Loading your content...
Loading your content...
Decide the best way to sell your damaged or non-running panel van in South Africa. Compare junkyard and specialist car buyer routes, including paperwork, risks, and convenience.
If your panel van has been in an accident or stopped running, the question often arises: should you take it to a junkyard, or sell it to a professional car buyer like Sell Your Damaged Car? Each option offers a different route, with important implications for the value you receive, convenience, and peace of mind. Understanding your choices can save you significant time, administrative hassle, and unnecessary costs.
A typical junkyard, or scrapyard, may buy your panel van for parts or metal value without regard to its model, condition beyond scrap, or paperwork. While this approach offers immediate removal, it often results in a lower cash return and sometimes leaves you to handle deregistration and towing at your own cost.
A vehicle-buying service specialising in damaged and non-running panel vans provides an online valuation, transparent offers, full paperwork handling, and free towing nationwide. You simply upload your details, and they handle the rest - ideal for busy owners and fleet managers across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and nearby regions.
| Feature | Junkyard | Car Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Offer Basis | Scrap/weight value | Market, model, demand |
| Handling of Paperwork | Often owner's responsibility | Fully handled for you |
| Towing | Usually at your cost | Free nationwide |
| Payment Timing | Same day or on sale | Fast on collection |
| Risk/Trust | Low regulation, minimal support | Registered, insured, customer feedback |
For panel van owners, especially fleet operators or small business owners, ease of transaction and proper paperwork can be as important as the cash received. Compare each factor carefully - especially in terms of time off the road, admin, and transparency.
For panel vans with accident damage, engine or gearbox failure, flood/fire impact, or simply non-running, professional car buyers offer a streamlined, secure solution. You often receive:
| Panel Van Damage Type | Typical Offer (vs. Unaffected Value) |
|---|---|
| Light accident damage, running | 70-80% |
| Major accident, non-running | 40-60% |
| Severe fire or flood damage | 30% or below |
| Stripped/shell only | Scrap value only |
If convenience, admin support, and getting a fair market-related offer matter to you, a specialist car buyer usually presents the simplest, lowest-hassle solution. Junkyards remain a fallback for stripped or paperwork-lacking vehicles, but most panel van owners will benefit from the customer care, paperwork assistance, and free towing a professional service provides.
Seasoned automotive specialists dedicated to helping you turn your damaged or non-running vehicle into cash fast and hassle-free.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
Get answers to common questions about Comparison And Alternatives
Need a tow? We got you
Get a cash offer within 24h!
Somewhere remote? No problem!