Sell a Car with a Blown Head Gasket - Fast Cash for Non-Running Vehicles

Quick overview: selling a car with a blown head gasket

A blown head gasket can leave a car leaking coolant, overheating, producing white exhaust smoke, or not running at all. Repairing a head gasket is often costly and time-consuming, so many owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and surrounding areas choose to sell instead. Sell Your Damaged Car buys vehicles in any condition, handles deregistration and paperwork, arranges free nationwide towing, and issues fast payment once the vehicle is collected.

Why selling may be the sensible choice

If repair estimates exceed the car’s market value, or you don’t want the hassle of sourcing parts and a specialist mechanic, selling saves time and reduces further risk of damage. We provide a transparent offer based on the vehicle’s condition and the local salvage demand in South Africa.

What we buy

• Cars with blown head gaskets whether running, intermittently running, or non-running.
• Accident-damaged, flood-affected, fire-affected or written-off vehicles.
• Private cars and small business fleet units across South Africa.

Start the online valuation by uploading vehicle details and photos - the form is quick and straightforward. If you want more context on our process before you begin, read our How it works page.

Repair cost vs value retained (SA estimates)

These figures are estimates for South Africa and will vary by city, workshop rates and parts availability. If repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle’s trade value, selling as-is is often the lower-cost, lower-risk option.

If the car is not running, see our dedicated guidance on selling non-running vehicles at Sell Non-Running Car.

How our selling process works for cars with blown head gaskets

1) Upload vehicle details and clear photos (engine bay, damage signs, odometer). 2) Receive a transparent cash offer based on condition and local salvage demand. 3) Accept the offer, confirm collection, and we arrange free towing nationwide. 4) We handle paperwork (including deregistration support) and pay you quickly after collection.

To begin, get your free quote - uploading photos and vehicle info takes only a few minutes. If you prefer detail on selling damaged vehicles generally, our Sell Damaged Cars page outlines accepted conditions.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Practical example: a mid-2000s sedan with a blown head gasket might cost R8,000 to R18,000 to repair in SA; if the typical trade value before the fault was comparable or lower, selling as-is avoids out-of-pocket repairs, towing logistics and time. We can collect from metros and surrounding regions - Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban included - with free towing and straightforward admin.

Paperwork, deregistration and vehicles under finance

We assist with the paperwork required to transfer ownership and can guide you on deregistration steps. If the vehicle is still under finance, inform us up front - most settlements can be coordinated so the finance provider is paid from the sale proceeds where required. For a step-by-step description of how we handle admin and collection logistics, review our About / How it works page.

Simple checklist before you sell

• Take clear photos: engine bay, any leaks, front/rear/side views and odometer.
• Gather documents: ID, logbook (if available), proof of ownership, and finance details if applicable.
• Decide whether you prefer collection at home, workshop or storage facility - we pick up nationwide.

Ready to proceed? Upload vehicle details to receive a transparent, obligation-free offer and arrange free towing and quick payment. Our team has experience buying cars with mechanical failures and will explain the offer and next steps clearly.

Sources

• South African Government - Registering and licensing motor vehicles
• AA South Africa - Head gasket failure and common symptoms
• AutoTrader South Africa - When to repair vs sell a damaged car