How to Sell an Old Company Car with High Mileage in South Africa

Overview: selling an old company car with high mileage

An old company car with high mileage typically shows accelerated wear (engine, transmission, suspension) and may have a reduced market value. Buyers focus on maintenance history, visible condition and evidence of regular service. For many businesses and private owners the simplest path is a sale to a specialist buyer who accepts any condition, handles paperwork and arranges collection - reducing downtime for your fleet.

When high mileage impacts value

• Running costs rise: higher likelihood of major servicing or component replacement.
• Buyer pool narrows: fewer private buyers for cars with over ~200k km, especially without full service records.
• Fleet compliance and tax considerations can make disposal preferable to long-term retention.

Repair cost vs value retained (illustrative)

These figures are illustrative ranges for South Africa and will vary by vehicle make, model and region. When repair costs approach or exceed the likely market uplift, selling 'as-is' is frequently the more economical route.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

If you manage a fleet, consolidating several high-mileage units into a single sale can attract better, consolidated offers and reduce administration. For detailed process steps and an overview of what buyers accept, see our About / How it works page and the page for selling non-running cars.

When to sell vs repair

Choose to repair if the expected resale uplift comfortably exceeds repair costs and the vehicle will be used further in the fleet for a defined period. Opt to sell when repair cost is high relative to remaining useful life, when downtime is costly, or when the vehicle holds limited resale appeal due to age and kilometres.

How the process works (practical steps)

1. Prepare documentation: service books, registration papers and proof of company ownership or authority to sell.
2. Provide honest condition details and clear photos - buyers price risk, so transparency reduces delays.
3. Receive and compare offers: ensure they include collection, paperwork help and payment terms.
4. Accept an offer and confirm collection: arrange a date that minimises business disruption.

For an easy online submission and to see how offers are typically provided, review the service overview on our homepage and the specialist damaged car guidance on Sell Damaged Cars.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

When selling a company vehicle you must provide the car's registration certificate and sign transfer documents. If the vehicle is still financed, inform the lender - settlements or transfer authorisation may be required. For corporate disposals, maintain a sale record for accounting and tax purposes.

• Deregistration and transfer: buyers who handle paperwork can deregister the vehicle and complete transfer formalities on your behalf.
• Vehicles under finance: notify the finance provider; proceed only with lender consent to avoid breaches.
• Tax and accounting: keep sale invoices and bank receipts for corporate records.

Tips to maximise your offer

• Compile a clear service history and note recent repairs - buyers value documentation.
• Clean the interior and take high-quality photos from multiple angles.
• Group similar units: selling multiple high-mileage cars together can simplify logistics and improve net proceeds.
• Be transparent about damage and mechanical issues - accurate listings speed up offers and reduce renegotiation.

What happens after collection

After collection, a reputable buyer will complete transfer paperwork or assist with deregistration, confirm settlement of any finance and release payment. Maintain copies of all transfer documents and bank receipts. If you manage client fleets, reconcile the sale against asset registers and update insurance and accounting records.

Example scenarios

Scenario A: A 2010 company sedan with 320 000 km and consistent service history - selling as-is reduces further maintenance spend and frees a parking bay used by the business.

Scenario B: A commercial bakkie with high kilometres but essential remaining life for short regional use - a targeted repair (e.g., brakes or tyres) followed by a sale may be worthwhile if repair cost is low and resale uplift is predictable.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - official site
• National Credit Regulator (NCR) - guidance on credit and financed assets
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) - tax and record-keeping resources