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Sell your non-running car in 30 seconds
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Immediate payment
We buy, no matter the condition
Same day collection available
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POSTCODE (WHERE IS THE CAR LOCATED)
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Enter your reg and postcode to get an upfront, no-obligation quote for your non-runner based on its salvageable parts and scrap value.
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Instant online quote
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Pick a collection slot that works for you. We cover the entire UK, with flexible times available as soon as today or tomorrow.
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Choose collection date & time
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Our collection team and buyer network handle everything: collection, paperwork, and DVLA notification. You don’t lift a finger.
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Free collection
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Get paid the moment your car is collected. Funds are transferred instantly and securely, with no hidden fees or delays.
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On-the-spot payment
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Get cash for your non-runner in 4 simple steps
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130,000+ cars bought (even ones that won’t start)
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We’ve built the UK’s most streamlined system for selling or parting out your car instantly. Our booking, collection and payment processes are fully integrated, designed for speed and simplicity. That means absolutely zero stress on your end.
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Our model works because it’s built around convenience and trust. We only partner with licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), so your non-runner is scrapped legally and responsibly. We handle DVLA paperwork for you, so you’re protected from any future fines or headaches.
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The alternative? Hauling your car to a local yard yourself, wasting hours on logistics and paperwork and possibly ending up with less money in your pocket. We eliminate all the confusing aspects of selling your non-running car by taking it off your hands for you.
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Car.co.uk
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We could offer you £729 for your vehicle today.
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Our customers trust us for fast, fair payments.
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We buy non-runners across the entire United Kingdom
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No matter where you’re based, we’ll match you with a local depot that offers great prices and fast, free collection. Our nationwide network of Environment Agency-authorised breakers and scrap yards is powered by smart algorithms that assess your car’s components to deliver the most competitive price in the UK.
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Because our buyers are spread across the country, you get location-based pricing tailored to your area. If you're in London, Manchester or another major city, you’ll even be able to compare quotes from multiple local scrap yards from one place.
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So, why do these depots want your car? Simple. They make money by salvaging valuable parts and recycling materials. And since our backend handles the quoting, collection and payment they’re happy to pay you a better price. Win-win.
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Instant quotes for cars that won’t start or move
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Immediate payment
We buy, no matter the condition
Same day collection available
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ENTER REG NUMBER
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POSTCODE
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Engine failure? Electrical issues? No MOT? We’ll take it.
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Don’t ever think your car’s completely worthless, because we buy all types of non-runners. That includes MOT failures, write-offs and vehicles with major mechanical or electrical faults. If your car’s too old, too damaged or simply too expensive to fix, we’ll take it off your hands with zero issue and facilitate an environmentally friendly disposal.
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Guides
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Tips and insights for selling a non-runner car
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What’s happening in the non-runner car market?
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Curious what your non-runner’s worth? Here’s what’s driving prices in the scrap market and what that means for you.
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October, 2025
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Scrap car statistics across the UK
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The highest-mileage scrapped car was a Rover 75 showing nearly 1,000,000 miles. For non-runners, though, most never reach anything close to this figure.
The oldest scrapped vehicle was a 1951 Morris Minor at an incredible 74 years old. While classics like this carry sentimental or collector value that outweighs their non-running condition, not every old car is preserved. Some reach a point where storage, restoration and upkeep aren't feasible.
The youngest scrapped car was a two-year-old 2023 Ford Fiesta. In cases like this, the vehicle was almost certainly written off after a major accident, flood or insurance claim rather than simply becoming a non-runner.
A Vauxhall Corsa was scrapped with only 55 miles on the clock — far too low for normal wear and tear. The most likely explanation is severe accident damage, a manufacturing fault or flood/fire exposure that made the car uneconomical or unsafe to repair.
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We're fully transparent about our pricing.
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The price you’re quoted is the price you’re getting. Simple as that. No hidden charges, no last-minute deductions, and no shady tactics. As long as the details you provide match the car, your quote is locked in. We’ve already factored in collection, processing and overhead costs so there are no surprises.
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Unfortunately, lots of services lure you in with inflated quotes, only to knock the price down when it’s time to pay. They’ll cite vague “condition issues” or tack on bogus fees. With us, you’ll see exactly what your vehicle is worth (and why) with a clear, video-supported quote to back it up.
