Selling a Car As-Is Without Roadworthy in South Africa: What You Need to Know

Overview: selling a car as-is without roadworthy

Many South African vehicle owners consider selling a car as-is when the cost or effort of obtaining a roadworthy certificate is not practical. "Selling a car as-is without roadworthy" means you transfer ownership while disclosing the vehicle’s condition and without supplying a current certificate that confirms the vehicle is fit for use on public roads. This is common for accident-damaged, non-running, flood-affected or written-off vehicles, and for owners who prefer a cash sale rather than investing in repairs.

Whether you are in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or surrounding areas, the practical steps and legal points are similar across South Africa, but local market demand and salvage buyers can affect timing and price. If you want to understand how professional buyers handle these transactions, see more about our nationwide approach on the homepage and the company background at About / How it works.

When selling as-is makes sense

• Repair costs are higher than reasonable market value - common with major structural damage.
• Vehicle is non-running and towing to a workshop is costly or impractical.
• Time-sensitive situations such as estate sales, fleet disposal, or urgent cash needs.

Repair cost vs value retained (illustrative)

Damage types vs typical offer impact

If you are exploring options for a non-running vehicle, our Sell Non-Running Car page describes common buyer considerations when a roadworthy certificate is not available.

How the process works when selling as-is

A straightforward sale as-is generally follows these practical steps: accurately describe the vehicle and its faults, disclose absence of a current roadworthy certificate, agree a price with the buyer, complete transfer paperwork and settle any finance or encumbrances. Professional buyers who specialise in damaged vehicles often provide towing and handle deregistration - reducing logistic and admin burdens for sellers.

Step-by-step checklist

• Gather documents: vehicle registration papers (logbook), ID, proof of address and any service history.
• Declare the vehicle condition in writing and note that no roadworthy is supplied.
• Agree transfer and payment terms in writing; confirm who arranges towing and the timing of payment.
• Complete the documentation at a licensed testing station or via the buyer if they handle deregistration.

Legal & paperwork considerations in South Africa

Legally you must be honest about the vehicle condition. A roadworthy certificate is generally required for re-registration and certain transfers, but private sales between individuals can proceed without one provided both parties agree on terms. If there is outstanding finance, the bank or finance house retains an interest and must be settled or arrangements made for transfer - selling without clearing finance can expose you to legal risk. When in doubt, request written confirmation from the buyer about who will handle deregistration and settlement of encumbrances.

Tips to maximise your offer when selling as-is

• Provide clear, well-lit photos of the vehicle from multiple angles and of damaged areas.
• Be transparent about faults - undisclosed issues can void agreements or lead to disputes.
• Gather service records and receipts for parts or recent maintenance to demonstrate care.
• Compare offers from salvage specialists, wreckers and trade buyers. For damaged or non-running cars, specialist buyers often provide free towing and handle paperwork - more convenient for sellers.

For details about selling damaged vehicles and how professional buyers evaluate condition, see our Sell Damaged Cars resource and the company process overview at About / How it works.

What happens after collection

After you hand over the vehicle, the buyer typically completes ownership transfer documents, settles any agreed payment and, if contracted, arranges deregistration and towing. If the buyer is a professional wrecking or salvage company they will often deregister the car and either repair, recycle parts or sell to export markets depending on condition. Keep copies of all signed transfer documents and proof of payment for your records; these protect you from subsequent claims or disputes.

Common seller questions

• Can I sell with finance outstanding? - You can, but you must settle or obtain the lender’s written consent; the lender may require the sale proceeds to clear the encumbrance.
• Will selling without roadworthy reduce offers? - Typically yes; buyers price in the cost and risk of repairs or compliance testing.
• Who pays towing? - Negotiate this upfront. Specialist buyers often include free towing nationwide, which can simplify a no-roadworthy sale.

Final practical example

Example: a Cape Town owner with a non-running vehicle chooses to sell as-is because the estimated engine rebuild (R25,000) exceeds likely resale uplift. They collect clear photos, declare no roadworthy, obtain two offers and choose a buyer who provides free towing and handles deregistration. The seller keeps transfer confirmation and proof of payment, avoiding workshop delays and extra costs. This illustrates a typical South African scenario when selling a car as-is without roadworthy is the pragmatic option.

Sources

• Road Traffic Management Corporation (South Africa) - guidance on vehicle licensing and deregistration
• Typical vehicle finance considerations from a South African bank - information on encumbrances and settlement
• AA South Africa - information on roadworthy certificates and inspections - helps explain when certificates are required