimated repair costs exceed a large portion of the car's current market value, or the car is non-running and causing ongoing costs, scrapping or selling to a specialist buyer often makes sense in Johannesburg's market.

When to sell or scrap versus repair

Use these pragmatic rules of thumb when weighing options for an older vehicle in Johannesburg:

If repair cost is more than 50-70% of the vehicle's current trade value, consider scrapping or selling for parts.
If the vehicle is non-running and you face high towing or storage costs, a direct sale to a buyer who provides collection is often quicker and lower effort.
If the car has been written-off by an insurer and paperwork is unclear, specialised buyers can manage deregistration and transfer tasks for you.

Repair cost vs value retained (example table)

Scenario	Estimated repair cost (R, range)	Likely value retained after repair
Minor panel & paint work	R3,000 - R12,000	High - may recover most market value
Major structural or engine repair	R20,000 - R80,000+	Low - resale value often below combined cost
Non-running (mechanical failure)	R8,000 - R40,000	Variable - depends on age and parts demand

Damage types vs typical impact on offers

Damage type	Typical impact on offer
Minor cosmetic (dents, scratches)	Small reduction; often economical to repair for private sale
Structural/frame damage	Significant reduction; frequently directed to salvage market
Engine/gearbox failure (non-running)	Variable; non-runners reduce offers but parts demand can help
Flood or fire damage	High impact; often sold for salvage or parts

Practical steps to assess your Johannesburg car

Start with a quick self-assessment: list faults, note whether the car starts, photograph damage from multiple angles and collect service history if available. Local market factors in Johannesburg (parts availability, demand for specific models) influence desirability and the likely route - private sale, trade-in, or sale to a specialist buyer.

If you want a fast, low-effort option, consider reputable buyers who purchase cars in any condition and offer collection. Learn how specialist services work on our How it works page and read options for non-running vehicles on the Sell Non-Running Car page.

How the scrapping or specialist-sale process works in South Africa

Specialist buyers typically follow a simple workflow: you submit vehicle details and photos, they provide a transparent cash offer based on condition and local salvage demand, and if accepted they arrange paperwork and collection. Many buyers operating nationwide in South Africa handle deregistration and offer free towing - important when moving a vehicle from Johannesburg suburbs or surrounding regions.

Step-by-step process

Provide accurate details and clear photos of the car's condition and any damage.
Receive an obligation-free estimate based on condition, salvage value and parts demand.
If you accept, the buyer schedules free collection and completes required paperwork.
After collection, payment is processed and deregistration support is provided where applicable.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa (what to expect)

When scrapping or selling a car in Johannesburg you must complete the vehicle ownership transfer or provide a signed letter of sale if the vehicle is sold for parts. If the car is written-off by an insurer, confirm how the insurer's declaration affects transfer. Buyers who specialise in damaged cars often assist with deregistration and transfer forms, reducing the chance of future liabilities.

Check municipal and national requirements for vehicle disposal and ensure both parties keep copies of signed documentation. If the vehicle is under finance, notify the financier - proceeds often must first settle outstanding balances before full ownership can transfer.

Tips to maximise your cash outcome (without large repairs)

Clean the vehicle and photograph clearly - visible maintenance history or service receipts help buyers value the car more fairly.
Be transparent about damage and mechanical faults - accurate information speeds up valuation and reduces later disputes.
Provide proof of ownership and ID to streamline paperwork and avoid delays in payment.
Compare offers from multiple reputable buyers, including those who offer free collection across South Africa, to understand the local salvage market for your model.

What happens after collection?

After collection a reputable buyer will finalise transfer paperwork, arrange deregistration if needed and process payment. In South Africa, allow for administrative processing time - many buyers issue payment quickly after collection but clearing times can vary by bank. Retain all receipts and transfer documents for your records and tax purposes.

Local considerations for Johannesburg and surrounds

Johannesburg's large vehicle market means high demand for common makes and parts, which can improve offers for in-demand models. However, remote suburbs may affect collection times. For more detail on selling damaged cars and what we accept, see our Sell Damaged Cars page and company background on our homepage.

Real-world example approach (illustrative)

If repair estimates show major structural or engine work that would take several weeks and cost a significant fraction of the car's market value, many owners in Johannesburg choose a specialist sale or scrapping route to avoid further costs. Always get at least two independent assessments to make an informed choice.

Is it worth scrapping my old car in Johannesburg? A practical guide

Assess Repair vs Scrap

Paperwork & Collection

Local Market Matters

Overview - Should you scrap your old car in Johannesburg?

Quick consideration

When to sell or scrap versus repair

Repair cost vs value retained (example table)

Damage types vs typical impact on offers

Practical steps to assess your Johannesburg car

How the scrapping or specialist-sale process works in South Africa

Step-by-step process

Legal & paperwork in South Africa (what to expect)

Tips to maximise your cash outcome (without large repairs)

What happens after collection?

Local considerations for Johannesburg and surrounds

Real-world example approach (illustrative)

Sources

Service was easy and...

Why Choose Sell Your Damanged Car?

Free Towing

Hassle Free

Nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the online valuation process work?

How does the online valuation process work?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

Why sell your damaged car to us?

A Division of Auction Nation, the leading expert in selling damaged cars

Best price for your damaged car

Fast and Friendly

I have been in contact with Sheneeze Pearce and she provided so much help and made sure I submit all required documents she is so patient and very professional

I was helped by gentleman called Cleavon Schubart, from Sell You Damaged Car

Excellent service from Johan Bouwer

I made an enquiry on the website around midnight, and got a WhatsApp within 5 minutes

It was efficient, fa...

Was the best assista...

Good day, they ( shell ur damaged car) are a very professional company, excellent human communication skills

Hi....Keanu Naidoo.....

The person who helped me was Johan Bouwer

They were quick, open, and honest

Good evening My exp...

Very happy just feel...

Selling a non running vehicle

I would like to thank Keanu for his quick and professional service

Great fast responses...

I sold my car on Sell Your Damaged Car and I must honestly say Lee-Zhundre Nortje was very professional and helpful

I recently sold my car through Sell Your Damaged Car, and the whole process was quick and hassle-free

Great communication ...

Was a breeze and fas...

Guaranteed

Excellence

Thank you so much for your professionalism and patience throughout the whole process

Good work

Clear, seemless, and honest

The service was exce...

Title: Excellent Service from Keanu & Bassie – Highly Recommended! I had a great experience with Buy My Damaged Cars

Excellent service Qu...

I realized from the start that your company is legitimate

Johan Bouwer was extremely professional throughout the entire process

Appraisal for Tshidi Mashangoane consultant for my Mazda 6 deal

Excellent service from Cleavon Schubart at Sell Your Damaged Cars

The consultant was m...

I contacted then to sell my car & got contacted by Kobus Rebb, who provided me with fast & efficient service from start to end

They are definitely to be trusted

Highly professional ...

From Start To finish...

I was assisted by a ...

Exceptional service from Tshidi

I have had the best service from Kobus from start to finish

Very good Johan help...

It was the best service

Good service I've received from sell your damaged car from agent Jacobus Rebb