Sell a Car with a Blown Head Gasket in South Africa - Fast, Nationwide Cash Offers

Why sell a car with a blown head gasket?

A blown head gasket is a serious engine fault that often requires costly repairs or an engine rebuild. For many South African owners - private sellers and small fleets alike - the decision is practical: avoid large upfront repair bills, downtime, and uncertain resale after repair. Selling as-is to a specialist converts the vehicle into cash quickly and removes logistics headaches.

What we buy

• Cars with blown head gaskets or major engine failure.
• Non-running vehicles, seized engines, or cars that overheat and smoke.
• Written-off, accident-damaged or salvage vehicles with engine faults.

Repair cost vs holding value (estimates for South Africa)

These figures are illustrative estimates for South Africa and will vary by make, model, age, mileage and local labour rates. For many vehicles, especially older models, repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle’s market value - making a direct sale a rational choice.

Learn more about our specialist approach and what we accept on the Sell Damaged Cars page, or read how our process works on the About / How it works page.

Why choose a specialist buyer for engine-failed cars?

Specialist buyers understand engine damage, parts value and salvage demand. They offer benefits that private buyers usually do not: straightforward online valuations, free towing across South Africa, handling of deregistration and transfer paperwork, and fast payment once the vehicle is collected.

How the process works - simple steps

1. Upload vehicle details: Make, model, year, odometer and clear photos showing engine bay and damage. This takes under 3 minutes.
2. Get a competitive cash offer: We provide a transparent quote based on condition and salvage value.
3. Accept & schedule collection: Free nationwide towing from your location - Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and surrounding areas.
4. We handle paperwork & pay you: Paperwork (including deregistration where required) is handled and payment is released after collection.

If your car is non-running because of a blown head gasket, our Sell Non-Running Car process is designed for you. For a quick start, get your free quote by uploading the vehicle details and images.

What we handle for you

• Free towing and collection anywhere in South Africa.
• Paperwork assistance including transfer and deregistration steps.
• Clear, itemised offers with no hidden fees and fast payment after collection.

Vehicles under finance or with admin questions

If your car is still under finance, it’s important to inform your lender - selling may require settlement of the outstanding balance or lender consent. We work with sellers to manage the admin and explain next steps. For the full online experience and to start the process, upload vehicle details and choose a convenient collection slot.

What to expect after collection

Once you accept the offer and we collect the car, we complete the transfer paperwork and arrange payment. Payments are processed promptly and you receive confirmation. If deregistration is required, we assist and provide documentation showing the administrative steps taken.

For convenience, you can read more about the practical steps on our homepage or review specialist tips on the Sell Damaged Cars page.

Practical tips to get the best offer

• Provide clear photos of the engine bay, front/rear, and interior to speed up valuation.
• Be honest about prior repairs and whether the vehicle is under finance.
• Prepare original service records and keys if available to improve transparency.

Sources

• South African Government - vehicle registration and transfer guidance
• National Credit Regulator (NCR) - information on selling items under finance
• AA South Africa - general vehicle health and common engine fault guidance
• Explainer: What is a blown head gasket and how it affects engines