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The best guide to sell your damaged car in 2026
You’ve had an accident, or your car has broken down and fixing it is too expensive. If you’re uninsured, the stress can feel overwhelming: a non-running vehicle sitting in your yard, losing value by the day. The good news? You have real options to sell your damaged car or sell your non-running car quickly in 2026.
We break down 4 ways South Africans can get rid of accident-damaged or non-running vehicles in 2026. From private sales to specialist buyers, so you can choose what works best for you.
#1 Private Sale
Selling privately means advertising your car yourself on online platforms. It gives you control over the asking price, but it can be slow, and many buyers expect the vehicle to be roadworthy.
- Pros: Potential for a slightly higher price if the car still runs
- Cons: Time-consuming, scammers are common, and non-runners can take months to sell
#2 Dealership trade-in
Some dealerships accept damaged vehicles as trade-ins, usually when you’re buying another car. However, they typically offer vehicles at well below market value for those that are damaged or non-running.
- Pros: Quick if you’re buying a new car
- Cons: Very low trade-in offers, often limited to running vehicles.
#3 Scrap yard
Scrapping the vehicle is another option. Scrap yards pay based on weight and metal prices, rather than the actual value of the car. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation for non-runners.
- Pros: Straightforward, no paperwork hassles
- Cons: Lowest payout; no value for usable parts; towing costs often fall on you
#4 Specialist Salvage Buyers (Like SYDC)
Specialist buyers such as Sell Your Damaged Car (SYDC) purchase damaged and non-running cars nationwide, offering free towing anywhere in South Africa.
You simply submit your details, get a quote, and they handle the rest. This is often the fastest and easiest way to sell your damaged car for cash, especially if it’s non-running.
- Pros: Free towing, fast quotes, nationwide service, fair offers, minimal admin
- Cons: You won’t receive the price of a second-hand car, but we will offer you a fair price calculated from the sale of thousands of damaged and non-running vehicles.
Pros and cons of the 4 options for selling a damaged car
South Africans choose Sell Your Damaged Car in 2026
SYDC is your salvage car buyer nationwide, including in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and more, with minimal hassle and hundreds of positive reviews.
We answer your top FAQs
Who buys non-running cars near me?
Specialist salvage buyers, such as SYDC, operate nationwide. We’ll collect your car for free, no matter where you are in South Africa, and pay you cash on collection.
Where can I sell a non-running car?
You can try private buyers, dealerships, scrap yards, or specialist buyers. For the fastest and most hassle-free option, companies like SYDC will buy non-runners at fair prices and handle the paperwork and tow away your non-running or accident-damaged car for free.
What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?
You’ll need the owner’s ID, proof of residence (not older than 3 months), bank account details and vehicle registration certificate. We will supply you with additional documents.