Sell Your Car with a Seized Engine - Get a Fast, Fair Offer in South Africa

Can You Sell a Car with a Seized Engine?

A seized engine often means your car simply will not start or move, and repairing it may cost more than the vehicle's market value. If you're facing this situation in South Africa, you're not alone. Thousands of vehicle owners encounter catastrophic engine failure due to overheating, oil starvation or mechanical wear each year. Traditional buyers and dealerships seldom accept cars that don't run, but specialist buyers like Sell Your Damaged Car offer a practical solution.

Repair or Sell: What Makes Sense?

When an engine has seized, repair costs in South Africa can range widely from R20,000 to over R80,000, depending on the make and severity. The table below illustrates the balance between repair investment and retained vehicle value:

For vehicles out of warranty or those with high mileage, selling makes financial sense, especially when you can avoid additional towing, storage and admin headaches.

How the Sell Your Damaged Car Process Works

South African owners can sell cars with seized engines online in a few straightforward steps:

• Upload your car's details and clear images using our secure valuation form.
• Receive a competitive cash offer based on model, age, overall condition and current scrap or salvage demand.
• Once the offer is accepted, arrange free nationwide towing from any location-whether at home, a workshop, or roadside.
• Complete minimal paperwork. Our team assists with deregistration (eNaTIS) and any outstanding admin, including for financed vehicles.
• Payment is processed and released to you once collection is confirmed-no waiting weeks or dealing with private-sale risks.

This process is the same for individuals, small business fleets, and insurers disposing of damaged assets.

Legal and Admin Steps When Selling a Non-Runner

• Provide proof of ownership (eNaTIS document or settlement letter if still under finance).
• Present a valid South African ID (or business registration details for fleet vehicles).
• Cooperate during the vehicle deregistration process-our admin team will submit the necessary forms at the licensing office.

If you still owe money on the vehicle, clarify your settlement balance with your finance institution. Sell Your Damaged Car can assist in coordinating settlement and transfer.

What Impacts Your Offer for a Seized Engine Car?

Tips to Maximise Your Offer

• Provide multiple clear photographs of your car-from all angles and close-ups on damage.
• Note any recent parts or repairs (even small ones add value in the salvage market).
• Gather together all docs in advance (registration, finance statements, keys).
• Submit an accurate condition report. Transparency speeds up admin and payout.

Prompt action is critical: cars left parked with seized engines can attract storage charges, fines, or further deterioration-especially in busy cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

What Happens After Collection?

Your car is collected by our professional towing partner free of charge nationwide. After removal, final documentation and payment confirmation are completed. The deregistration is processed so you are no longer liable for future fines or fees. Most cars with seized engines are then either parted out for valuable spares or sent to accredited salvage processors to ensure compliance with SA motor vehicle regulations.

Internal Resources & Further Reading:

• Sell Non-Running Car
• Sell Damaged Cars
• About / How it works
• How to Avoid Being Scammed

Sources

• Sell Your Damaged Car: Sell Non-Running Car Page
• Arrive Alive - Selling a Motor Vehicle (South Africa regulations)
• AutoTrader: Engine Failures and Resale Value in SA
• SA Government - Deregister a Vehicle
• Sell Your Damaged Car: About Us