How to Sell a Car That Doesn’t Run: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve got a car sitting in the driveway that just won’t start? You’re not stuck with it. You can sell that car without spending a cent on repairs.

At WA Cash for Cars, we buy non-running vehicles, so here’s the exact process through which you can sell a non-running car.

Step 1: Assess the Vehicle’s Condition

Start by working out what’s actually wrong and whether fixing it would pay for itself.

Most non-running cars fall into one of these camps:

• Electrical faults or a flat battery → often cheap to fix
• Seized engine or blown head gasket → usually expensive
• Transmission damage or gearbox problems → can cost more than an older car is worth
• Accident-damaged vehicle with structural or bodywork damage

If the fault isn’t obvious, paying for a mechanic’s diagnosis can be money well spent. Buyers knock dollars off for uncertainty, so a written report often lifts your offer.

Here’s the golden rule. If the repair quote comes close to what the car would be worth once fixed, sell it as is and keep that money in your pocket.

Step 2: Gather Your Paperwork and Confirm Ownership

Buyers move faster and pay with more confidence when your paperwork is sorted. Before you ring anyone, pull together:

• Proof of ownership, such as your WA vehicle licence papers (WA calls registration a “vehicle licence”)
• Photo ID, ideally your WA driver’s licence
• Service history or logbook, receipts and any mechanic’s report
• All keys, or a note explaining what’s missing

Still paying the car off? Ask your lender for a finance payout figure. A car with outstanding car finance can’t change hands cleanly until that debt is cleared, and serious buyers will check the Personal Property Securities Register before paying.

Step 3: Choose the Right Selling Option

Wondering how to sell a non-running car without wasting weeks? The right path depends on how much time you have and how much hassle you’ll put up with.

Use a Car Removal Service or Vehicle Recycler

This is the quickest route. Specialist buyers take unroadworthy, damaged and mechanically dead cars, then recover salvageable parts and recycle the rest. A good scrap car removal service arranges collection for you, but always ask whether towing is included in the quote.

Sell Privately for Parts or Restoration

Mechanics, hobbyists and vehicle restoration fans sometimes pay more for sought-after models. The catch? You’ll handle the ads, tyre kickers, haggling and towing yourself.

Approach a Dealer or Salvage Buyer

Some dealers and salvage yards will buy a car that can’t be driven. Expect offers based on what they can resell, not what you paid.

Step 4: Request Quotes and Compare Offers

An accurate description gets you an accurate quote. When asking around, share:

• Make, model and year, plus the odometer reading
• Every known fault, even the embarrassing ones
• Clear photos of the interior, exterior and any damage
• Missing parts, missing keys or tricky access

Then compare the whole deal, not just the headline number:

→ Is towing free or deducted from the price?
→ How and when will you be paid?
→ Can the offer drop after the vehicle inspection?

A $600 offer with free pickup beats a $700 offer with a $150 towing charge every time.

Step 5: Prepare the Car for Collection

A little prep stops nasty surprises on pickup day.

• Clear out the glovebox, boot and under the seats
• Remove garage remotes, parking permits and any interstate toll tag
• Tell the buyer if the car rolls, steers or is completely immobile
• Describe faults as they are rather than guessing at the cause
• Photograph the car and keep a copy of what was agreed

Selling as is is common, but it isn’t a blank cheque. Be honest about known problems and record the sale terms in writing, because hiding a serious defect can still come back to bite you.

Step 6: Arrange Towing, Payment and Vehicle Transfer

Confirm Pickup and Towing Arrangements

Steep driveways, underground car parks, flat tyres and locked steering can all call for a flatbed tow truck or specialised towing equipment. Mention these upfront and lock in a pickup time.

Verify Payment and Keep a Sale Record

Only hand over the keys once the money has actually landed in your account, as shown by your own banking app rather than a screenshot from the buyer.

Watch for the red flags WA ScamNet keeps warning about:

• A buyer who “overpays” and asks for the difference back
• Someone interstate or overseas who won’t inspect the car
• Requests to pay a courier on their behalf

Write up a receipt of sale with the date, price, vehicle details and the buyer’s name and address, signed by both of you.

Complete the Required WA Paperwork

When you sell a WA licensed vehicle, you must notify the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) within 7 days, including the new owner’s name and address.

Do it online through DoTDirect, or lodge the seller’s (blue) copy of the MR9 form at a DTMI service centre or regional agent. The buyer then has 14 days to finish the vehicle licence transfer. Want to keep personalised plates? Exchange them at DTMI before the sale.

Factors that Determine the Value of a Non-Running Vehicle

It is understood that no two dead cars are worth the same. Offers depend on:

• Make, model and age, as popular models have stronger spare parts demand
• Kilometres travelled and overall condition
• Usable parts such as the gearbox, panels, catalytic converter and alloy wheels
• Scrap metal value, which moves with the market
• Missing parts and difficult collection access

So don’t assume your mate’s $300 offer applies to your car. A non-running Hilux and a non-running small hatch live in completely different price worlds.

Can You Sell a Car Without Registration or a Roadworthy Certificate in WA?

Yes. Selling a car and driving it legally on public roads are two separate things.

Unlike some other states, WA doesn’t require a roadworthy certificate to transfer a currently licensed vehicle. If the licence has been expired for more than 15 days, the car is treated as unlicensed, and the new owner must have it inspected and licensed again before driving it.

In practice, an unregistered vehicle simply has to be towed. Rules can differ for cancelled or interstate vehicles, so confirm the correct steps with DTMI.

Sell Your Vehicle with WA Cash for Cars

Tired of staring at a car that costs you space and stress? WA Cash for Cars buys non-running, damaged and unwanted vehicles exactly as they are.

Tell us about your car, and we’ll give you an offer, then confirm the price, payment method and collection details before anything moves. Skip the private listings and get cash for cars that won’t start, without paying for repairs first.

Call WA Cash for Cars

FAQs

Can I sell a car without the keys in WA?

Yes. Many recyclers buy cars without keys, though offers may drop slightly. You’ll still need proof of ownership and photo ID to complete the sale.

Should I cancel my car insurance after selling a non-running car?

Yes, once the sale is complete and DTMI has been notified. Contact your insurer the same day, as some will refund unused premium.

Can I sell a non-running car from a deceased estate?

Yes. The executor or administrator can sell it, but transferring a deceased estate vehicle licence in WA is done in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre.

Which platforms help me sell a damaged car quickly in Australia?

Local cash for cars buyers are fastest, often collecting within days. Online classifieds and social marketplaces can pay more but usually take weeks and attract time wasters.

What are the best tips to sell my broken car fast online?

Post honest photos, list every fault, include your odometer reading and service history, price it realistically, and reply quickly. Transparent listings attract serious buyers.