How To Sell A Junk Car: Explained

Selling a Junk car? Whether SORN on your property or broken beyond repair at the local garage, find out how to sell your Junk car with our complete guide.

We will discuss the different types of Junk car, the factors that affect the value of junk cars, as well as where to best sell your Junk car.

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Different Types of Junk Car

In order to get the best price for a junk car it’s important to understand what makes up a Junk car!

It is quite common for a Junk car to be the following:

A SORN vehicle is one that has been given a Statutory off road notice. Some motorists who do not deem their vehicle fit to drive often SOTN their vehicle.

As such the vehicle does not contain any tax or insurance, and does not have a valid MOT.

When SORN vehicles are left for some time, they tend to be discarded and rust away on the driveway of many motorists. It’s not uncommon for SORN vehicles to be growing moss!

Due to this they are a ticking scrap bomb that can only be viewed as a Junk car.
Damaged cars can either be damaged from accidents or even floods! These vehicles have sustained some damage to their chassis or major parts.

Certain damaged cars can also be given an insurance write off category, which can either be Category A (waste) Category B (break) Cat N (Non-Structural) or Car S (structural).

These vehicles can be salvaged although are broadly seen as a Junk or scrap car.

If you’re trying to sell a Junk car, you may be required to complete a few things. These can be:

Selling your car with or without a logbook.
Selling a SORN Junk car
Selling a car with a private reg
Selling a car for salvage.

Let’s discuss each one in a little more detail.

If you’re selling your junk car for scrap, you will be required to tell the DVLA.

This is quite easy to do and only requires a V5C logbook, and details of the buyer/recycler who scrapped your car.

However, if you do not have your V5C logbook, you must inform them or ask the buyer in question to notify the DVLA.

You can order a new logbook online or notify the DVLA online or by post.

Find out more on scrapping a car with or without a logbook with our complete guide.
Since each vehicle’s documents are checked before they’re scrapped in the UK, you can only remove personalised number plates from your junk car before it’s booked in for collection.

Once you’ve removed your private plates, the vehicle’s original registration number is typically reassigned to it automatically.

There are two ways to retain private plates from the car you intend to scrap. You can either:
- Apply to remove your plates online
- Apply to remove your plates by post
The fastest way to do this would be by using DVLA’s online service.

During your online application you will need to have:
- 11 digit reference number for your vehicle log book (V5C)
- Debit or credit card for application payment fee of £80
To successfully retain registration number plates online, please follow these quick steps:

Once you’ve received both your V778 and new V5C, you can sell your junk car without having to worry about losing your private plates.

View more on selling a Junk car with a private reg with our complete guide.
Selling a Junk Car for salvage does require you to do a few things. Most notably, this can be:
- Transferring ownership of the vehicle
- You are getting paid and having your vehicle collected.
Find out more on how to get the best price for your Junk salvage car with our complete guide to selling a car for salvage.

What Affects the Price Of A Junk Car?

The price of junk cars is categorised by a few factors, most notably those defined as being damaged, faulty or an insurance write-off.

The key factors that affect the price of Junk cars and any other car for scrap and salvage are below.

Aside from the following factors, it’s essential to know that the type of buyer for your Junk car will somewhat impact the price.

This is because a standard scrap buyer may offer a different price than a specialist car breaker.

Where to sell a Junk Car?

Choosing the right place to sell a junk car is important.

If your junk car is simply scrapped, finding a suitable scrapyard that can pay and take your old vehicle away would be best.

Although, if your Junk car could show some value for salvage, it would be better for you to find a car breaker or damaged car buyer, who, upon assessment, can offer you a reasonable price for your junk car.

Selling a Junk Car: Problems

Selling a junk car can have some problems! This is often the case when you’re looking to sell a junk car online, using platforms such as Facebook and Gumtree, notorious for spam.

Additionally, these websites offer promotional aspects where you can boost your listing, although + this can result in extra costs – eating into your profit.

Sell A Junk Car With Scrap Local!

Looking to sell a junk car without any hassle and haggling!

Let Scrap Local’s approved Junk car dealers help!

We deal with thousands of motorists looking to sell their Junk car – Whether damaged, faulty or a non-runner.

We combine offers from our local breakers and specialist salvage buyers, letting you receive the best prices for Junk cars locally.

We offer a simple, guaranteed price, fast and accessible collection, and assist with any paperwork you may require..

So, if you want to sell a junk car online, contact our team today for your offer – Gauranteed with no hidden fees.