Sell Car with Head Gasket Problem - Fast Cash & Free Towing Nationwide

Sell a Car with a Head Gasket Problem - What to Expect

A head gasket problem can put a vehicle out of action and make repair costs unpredictable. If you want to sell a car with a head gasket problem, Sell Your Damaged Car offers a simple online route: upload details and photos, receive a competitive cash offer, accept if it suits you, and we arrange free nationwide towing and paperwork. We buy mechanically damaged, non-running and written-off vehicles across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and surrounding areas.

Why selling may be the smarter option

Head gasket repairs can be time-consuming and costly - especially if the cylinder head needs machining or the engine requires further work. For many owners and fleet managers the certainty of a transparent offer, free collection and fast payment outweighs the hassle and upfront expense of repairs. If you’re comparing repair estimates to the time and risk involved, selling can be quicker and lower risk.

Quick overview of our the process

Our online system values cars in any condition. Start by uploading make, model, year, mileage and photos. We return an obligation-free offer based on market demand, salvage value and repair complexity. Once you accept, we handle the paperwork (including deregistration where applicable), arrange free towing and release payment promptly after collection.

Learn more about what we buy and how it works on our Sell Damaged Cars and our About / How it works pages for details about collection and paperwork.

What affects offers for head gasket cars

• Extent of damage: coolant contamination, warped heads or seized components raise repair costs and reduce offers.
• Vehicle make, model and year: popular models with high salvage demand retain more value.
• Running condition and mileage: a running engine with a minor leak draws a higher offer than a seized engine.
• Documentation and keys: complete paperwork speeds payment and can improve the offer.

If your priority is a quick, low-effort sale, see our Sell Non-Running Car page for guidance on vehicles that don’t start or have major mechanical faults.

How we handle a car with a head gasket problem

After you accept an offer we confirm a collection time, complete the required transfer and deregistration paperwork where applicable, and collect the car with our free towing service. Our team inspects the vehicle on collection to verify condition; payment is released and verified quickly after collection. This process removes the need to arrange costly towing or manage buyer meetings yourself.

Inclusions & what we don’t ask you to do

• We arrange and pay for towing anywhere in South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
• We handle standard paperwork and can assist with deregistration where required.
• You do not need to repair the vehicle or arrange specialist transport before collection.

How to prepare your car to get the best offer

• Take clear photos of the engine bay, exterior damage and interior - accurate photos speed valuation.
• Provide service history or receipts if available - documentation can improve confidence in the offer.
• Be honest about symptoms (overheating, white smoke, milky oil). Accurate descriptions reduce delays at inspection.

Typical timeline

From submitting details to collection and payment the usual timeline is 24-72 hours in metropolitan areas, and slightly longer in remote locations. To begin, Get your free quote by uploading vehicle details and images. After you accept the offer you can Confirm collection and we will collect and get you paid fast once the vehicle is retrieved.

Practical example (South Africa scenario)

A 2010 mid-size sedan with a leaking head gasket that still turns over but overheats may face repair estimates in the R10,000-R30,000 range (estimate). If the cost to repair approaches or exceeds the car’s market value, selling for salvage can be the more practical choice - you avoid repair delays, storage risks and additional wear. Our offers reflect salvage demand for parts and regional recycling values.

Trust & verification

We aim for transparency: offers consider vehicle data, photos and current salvage market conditions. Paperwork is completed clearly and payment is processed through verifiable channels. For more about our service model and protections, see our About / How it works page.

Sources

• Automobile Association (AA) South Africa - General vehicle maintenance guidance
• Cars.co.za - South African car market and valuations
• South African Government - Official resources and vehicle registration information