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Can I sell a damaged car?

14/05/2024

Depending on your circumstances, selling a damaged car can save you money in the long run, but you’re likely to find that serious levels of damage can impact the price you’ll end up receiving. Whether your car’s been weathered by use over the years or you’ve been in a traffic accident, our guide to selling a damaged car will help you get the best value for your vehicle.

Can I sell a damaged car?

If you’re not sure whether you should sell and replace your car, or simply repair it, start by weighing up the level of damage it has sustained. Aged cars, or those that have been previously repaired might need more comprehensive work, at which point you might find buying a new car is a cheaper option.

No matter how much damage it has, it’s always a good idea to spruce up your car before you sell. Cleaning your vehicle inside and out, removing any rubbish or personal belongings and checking for scratches will help make sure you’re showing off your car in its best light.

Where can I sell my damaged car?

From online buyers to private dealerships, scrapyards to part-exchange, there are a range of places you can sell your car. Whichever route you choose to go down, having invoices showing any repairs you’ve made to your vehicle, as well as the V5C logbook, will help your sale go through quickly. Learn more about the best places to sell your car.

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While we recommend that you keep your vehicle in good repair throughout your ownership, you don’t need to fix every issue before you put it up for sale. However, any damage noted during your vehicle inspection will have an impact on the final valuation price you’ll be offered.

At best, dents look unsightly, and at worst, will affect the safety of your vehicle. Left unfixed, dents can affect your paint job and lead to rust and corrosion. The best way to avoid further damage in the future is to get dents and dings fixed before they get any worse.

It’s very likely that over time, your car will pick up scratches; from abrasive cleaning materials, contact with other cars and road debris. Whilst light scratches are to be expected, deeper scratches that reach the body panel are more difficult – and more expensive – to fix. This could impact the sale value of your vehicle, as repair costs will need to be considered.

You must disclose any accidents you have had before you sell your car, even if they have been fully repaired. Not doing so could mislead your buyer and affect your vehicle’s actual sale price. The best thing you can do when selling is to be honest: the more information you disclose, the more smoothly your sale will go.

As long as your engine is in good working condition, we will be able to offer you a free online valuation. We do not accept non-running vehicles.