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Learn how to sell your car with a broken gearbox in South Africa. Discover repair vs. sale options, get a fair cash offer, free nationwide towing, and all paperwork handled.
A gearbox failure can quickly turn any reliable vehicle into a liability. Repairs are often costly, and in many South African cities, reliable gearboxes for some makes or models are hard to source. When your car's gearbox is broken, selling it through traditional channels can be frustrating or even impossible. Fortunately, there's a straightforward solution for owners who want to bypass time-consuming repairs and recover value fast: sell your car with a broken gearbox for cash.
Deciding whether to repair the gearbox or sell as-is depends on repair costs versus the vehicle's remaining value and your need for convenience. Here's a comparison to help you decide:
| Vehicle Value (in good condition, R) | Estimated Gearbox Repair Cost (R) | Value Retained After Repair (R) | Potential Net Gain/Loss (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90,000 | 38,000 | 85,000 | -43,000 |
| 70,000 | 28,000 | 66,000 | -32,000 |
| 110,000 | 35,000 | 102,000 | -43,000 |
In most cases, unless your car is a rare model or premium brand, repairing the gearbox is rarely cost effective. As seen above, the expense often exceeds any increase in sale value, not to mention stress, downtime and uncertainty.
In cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, many dealers avoid cars with known mechanical faults, especially gearbox problems. Private buyers expect proof of repair, making private sales slow and uncertain. Selling through a trusted damaged car buyer offers:
Companies like Sell Your Damaged Car focus on vehicles with major mechanical damage, including automatic and manual gearboxes. Offers are based on:
| Damage Type | Typical Offer Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Full gearbox failure (vehicle won't move) | Higher reduction (reflects cost to repair or dismantle) |
| Partial failure (some gears engage, issues present) | Moderate adjustment |
| Failure & additional damage (engine/electronics) | Largest deduction |
The best route for many South Africans is a reputable, specialist buyer-where transparency and speed beat uncertainty and mounting costs.
The vehicle is transported by free, insured towing. Payment is processed immediately after inspection and paperwork. The buyer typically deregisters the vehicle from your name-protecting you from future liability-and may recycle the car or use it for spares, depending on its overall condition.
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.
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