How To Sell A Car That Does Not Run Or Is Not Roadworthy
A car that will not start, will not pass a roadworthy, or is simply not safe to drive is still worth money, and you do not need to repair it or arrange towing to sell it. The simplest path in Queensland is to sell it as-is to a cash-for-cars buyer who tows it free and pays on the spot. This guide explains why a dead car still has value and how to sell it without spending a cent on it first.
Why a non-running car still has value
It is easy to assume a car that will not go is worthless, but that is rarely true. Even a dead car is a collection of parts that other owners need, plus a body full of recyclable metal. The engine and gearbox often still have valuable components even if the car will not start, and the panels, lights, glass, wheels, interior and running gear all hold value. Add the scrap metal value on top, and a non-running car is almost always worth a genuine cash offer.
Do not spend money fixing it to sell it
One of the most common mistakes is pouring money into repairs just to sell the car. If the car is old or already worth little, a big repair bill will usually cost more than it adds to the sale price, so you end up out of pocket. A cash-for-cars buyer prices the car as it is, fault and all, which means you can skip the mechanic entirely. Tell us what is wrong when you call, and the offer already accounts for it.
You do not need a roadworthy
In Queensland, a safety certificate is generally needed when you sell a registered car to someone who will drive it. If your car will not pass, or the rego has lapsed, or you are selling it for parts or salvage, you do not need a safety certificate. That removes a major hurdle, there is no roadworthy to chase and no repairs to pass one. Selling an unregistered or unroadworthy car to a licensed buyer is straightforward and legal.
You do not need to tow it
A car that will not drive has to be moved somehow, and paying for a tow to a wrecker eats into any money you would get. A cash-for-cars service solves this by including free pickup. We come to wherever the car is, your driveway, the street, a yard or a mechanic’s, load it, and take it away at no cost, whether it starts or not. The free tow is part of the deal, not an extra.
What about the registration and plates
If the car is still registered, cancel the rego while it is current to claim any pro-rata refund of the unused registration and CTP, and remove the standard plates before the car is towed. If it is already unregistered, there is nothing to cancel. Personalised plates belong to you, so keep those. Our rego cancellation guide covers the steps.
The simple way to sell a non-running car
Put together, selling a dead car is easy when you use the right buyer. You get a firm offer based on the car as it stands, free pickup wherever it is, and payment on the spot when it is collected, with no repairs, no roadworthy and no towing costs. Cash Your Car buys non-running cars across Brisbane every day, in any condition. Call 0403 522 042 or use the quote form, tell us the car and what is wrong with it, and we will give you a figure.
Frequently asked questions
Do you buy non-running cars anywhere in Brisbane?
Yes. We cover greater Brisbane and the surrounding areas, so wherever the car is stuck, whether it is at home, on the street or at a mechanic’s, we can reach it and tow it away free.
Can I sell a car that will not start?
Yes. A non-running car is still worth money for its parts and metal. We buy them as-is and tow them free.
Do I need to fix the car before selling it?
No. Repairing an old car to sell it usually costs more than it adds. We price the car as it is, fault and all.
Do I need a roadworthy to sell a non-running car?
No. A safety certificate is only generally needed for a registered car sold to a driver. An unregistered or unroadworthy car sold for parts does not need one.
How do I get the car to you if it does not drive?
You do not. We include free pickup and come to wherever the car is, running or not.
How much is a dead car worth?
It depends on the model, what parts can be recovered, and the scrap value. Even non-runners are worth a genuine offer. Call for a figure.
What if the engine is blown or the car has been in an accident?
Still fine. Blown engines, accident damage and mechanical failures are all normal for us. The rest of the car holds value.
What do I do about the rego?
Cancel it while it is current to claim any refund, and take the plates off before pickup. If it is already unregistered, there is nothing to do.
How fast can you collect it?
Often the same day you call.
Sell your non-running car today
Call 0403 522 042 or use the quote form. Cash Your Car buys non-running and unroadworthy cars across Brisbane, tows them free, and pays on the spot.