Cars are built to last for many years, but over time, they can develop faults that affect their performance or safety. Some faults are minor and can be fixed with basic repairs, while others can be serious enough to render the vehicle undrivable. If your car has major mechanical problems, you may decide that it is no longer worth keeping or repairing. In such cases, selling the vehicle can be a sensible choice.
This article explains how to sell a car that has major mechanical issues, what steps you should follow, and what options are available in the Australian used car market. It also shares some important facts about car faults, resale practices, and what buyers look for when purchasing vehicles in poor condition.
Common Major Mechanical Issues That Affect Cars
Before trying to sell your car, it is important to understand what qualifies as a major fault. These are usually problems that are expensive to fix, affect how the car drives, or pose a risk to safety. Common examples include:
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Blown head gasket: Can lead to engine overheating, smoke from the exhaust, and major engine damage.
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Transmission failure: Makes it hard or impossible to change gears, which means the car cannot move properly.
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Engine seizure: Often caused by lack of oil or overheating, this stops the engine from turning over completely.
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Failed timing belt: A broken timing belt can cause the engine valves and pistons to collide, leading to major internal damage.
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Brake failure: Any fault with the brakes can make the car dangerous to drive.
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Severe oil leaks: Can damage internal components and affect performance over time.
Many of these issues cost several thousand dollars to repair. If your car is older or already has wear and tear, the repair cost might be higher than the car’s total worth.
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What Are Your Options When Selling a Faulty Car?
There are a few paths you can take when looking to sell a vehicle that has major mechanical damage.
1. Sell It As-Is to a Private Buyer
You may find a buyer who is willing to take the car in its current condition. These buyers often include hobbyists, backyard mechanics, or people looking to use parts from your vehicle. However, this process can take time. You will need to clearly describe the issues in your advertisement and may have to deal with a number of questions or low offers.
Be honest about the condition and always provide clear photos and details in any listing.
2. Sell It for Scrap or Parts
Some people decide to part out their car instead of selling it whole. This means removing working parts (like wheels, radiators, seats, or lights) and selling them one by one. While this can sometimes bring in more money than selling the car whole, it also takes time, space, and knowledge.
Scrap metal dealers will also pay for old vehicles based on weight. This is a common option when the car has no working components left.
3. Sell It to a Car Buyer Specialising in Damaged Vehicles
One of the more practical options is to contact a car buyer that deals specifically with damaged or non-working vehicles. These businesses purchase cars with faults and take care of the removal. They assess the car based on its condition, brand, model, and usable components.
In cities like Adelaide, for example, where many households have older vehicles or second cars, this has become a common practice. Some companies collect faulty cars directly from your property, and you do not have to worry about repairs, transport, or negotiations. This type of service works well when the vehicle has major faults and cannot be used on the road anymore.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Sale
Even if the car does not run, it is helpful to get certain things in order before trying to sell it. These steps can improve your chances of a smoother process.
Gather Documents
Make sure you have the registration papers (if available), proof of ownership, and any service records that might show how the car was looked after in the past.
Assess the Faults
If you have already taken the car to a mechanic or received a quote for the repairs, keep that information on hand. Buyers might want to know exactly what is wrong, especially if they plan to fix it.
Remove Personal Items
Clean out the vehicle and remove anything personal, even if it is going to be scrapped. This includes items in the glove box, boot, and under the seats.
The Importance of Being Honest About the Issues
When selling a car with serious damage, being open about the problem is important. In Australia, if a private seller knowingly hides a serious fault, it could result in a dispute under consumer protection laws. Always describe the car as “not working,” “needs repairs,” or “for parts only” if it is not safe to drive.
This helps buyers make the right decision and also protects you from complaints after the sale.
What Buyers Look For in Faulty Cars
Not all damaged cars are seen the same way. Some buyers will pay more for cars with the following features:
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Popular make and model, with high demand for parts
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Working engine or transmission (even if other parts are faulty)
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Newer year of manufacture
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Body in good shape (no rust or crash damage)
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Complete car, even if not running
Even if the car is not usable, buyers often salvage parts or recycle the metal. A car that looks beyond repair can still hold worth in the right hands.
Realistic Expectations About Pricing
It is important to know that a car with major mechanical faults will not fetch the same amount as a working vehicle. Depending on the type of damage and the model, offers may range from a few hundred dollars to a bit more. Offers are often based on the scrap metal weight or the resale value of the parts.
If you are dealing with a business that buys non-working cars, they usually provide the quote after a short inspection or based on photos.
Natural Integration: Car Buyer in Adelaide
Selling a faulty car in areas like Adelaide often comes with extra challenges, especially if the car cannot be moved easily or the repairs are too expensive. In such cases, working with a local car buyer who specialises in collecting unwanted vehicles can make a big difference. One such service in Adelaide offers to pick up vehicles with mechanical issues directly from the seller’s location. This helps car owners avoid transport costs and allows them to turn their broken cars into cash without spending more money. The process is designed for those who no longer wish to keep a vehicle that has become too costly or unsafe to fix.
Final Thoughts
Selling a car with major mechanical issues might feel like a hard task, but it is something many car owners face sooner or later. Whether the car has stopped running, failed a major part like the engine or gearbox, or developed faults that are too expensive to repair, there are still ways to pass it on.
The key is to be realistic, honest, and choose the right method based on the condition of your vehicle. Whether you sell it to a private buyer, part it out, or contact a business that collects damaged vehicles, you can still find a way to move forward and avoid letting a faulty car take up space in your garage or driveway.
