Sell a Car with Engine Problems (Not Running) - Free Tow-Away & Fast Payment

How we help when your car has engine problems

Selling a car with major engine trouble or one that is not running presents logistical and legal steps that many private buyers won’t accept. Our service focuses on owners who need an easy solution: a transparent offer, free tow-away from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or surrounding areas, and fast payment after collection. Start by uploading photos and basic vehicle details to get a quick quote.

Who this service is for

• Private owners with engine failures, seized engines, or cars that won’t crank
• Small business fleets where a vehicle is non-running and taking up resources
• Written-off or accident-damaged cars with mechanical issues

Fast, transparent process you can trust

We provide a competitive cash offer based on condition, market salvage demand and vehicle data. If you accept, we schedule a tow-away at your convenience and handle the necessary paperwork, including transfer and deregistration steps where applicable. Read more about our approach on our About / How it works page.

Information to have ready

• Make, model, year and VIN/chassis number if available
• Short description of engine problem and whether the car cranks or is immobilised
• Clear photos of the vehicle (exterior, engine bay, VIN plate) and the odometer

If you want guidance specific to non-running vehicles, our Sell Non-Running Car page explains typical requirements and examples you can follow when uploading details.

Note: towing costs if arranged privately can vary by city - typically an estimated R300-R1,500 depending on location and vehicle condition. Using our free tow-away avoids that cost and logistical effort.

What to expect after you request a quote

Once you submit vehicle details and photos, we evaluate using the information provided and current salvage market trends. You’ll receive a clear, obligation-free cash offer. If you accept, we coordinate a tow-away, complete the transfer and deregistration paperwork as needed, and release payment promptly after collection.

Step-by-step: sell a car with engine problems

• Upload vehicle details: Make, model, year, engine description and photos via our homepage form. Upload vehicle details
• Receive and review offer: Transparent valuation factors are explained so you can decide.
• Confirm collection: We arrange a free tow-away window at your address and handle logistics. Learn more about damaged car collections
• Paperwork & payment: After vehicle collection we finalise transfer/deregistration (where applicable) and release near-instant payment.

Common questions - engine problems & vehicles under finance

If your vehicle is still under finance, tell us up front. We work with owners and financiers to settle outstanding balances or provide the required clearance instructions - we won’t complete collection until finance obligations are clarified. For legal context on transfers and registration, see the Department of Transport guidance on vehicle ownership and eNaTIS procedures.

Practical tips to speed up collection

• Provide clear photos of key areas - engine bay, VIN, and overall condition
• Have vehicle keys and ID ready to speed paperwork on collection day
• If the car won’t move, highlight immobilisation and safe access points for tow operators

Sources

• Department of Transport South Africa - vehicle registration and transfer information
• Automobile Association (AA) South Africa - advice on selling damaged or non-running cars
• National Credit Regulator - information about vehicles under finance

Example scenario: a Johannesburg owner with a 2010 sedan that won’t crank can avoid private towing fees and long storage by accepting a specialist offer, scheduling a free tow-away and finalising transfer on collection day. This streamlines the process and removes the cost/effort of sourcing a private tow truck (private towing estimates vary by location and are shown as indicative ranges earlier).