How To Sell A Broken Car

Are you ready to part ways with your broken car? Selling a broken car can come with its fair share of challenges, but fret not! We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the best value for your vehicle.

Whether you’re looking to sell a broken car for cash or wondering where to find the nearest buyer, our step-by-step guide will provide you with valuable insights and tips to make the selling journey a breeze.

Say goodbye to your old car or van and hello to a hassle-free selling experience. Let’s get started!

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Types of Broken Car

First and foremost, you must understand what type of broken car for sale you have.

Broken cars, as they may see, are all but the same. However, you can easily be confused with the different categories listed below.

Junk car

A junk car is often used interchangeably with scrap car, as both have essentially reached their end of life and due disposal.

Such forms of broken cars (including MOT Failures and Non-Runner Cars can be collected and scrapped by a licenced dealer or ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility)
Cat N/ Cat S Car

A category N (Non-structural car) or cat s car (structurally damaged car) has often been written off.

These types of vehicles have sustained enough damage to have them considered broken.
Flooded or High Collision Damaged Car

Flooded vehicles and those that have become damaged car through other means, such as an accident, may have ‘minor damage’ though as a broken car, will stand in their own category.

This is important when looking to sell this form of broken car, as it can present a myriad of steps towards a sale.
Salvage Car

f your broken car is younger than 8 years of age, it can be classed as a broken car and as such be eligible for car salvage.

Such vehicles present more value than scrap cars and can be dismantled and repurposed, supporting the circular economy of recycling.

Can I Sell A Broken Car For Cash?

You may be tempted to chase a quick sale online and get cash for a broken cart.

Although, it’s important to note that selling a broken car for cash, although isn’t exactly illegal, it can host a series of issues further down the line.

Scrap Local recommends when you sell a broken car, you look for a suitable dealer or buyer of such vehicles that will assist with the complete process, allowing you to confidently sell your broken car without any issues.

Always ensure:

The dealer is professional and is acting legally.
The dealer will provide you with the relevant paperwork and documentation – Such as your V5C logbook or Certificate of Destruction.
The car dealer will not charge you hidden fees, transaction charges or attempt to knock you down from your agreed price.

It’s important you don’t overlook these factors, as they can lead to potential issues further down the line!

Where Can I Sell A Broken Car Near Me?

Not only knowing what type of broken cars you have for sale, but you should also know the best place to sell a broken car near you.

With so many options, let’s walk through a few of the most known, and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Social/Media – Social media makes an honourable mention as it’s often seen as quick and easy. However, if you try to sell a broken car online, you’ll be shocked to see how many rogue traders and illegal activity can occur on such sites, due to the little governance of car sales on such platforms.
Auction Sites – Auctions sites are also a popular option, although the increased costs and delays of sale can often come with negative experiences. In addition, if your vehicle is given a decreased valuation, this will eat into your profits due to the additional overheads.
Privately – Selling a damaged car privately is another method of selling a broken car locally. However, as discussed, selling your car to such dealers may limit the potential to earn more from your broken car.
Salvage/ Scrap Car Dealer-Salvage and scrap dealers are often better choices. As they handle the process of selling a broken car more regularly, not only will they provide you with a fair price, they will handle the collection, payment and paperwork responsibly.

With certain options easier than otherwise, its vital you weigh out your options as some methods of selling a broken car are better than others.

How Can I Get The Best Price For A Broken Car?

To get the best price for broken cars, we recommend a few tips.

Firstly, as expected, ensuring your vehicle is complete and with no missing parts is important.

This is the case for both scrap car buyers and salvage car dealers, as the overall weight and parts will influence the price of a broken car.

Moreover, as part of the evaluation process, we recommend providing the buyer with as much information as possible.

Sending images of your broken car is also useful, and will play a part in the valuation.

So if you’re wondering how to get the best price for your vehicle, make sure you send over enough information so you can squeeze every last bit of cash from your broken car!

Sell Your Broken Car For The Best Price Today!

We hope our guide on how to sell a broken car is of some use, and will allow you to get the best price for your old car or van.

