When it’s time to say goodbye to your vehicle, you want to make sure you choose the proper method to sell it, whether you’re looking for speed, maximum value, or convenience. Each selling option has pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand what works best for your situation. Here are the top options for selling your car and how to decide which one suits you.
Sell Privately
Best for: Getting the highest possible price.
How it works: You advertise your car online (for instance, on Auto Trader, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree), where you speak to prospective buyers and sell it personally.
Pros:
Usually, the best price is Control over the process
Cons:
Strenuous Going to the trouble of advertising, messaging, and negotiating.
Viewing safety during test drives
Sell to a Dealer (Part Exchange)
Best for: Assists with the ease of upgrading to a new car.
How it works: You surrender your old vehicle as part of the payment when getting a new one.
Pros:
Quick and straightforward, no advertising, Time saving if another car is bought in turn
Cons:
The price is likely lower than selling privately. Capital is gained with less negotiation power.
Use an Online Car-Buying Service
Best for: Fast and hassle-free sales.
How it works: You enter your car details online, get an instant quote, book a collection or drop-off, and get paid—usually within 24–48 hours.
Pros:
Fast and simple
Free car collection, in most cases
Secure payment via bank transfer
Cons:
The final offer may be lower after the inspection
Less value compared to a private sale
Selling Scrap Cars to Metal Yards or Car Wreckers
Ideal for: Old vehicles that don’t run anymore or have sustained damage.
Process: Scrap-licensed yards and auto salvage dealers pick up your car and pay you its scrap value, which they later salvage or dismantle.
Advantages:
Sells cars in any condition
Payment and collection are done promptly
Environmentally beneficial
Disadvantages:
Scrap value payment only
Must be an ATF for legal disposal
FAQs
Selling a car privately usually fetches the highest amount–more so if it’s in good condition and has a full-service history. However, this option might be time-consuming.
As long as the service is reputable, most online car-buying services are fast and safe. Always check reviews and ensure they are DVLA-registered or licensed.
Ideally, yes. It’s always great to have your V5C logbook with you. You can apply for a replacement if it’s lost via a V62 form from the DVLA.
Contact Us
If your car won’t start and you’re ready to sell or scrap it, contact We Buy Scrap Cars & Vans today. We are located at:
We Buy Scrap Cars & Vans
Yard 1 A, Mount Alexander,
Fort William, The Highlands,
PH33 7NF
Phone: 0800 680 9005
Email: buyer@webuyscrapcarsandvans.co.uk
WhatsApp: 4407979603739
Get the best value for your non-starting car with We Buy Scrap Cars & Vans!