Practical Tips for Selling a Car That Won't Start in South Africa

When to sell versus when to repair

Deciding whether to repair or sell comes down to three factors: the estimated repair cost, the vehicle's market value if fixed, and how quickly you need cash or freed-up space. For example, if a major engine or transmission repair would exceed a large portion of the car’s repaired market value, selling as-is is usually the more practical route.

Repair cost vs value retained

Estimates above are illustrative ranges in South Africa and will vary by make, model, age and local labour rates. If repair cost is a high percentage of the post-repair market value, selling the non-starting car can free you from towing costs and uncertainty.

Typical online-to-collection process

Specialist buyers make selling a non-starting car straightforward: you provide details and photos, receive a transparent offer, accept if it suits you, and the buyer arranges collection and handles paperwork. Many services provide free towing and quick payment on collection. For a walkthrough of how a dedicated service operates, see our About / How it works page.

• Prepare clear photos from multiple angles showing overall condition and engine bay.
• Describe the non-starting behaviour (no crank, clicks, intermittent, etc.).
• Note outstanding finance or branded/written-off status - transparent details lead to faster offers.

If you prefer a focused route for vehicles that will not start, see the Sell Non-Running Car guidance for what buyers typically request and how to format photos and descriptions: Sell Non-Running Car.

How the process works - step by step

A common, low-friction process used by reputable buyers in South Africa looks like this:

1. Submit vehicle details and multiple photos online (make, model, year, odometer, descriptions of attempts to start).
2. Receive a clear, obligation-free offer based on condition and salvage demand.
3. If you accept, the buyer arranges free towing, completes paperwork (including transfer and deregistration tasks) and completes payment after collection.

Legal and paperwork considerations in South Africa

South African transactions require careful paperwork. Key points to check before sale include ownership documentation (clear proof of owner or authorised signatory), any registration documentation, and whether the vehicle is under finance. If a vehicle is still financed, contact your lender to understand outstanding obligations-sales typically require settlement or a lender agreement before transfer.

Specialist buyers often help with deregistration and transfer paperwork to make the process smoother. For more on how buyers manage collection and admin, our main site explains the standard steps: Sell Your Damaged Car homepage and the service overview at Sell Damaged Cars.

Notes on deregistration, salvage and finance

• Deregistration: Buyers often assist with deregistration or transfer at the relevant traffic authority to ensure legal ownership changes hands.
• Written-off or branded vehicles: Disclose any insurance write-off or salvage branding-this affects market options and offers.
• Finance: Vehicles with outstanding finance require lender notification; many buyers will work with the lender to settle or arrange a compliant transfer.

Tips to maximise your offer for a car that won’t start

Small, cost-effective actions can improve offers without major repairs. The following tips are chosen for South African sellers of non-starting cars.

• Honest, precise descriptions: Clearly state "won't start" symptoms (e.g., no crank, starter clicks, intermittent electrical). Accurate info builds trust and speeds valuation.
• High-quality photos: Include overall exterior shots, interior, odometer, engine bay, and close-ups of damage or fault areas. Clean, well-lit photos reduce uncertainty for buyers.
• Gather documents: Ownership documents, service history, and any previous inspection reports help verify condition and can improve offers.
• Remove personal items and valuables before collection to avoid delays.
• Consider small, cheap fixes only if they increase certainty (e.g., replacing a battery if that is clearly the issue). Large repairs are usually not cost-effective.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

What happens after collection

After you accept an offer and the buyer collects the vehicle, expect the following typical steps:

• On-site or depot inspection on collection to confirm condition.
• Completion of transfer documents and any deregistration actions; reputable buyers will provide receipts and a sale agreement.
• Settlement of payment as agreed - many buyers provide verified bank payment shortly after collection.
• Keep copies of all paperwork and confirmation of transfer for your records and to avoid future liability.

Further reading and help

If you want fuller detail on selling damaged or non-running vehicles and how buyers manage collection and admin, visit our pages that explain the service model and documentation requirements in more depth: Sell Damaged Cars and the company overview at About / How it works.

Sources

• AA South Africa - Practical advice on buying and selling used and damaged vehicles
• Road Traffic Management Corporation - Information on registration and transfer processes in South Africa
• National Credit Regulator - Guidance if a vehicle is under finance or credit agreement