We understand the hassle of selling a broken car, which is why we work with our network of salvage and scrap car buyers.

We’ll broker you to the best price, provide an accurate valuation, and assist with both the collection and paperwork to the best standard.

So if you feel now is the time to sell your broken car, get in touch with Scrap Local today!

Questions On How To Sell A Broken Car

Here are some popular questions on how to sell a Broken car.

What Types Of Broken Cars Are There?
- Junk Car: Often referred to as scrap cars, these vehicles have reached the end of their life and require proper disposal. Licensed dealers or Authorized Treatment Facilities (ATFs) can collect and scrap these cars.
- Cat N/Cat S Car: A Cat N (Non-structural) or Cat S (Structurally damaged) car has been written off due to significant damage. These vehicles are considered broken and require attention before being sold.
- Flooded or High Collision Damaged Car: These cars have been damaged either by flooding or through a major collision. While they may be labeled as having “minor damage,” they still fall into the category of broken cars and require specific steps for selling.
- Salvage Car: If your broken car is less than 8 years old, it can be classified as salvage. These vehicles hold more value than scrap cars and can be dismantled and repurposed, contributing to the circular economy of recycling.
Understanding the type of broken car you have is crucial in determining the best approach for selling it.
Can I Sell A Broken Car For Cash?
You may be tempted to chase a quick sale online and get cash for a broken cart.

Although, it’s important to note that selling a broken car for cash, although isn’t exactly illegal, it can host a series of issues further down the line.

Scrap Local recommends when you sell a broken car, you look for a suitable dealer or buyer of such vehicles that will assist with the complete process, allowing you to confidently sell your broken car without any issues.

Always ensure:
- The dealer is professional and is acting legally.
- The dealer will provide you with the relevant paperwork and documentation – Such as your V5C logbook or Certificate of Destruction.
- The car dealer will not charge you hidden fees, transaction charges or attempt to knock you down from your agreed price.
It’s important you don’t overlook these factors, as they can lead to potential issues further down the line!
Where Can I Sell A Broken Car Near Me?
When it comes to selling a broken car, there are various options available. Here are a few popular choices along with their benefits and considerations:
1. Social Media: While social media platforms offer convenience, it’s important to be cautious of potential risks such as rogue traders and illegal activities due to limited governance of car sales.
2. Auction Sites: Auction sites provide a wide reach and potential for competitive bidding. However, there may be increased costs and delays associated with the sale, and a decreased valuation can impact your profits due to additional overheads.
3. Private Sale: Selling a damaged car privately allows for local sales. However, this method may limit your potential to earn more from the broken car.
4. Salvage/Scrap Car Dealer: Salvage and scrap car dealers are often reliable choices. They have experience handling the process of selling broken cars, offering fair prices, and taking care of collection, payment, and paperwork responsibly.
Consider your preferences, convenience, and the level of support you require when selecting the best option to sell your broken car near you.
How Can I Get The Best Price For A Broken Car?
To maximize the price for your broken car, consider the following tips:
1. Ensure the vehicle is complete: Having all the parts intact, even if the car is damaged, can positively impact the price. Both scrap car buyers and salvage car dealers take into account the overall weight and available parts when determining the value of a broken car.
2. Provide detailed information: When communicating with potential buyers, provide them with as much information as possible about the condition, history, and any relevant details of your broken car. This helps them assess its value more accurately.
3. Share images: Sending clear pictures of your broken car can be beneficial during the valuation process. Visual documentation allows buyers to better understand the extent of the damage and make a fair assessment.
By following these tips and providing comprehensive information, you can increase your chances of getting the best possible price for your broken car.
Why Should I Sell My Broken Car To You?

At Scrap Local, we understand the challenges of selling a broken car, which is why we collaborate with a network of reputable salvage and scrap car buyers.

By working with us, we will connect you with the buyer offering the highest price, provide an accurate valuation of your vehicle, and assist you with a seamless collection process and necessary paperwork.

If you’re ready to sell your broken car and get the best possible price, contact Scrap Local today!