Selling a car with a fault
There is a market of its own for a car with a major fault: restorers, exporters and businesses that strip parts. The price is well below that of a running car, but it is rarely zero — and in many cases higher than a scrapyard pays.
What to look at
Describe the fault as precisely as you can. “Engine damage” says little — “timing chain snapped, no measurable compression on two cylinders” says a lot and attracts the right buyers.
The listing should state whether the car drives, whether it rolls, and whether it is deregistered. That determines whether the buyer needs a transporter.
The contract names the fault explicitly and records that the car is not roadworthy. Excluding warranty does not replace that disclosure.
Parts you have on hand — a second set of wheels, winter tyres, accessories — belong in the listing. For this group of buyers they often make the difference.
Common questions
- Is it worth repairing before selling?
- With engine damage on an older car, usually not — the repair often costs more than it adds to the price. With smaller faults that block an inspection, almost always yes.