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Selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa - Complete guide

Why this guide matters

If your vehicle is written off, non-running, flood- or fire-damaged, or simply beyond economical repair, the selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa can feel complex. This guide explains the typical steps, legal checks, and how to prepare to get a transparent, competitive cash offer for a salvage vehicle.

Overview: What "selling process for scrap vehicles South Africa" covers

The selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa usually includes an online or phone valuation, offer acceptance, transfer of ownership paperwork (or deregistration), collection (often via tow truck) and payment. Specialist buyers - including companies that purchase damaged or non-running cars nationwide - commonly handle towing and administrative steps for you. Local market demand, vehicle documentation, and condition determine the final offer.

When to sell a scrap vehicle vs repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell as scrap depends on repair estimates, the vehicle's pre-accident market value and the time and effort required to restore it to roadworthy condition and compliance with local regulations.

Repair cost vs value retained

Scenario	Typical repair estimate (R)	Estimated value retained after repair
Minor accident (cosmetic, no frame damage)	R5,000 - R25,000 (estimate)	70%-90% of pre-accident value
Major accident (structural/frame repairs)	R30,000 - R100,000+	Often <50% of pre-accident value
Non-running / engine failure	R10,000 - R60,000	Varies widely; salvage market dependent

These figures are illustrative ranges for South Africa and depend on make, model, and the availability of parts; use them to decide whether repair costs exceed likely retained value. If repair estimates approach or exceed 50% of pre-accident value, selling as scrap is often the more practical option.

Key considerations before you start

Gather vehicle documents: ID, registration certificate, service history and any insurance or claim paperwork.
Get clear photos showing VIN/chassis, odometer, engine bay and all damage to speed up valuation.
Check whether the vehicle is under finance - outstanding finance affects transfer options and settlement requirements.

If you want to learn how our service handles valuations and collections, see the company process overview on the About page: About / How it works.

For owners of non-running cars, there is guidance on typical acceptance criteria on the Sell Non-Running Car page: Sell Non-Running Car.

How the selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa typically works

Below is a common step-by-step workflow used by specialist buyers who purchase scrap and salvage vehicles across SA. Steps may vary slightly by buyer, but core stages are consistent.

Standard steps

Submit vehicle details and photos online or by phone (make, model, year, VIN, mileage, damage description).
Receive an obligation-free valuation based on condition, parts value and local salvage demand.
If you accept, agree a collection time. Many buyers provide free nationwide towing and coordinate paperwork.
On collection, ownership transfer or a signed release form is completed and payment is released per the agreed method.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Damage type	Typical impact on offer
Superficial / cosmetic	Minor reduction; higher offers if mechanicals intact
Structural/frame damage	Significant reduction; often sold for parts or scrap metal
Engine/transmission failure	Varies - can be moderate if parts salvageable
Flood or fire damage	Large impact; sold mostly for parts or metal

Legal & paperwork essentials in South Africa

Legal obligations depend on whether the vehicle is deregistered, under finance, listed as stolen, or has outstanding fines. Typical paperwork includes a written sale agreement or a release form, the vehicle registration document and an ID copy for the seller. If the vehicle is still registered in your name, transfer or formal deregistration is required so liability is removed.

Vehicles under finance

If there is outstanding finance, the finance house typically needs to be paid or a settlement arranged before a clear transfer. Specialist buyers often guide sellers through lender settlement, or coordinate payoffs as part of the sale - confirm this in writing.

Deregistration and transfer

Deregistration or transfer steps differ by province; many buyers offer to handle deregistration for you. For straightforward information about buyer services and nationwide coverage, see the Sell Damaged Cars page: Sell Damaged Cars.

Tips to maximise your offer

Provide clear, dated photos of VIN/chassis, odometer and all damage to speed up and improve accuracy of offers.
Disclose outstanding finance or insurance claims up front to avoid delays during collection.
Remove personal items and consolidate documentation before collection to streamline handover.
Compare a few offers if time allows; use transparent buyers who itemise deductions (towing, paperwork) and provide written terms.

What happens after collection

After collection the buyer will complete the agreed paperwork, settle any finance as required, and process payment. Payment timelines vary but many specialist buyers release payment immediately after vehicle collection and verification - confirm the timing in writing when you accept an offer. The vehicle may then be dismantled for parts, repaired for resale by third parties, or sold for scrap metal depending on condition and local market demand.

Practical South African examples

Example: In Johannesburg a non-running 2010 mid-size sedan with engine failure might receive a lower salvage offer than the same vehicle in Cape Town where demand for parts is higher. Another example: a vehicle with clear, complete documentation and no finance often sells faster and with fewer deductions.

Selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa - step-by-step guide

Step-by-step process

Paperwork & finance checks

Nationwide practicalities

Why this guide matters

Overview: What "selling process for scrap vehicles South Africa" covers

When to sell a scrap vehicle vs repair

Repair cost vs value retained

Key considerations before you start

How the selling process for scrap vehicles in South Africa typically works

Standard steps

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Legal & paperwork essentials in South Africa

Vehicles under finance

Deregistration and transfer

Tips to maximise your offer

What happens after collection

Practical South African examples

Further reading and resources

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the online valuation process work?

How does the online valuation process work?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

What documents do I need and will you handle deregistration?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you buy non-running, accident-written-off or salvage vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

Do you provide free towing and where do you collect vehicles?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

How quickly will I receive payment and can you handle fleet sales?

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