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Have a car with a turbo oil leak? Learn when to sell vs repair, how offers are calculated, and how our nationwide service provides free towing, paperwork help and fast payment.
Get a competitive cash offer that reflects turbo condition and overall vehicle value.
We collect from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and beyond at no cost to you.
We handle deregistration and bank payment after collection to simplify the sale.
A turbo oil leak affects performance, emissions and long-term engine health. Owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African regions often face a choice: invest in expensive repairs or sell the vehicle as-is. Selling can be the faster, lower-risk route when repair costs approach or exceed the car’s market value, or when you need immediate cash and minimal hassle.
A leaking turbo can allow oil into the intake, cause smoking, reduce boost and indicate worn seals or bearing failure. These issues reduce a buyer’s willingness to pay and increase repair estimates. In South Africa, repairs for turbo oil leaks commonly range from minor seal replacements to full turbo rebuilds - estimates can vary widely depending on make and model, and parts availability.
| Repair scenario | Typical SA cost (estimate) | Usual impact on resale value |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo seal replacement | R4,000 - R9,000 | Partial recovery; buyer confidence improves |
| Turbo rebuild | R8,000 - R20,000 | Better resale value but expensive for older cars |
| Full turbo replacement | R10,000 - R35,000 | May be uneconomical on older models |
Note: figures above are illustrative South African estimates and will vary by model, workshop and parts availability. Use them to compare likely repair spend against expected post-repair resale value.
A specialist buyer that accepts damaged or mechanically compromised cars offers a simpler route: you get a transparent offer based on condition, free national towing, help with paperwork (including deregistration) and prompt payment. This avoids workshop queues, diagnostic uncertainty and the risk of further engine damage while waiting for parts.
To learn more about our approach to damaged or non-running vehicles, see our How It Works page. If your car is not running because of turbo failure, our Sell Non-Running Car guide explains what details and photos help get a better offer.
A straightforward online process and clear condition reporting make selling a car with a turbo oil leak fast and low-effort. Provide honest damage notes and clear photos of the engine bay, turbo area and any smoke or oil residue - this helps obtain an accurate, transparent cash offer.
When selling, disclose known mechanical faults and provide the vehicle registration document. If the vehicle is under finance, inform your lender - part-payments or settlement may be required before transfer. We can help with deregistration and transfer admin to make the sale smoother; for more on selling damaged cars see our Sell Damaged Cars page.
Real-world example: A Cape Town owner with a turbo oil seal leak chose to sell because the quoted rebuild cost approached the car’s market value. Selling with free towing and paperwork avoided weeks in a workshop and unpredictable rebuild timelines.
After we collect the vehicle, paperwork is completed and payment is released. Payment timing depends on bank processing but is handled promptly to minimise waiting. If the car was under finance, settlement steps are coordinated so transfer is lawful and clean.
Ready to move forward? Get your free quote by uploading vehicle details on our homepage: Get your free quote. You can also start by choosing to Upload vehicle details, then confirm collection and get paid fast.
Use a buyer that provides clear offers, transparent condition notes, and written confirmation of collection and payment. For more about our company and process, visit our About page.
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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