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When to Sell a Non-Runner Car in South Africa - Practical Guide

Overview: Is it time to sell your non-runner?

A non-runner - a vehicle that won't start or is immobile - can become a costly burden. Owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and beyond face repair bills, storage fees and safety concerns. Deciding when to sell a non-runner depends on repair cost, the car’s market value, the likelihood of further deterioration, and practical logistics like towing and paperwork. This guide explains how to judge timing, what to expect from the salvage market in South Africa, and how a streamlined selling service can help.

Why timing matters

Delaying a sale can reduce value: parked cars suffer battery drainage, tyre damage, and exposure-related decay. Conversely, selling too quickly without evaluating repair options may leave money on the table. Use practical benchmarks - estimated repair cost vs potential retained value and how urgently you need the space or cash - to decide.

When to consider selling rather than repairing

Estimated repair cost exceeds 50% of the car’s pre-damage market value (use R values for SA context).
The vehicle is written off by insurers or requires extensive structural repairs.
You lack time or desire to manage multiple repairs, quotes and parts sourcing.
Logistics are a problem: you can’t arrange secure storage or affordable towing.

Quick illustrative examples (South Africa)

Example A: A 2010 hatch with pre-damage market value ~R60,000 has engine damage requiring R35,000 in repairs. Because repair is ~58% of value, selling as a non-runner is often the more practical option. Example B: A newer 2018 bakkie with light electrical faults and a market value ~R200,000 where repairs cost R8,000 may justify repair if you plan to keep or sell privately later.

Repair cost vs value retained

Scenario	Typical repair range (R)	Estimated value retained after repair
Minor mechanical / electrical	R3,000 - R15,000	80%-95% of pre-damage value
Moderate engine / gearbox work	R15,000 - R50,000	50%-80% of pre-damage value
Major structural or total-loss repairs	R50,000+	Under 50% of pre-damage value

Notes: figures are indicative estimates for South Africa (R = Rand) and will vary by make, part costs and labour rates. For many owners, if repair cost approaches the moderate or major ranges above, selling as a non-runner becomes a practical option.

Practical tip: Get at least two repair quotes and one market offer for your non-runner. Comparing both sides helps you decide whether to invest in repairs or sell as-is.

If you want a quick route to compare options, use our online valuation to see how much a buyer would offer for a non-runner. Visit the Sell Your Damaged Car homepage to start a fast, obligation-free quote.

When to sell vs repair

The decision is a mix of finances and personal priorities. If you rely on the vehicle daily, repair may be worth it despite higher cost. If the car is a secondary vehicle or business fleet unit with high downtime costs, selling can reduce ongoing losses. Consider tax or fleet write-offs for businesses and discuss options with your accountant if needed.

How the selling process works (simple SA steps)

A straightforward non-runner sale usually follows these steps: upload vehicle details and photos, receive an offer, accept if satisfied, we complete paperwork and arrange free towing, then payment is released. For a detailed explanation of our workflow, see About / How it works.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Damage type	Typical offer impact	Notes (SA context)
Minor cosmetic / electrical	Low to moderate reduction	Often economical to repair; parts readily available in metros.
Engine or gearbox failure	Moderate to high reduction	Major mechanicals reduce offers significantly due to high labour and parts costs.
Structural / chassis damage	High reduction	Salvage and written-off vehicles face stricter resale markets and lower offers.
Flood or fire damage	High reduction	Electrical and corrosion risks increase labour; parts may be hard to certify.

Legal & paperwork considerations in South Africa

Selling a non-runner in SA requires attention to registration status, outstanding finance, and transfer or deregistration procedures. If the vehicle is under finance, you must disclose this; often the finance provider needs to be paid out or give written consent. We can support paperwork including deregistration - see practical steps on the Sell Non-Running Car page for more detail.

Always check whether the vehicle is financed and obtain a settlement figure in writing.
Keep ID and proof of ownership ready; a seller’s signed paperwork is required to confirm transfer or salvage sale.
Deregistration or transfer processes vary by province; a specialist buyer can handle most admin on your behalf.

Tips to maximise your offer

Provide clear photos (multiple angles, engine bay, VIN, interior). Transparency about faults builds trust.
Compile service records and service history to demonstrate maintenance - this helps where parts are intact.
Remove personal items and make the car accessible for collection to avoid delays.
Get three independent offers where possible to benchmark market value.

If you prefer a tailored route for damaged cars (including non-runners and written-offs), our Sell Damaged Cars resource explains how different conditions affect valuations and what documents to prepare.

What happens after collection

After you accept an offer and collection is confirmed, the buyer typically handles towing (free nationwide service), any necessary paperwork including deregistration or transfer, and payment processing. For many South African sellers, payment is released and verified shortly after collection. Keep your proof of sale and records of the transfer for your files.

Final decision checklist

Repair if cost is low relative to value and you intend to keep the car.
Sell if repairs are costly, the vehicle is written off, or logistics/time are constraints.
For fleet owners: quantify downtime and operational impact before deciding.

Sources

This guide is intended to help South African vehicle owners make an informed decision about when to sell a non-runner. Figures are estimates and should be checked against current local quotes and offers.

When to Sell a Non-Runner Car in South Africa - Practical Timing Guide

When to Sell vs Repair

Maximise Your Offer

SA-Specific Support

Overview: Is it time to sell your non-runner?

Why timing matters

When to consider selling rather than repairing

Quick illustrative examples (South Africa)

Repair cost vs value retained

When to sell vs repair

How the selling process works (simple SA steps)

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Legal & paperwork considerations in South Africa

Tips to maximise your offer

What happens after collection

Final decision checklist

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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