Scrap Car Worth Calculator South Africa - Estimate Your Car’s Scrap Value

Overview: What a scrap car worth calculator tells you

A scrap car worth calculator is a tool to estimate the cash you might receive for a vehicle that is damaged, non-running, written-off or otherwise destined for salvage. In South Africa, scrap value depends on vehicle make, age, weight, parts demand, the extent of damage and local salvage market conditions. Use the calculator estimate as a starting point; offers from buyers vary based on inspection, title status and tow logistics.

Key inputs used by a scrap car worth calculator

• Vehicle details: make, model, year, mileage.
• Condition: accident damage, mechanical failure, flood or fire history.
• Title & finance: whether the vehicle is fully owned or still under finance.
• Location: proximity to salvage yards and transport costs across South Africa.
• Photos: clear images of exterior, engine bay and interior help refine estimates.

When to use a scrap calculator vs seeking repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell as scrap depends on estimated repair costs versus retained market value. If repair costs approach or exceed the depreciated market value, selling to a specialist is often the more practical option. Use the table below to compare typical repair cost ranges against expected retained value bands (estimates in R, South Africa context).

Estimates above are illustrative and will vary by region (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban) and by vehicle. For non-running vehicles, see our guidance on selling a Sell Non-Running Car to understand logistics and valuation specifics.

Damage types and typical offer impact

Different damage types affect scrap estimates in predictable ways. The table below summarises typical impacts on offers in South Africa’s salvage market.

When to sell your car as scrap vs repair

If repair estimates exceed a meaningful portion of the car's current market value, or if the vehicle is written-off by insurers, selling for scrap or parts is often the practical choice. Business fleets and private owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban frequently opt for a cash sale when downtime and towing costs make repairs uneconomic.

How the scrap valuation process works with a buyer

• Submit vehicle details and photos online.
• Receive an indicative estimate from the calculator - this is a starting point.
• Inspector or buyer confirms condition and paperwork; the offer may be adjusted.
• Once you accept, the buyer arranges collection (often free towing) and settles payment.

Sell Your Damaged Car offers nationwide collection and paperwork handling, which reduces logistics that often lower net proceeds for owners. For details on what we buy and the types of vehicles accepted, see our Sell Damaged Cars page.

Legal and paperwork considerations in South Africa

When selling a scrap vehicle in South Africa, you should confirm ownership, provide proof of ID, and disclose finance status. If the vehicle is still under finance, settlement instructions from the finance house are required before transfer. Buyers who handle deregistration can simplify the transaction - ask whether deregistration and transfer are included in the service.

Tips to get a better scrap calculator estimate

• Provide clear, multiple-angle photos of damage, engine bay and interior.
• List recent service history and known faults - transparency helps accurate offers.
• Confirm the vehicle's title and disclose any finance to avoid delays.
• Compare multiple offers and consider buyers who include free towing and admin handling to improve net proceeds.

What happens after collection

After collection, buyers typically process paperwork (deregistration and transfer) and then dismantle the vehicle for parts or send it to metal recycling. Payment timing varies by buyer; many reputable services release payment quickly after collection and paperwork verification. For a clear outline of our online valuation and collection workflow, review our how it works summary.

Practical example (South Africa scenario)

Example: a 2010 C-segment hatchback with structural front-end damage and a seized gearbox might show an indicative scrap calculator result of R8,000-R18,000 depending on parts demand and location. These are illustrative ranges; actual offers will depend on inspection and paperwork. Always treat calculator outputs as estimates, not guaranteed offers.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - official guidance on vehicle registration and transfer
• The Automobile Association South Africa - practical advice on vehicle condition and roadside assistance
• National Consumer Commission - consumer protection when selling vehicles and services