When to Scrap a Car vs Sell: A South African Owner's Guide

Overview: Should You Scrap or Sell Your Car?

If your car has been in an accident, is written-off, or no longer runs, you're probably weighing whether to scrap it for parts or sell it as-is for cash. Many South African owners struggle with this decision, especially when faced with expensive repairs, uncertain paperwork, and questions about vehicle value. This guide explains, with local context, how to choose the right path - and what each option really means in South Africa.

When Selling Makes Sense

Selling is usually preferable if:

• You want cash without costly repairs
• The vehicle holds value for spares, repairs, or resale as salvage
• You want to avoid the paperwork and logistics of end-of-life scrapping
• Free towing and administrative support are available

Specialist services like Sell Your Damaged Car purchase accident-damaged, non-running, fire or flood-damaged vehicles and handle collection, deregistration, and payment with minimal hassle nationwide.

When Scrapping May Be Better

Scrapping may be the right choice if:

• The vehicle is old enough that parts are no longer in demand
• Extensive fire, rust, or flood damage renders it beyond practical salvage value
• Major components (engine, gearbox, body) are already missing or beyond repair
• It has no papers or is irreversibly deregistered

In these cases, licensed scrap yards may pay for the residual metal weight only, and you'll still be responsible for deregistering the vehicle with the relevant licensing authority.

Repair vs Value: South African Cost Table

Note: Figures above are estimates for SA passenger cars; actual cash offers and repair viability depend on make, model, year, and exact damage.

Damage Types vs Offer Impact

How the Sell or Scrap Process Works in SA

Selling Your Damaged Car (to a Specialist Buyer)

• Upload your car details and photos online
• Receive a quick, obligation-free offer based on your car's specific damage profile
• Accept and confirm free collection at your convenience (nationwide)
• The buyer handles legal paperwork, including deregistration if required
• Payment is released after collection and admin completion

Scrapping Your Vehicle (End-of-Life)

• Contact an authorised scrapyard or recycler (ensure NCRS compliance)
• Arrange transport - towing fees may apply unless included
• Remove licence plates and disability tags (if fitted)
• Complete relevant form (usually yellow form, Notification of Change of Ownership/Sale or Deregistration), and submit to your local licensing office
• Receive payment based on scrap metal weight (typically less than if sold as salvage)

Tips to Maximise Your Offer

• Gather paperwork: Proof of ownership, ID, and latest registration papers increase trust and may improve quotes
• Disclose damage honestly: Accurate, detailed descriptions and clear photos help specialists calculate a fair offer the first time
• Remove personal items and any extra non-factory upgrades (e.g., sound systems), unless you want them included in the sale
• Compare options: Check both specialist buyers and local scrapyards if unsure; each may have unique criteria and pricing structures

What Happens After Collection or Scrapping?

• If sold, the vehicle moves to a registered entity for assessment, spares resale, or dismantling for the salvage market
• Your paperwork obligations end once transfer/deregistration is processed - always keep confirmation slips as a record
• If scrapped, the chassis and useable metals are recycled and you'll typically receive a deregistration certificate from the authorities

Both options remove ongoing costs like insurance, penalties for non-renewal, and the storage headaches of a non-running car. For most South African owners, a transparent sale to a trusted buyer is simpler unless the car is totally valueless as a vehicle or for spares.

Sources

• Sell Your Damaged Car - About & How It Works
• South African Government: Registering or Scrapping a Vehicle
• ArriveAlive: Dealing with Accident-Damaged Vehicles
• AutoMart: Scrapping Your Car in South Africa