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We guide you through every step from quote to collection with a dedicated team who knows the process inside out. And we’re fully compliant with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, meaning your sale is 100% legal, secure and professionally handled.
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FAQs on selling your non-runner car
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Can you sell a non-running car?
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You can absolutely sell a car that doesn’t run. In fact, that’s exactly what we’re set up for. Our whole model is built around helping people like you get rid of vehicles that aren’t roadworthy anymore.<br>
Even if it won’t start, move or has been sitting on your driveway for months, that’s not a problem at all. We’ll give you an instant quote online, and once you book, we’ll arrange free collection from wherever the vehicle is.
Even if it won’t start, move or has been sitting on your driveway for months, that’s not a problem at all. We’ll give you an instant quote online, and once you book, we’ll arrange free collection from wherever the vehicle is.
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How can I sell a non-running car in the UK?
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The most common route is selling it for scrap or salvage, which is what we do. You enter your reg and postcode, get an instant quote, book a free collection and get paid when the car’s picked up. That’s by far the easiest way.<br>
You could try selling it to a private buyer (maybe a mechanic or someone looking for a project). That sometimes works, but it takes more time. You’ll need to advertise it, deal with messages, arrange transport and be clear about the condition.<br>
You could also sell it to a garage or breaker yourself, but you’d need to get the car there by arranging a tow.
You could try selling it to a private buyer (maybe a mechanic or someone looking for a project). That sometimes works, but it takes more time. You’ll need to advertise it, deal with messages, arrange transport and be clear about the condition.<br>
You could also sell it to a garage or breaker yourself, but you’d need to get the car there by arranging a tow.
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Where can you sell a non-running car?
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Government-licensed ATFs (Authorised Treatment Facilities) are your best bet for legally getting rid of non-running cars. These licensed facilities strip out usable parts, recycle the metal and take care of DVLA paperwork.<br>
You can list it on sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, but your buyer pool is limited because most regular buyers want something they can drive right away. That said, you might get interest from DIYers or mechanics.
You can list it on sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, but your buyer pool is limited because most regular buyers want something they can drive right away. That said, you might get interest from DIYers or mechanics.
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What’s the best place to sell a non-running car?
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The best place to sell a non-running car is through a trusted service like ours that specialises in non-runners. We work directly with licensed ATFs — the only kind of scrap yards legally allowed to handle end-of-life vehicles in the UK. That means your car gets picked up properly, de-registered with the DVLA and scrapped or salvaged in full compliance with UK law.
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Can I sell my non-running car for cash?
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That depends on how you sell it.<br>
If you’re doing a private deal with a friend or someone from Facebook Marketplace, you’re able to accept cash.<br>
But if you’re selling it through a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (which is what we use), then no, you can’t legally be paid in cash. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 made it illegal for any licensed scrap dealer to pay in cash.<br>
So with us, you’ll be paid via instant bank transfer the moment your car’s collected.
If you’re doing a private deal with a friend or someone from Facebook Marketplace, you’re able to accept cash.<br>
But if you’re selling it through a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (which is what we use), then no, you can’t legally be paid in cash. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 made it illegal for any licensed scrap dealer to pay in cash.<br>
So with us, you’ll be paid via instant bank transfer the moment your car’s collected.
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Do I need to repair my car before selling?
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If the car isn’t running or has mechanical or electrical issues, that’s totally fine. You don’t need to fix anything before selling it to us. We deal with non-runners, MOT failures, write-offs and even flood-damaged vehicles. You just describe the condition accurately, get your quote, and we’ll handle the rest.
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Will anyone buy a car that doesn’t start?
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Yes, loads of buyers will buy a car that doesn’t start. In fact, cars that don’t start are exactly what a lot of scrap yards and breakers are looking for. They’re not planning to drive the car; they want it for the parts and materials
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How much can I get for a non-running car?
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How much you can get for a non-running car depends on two things: how you sell it, and what the car’s worth in the first place.<br>
If you strip it and sell the parts yourself, you might squeeze out more cash in exchange for a ton of time and effort, and then you’ll still have a shell to deal with. Most people just want it gone, so they scrap the whole car in one go.<br>
When you sell it through us, the price is based on what the breakers can salvage — things like the engine, catalytic converter, alloys and the weight of the metal. So higher-value cars tend to fetch more, even if they’re not running.
If you strip it and sell the parts yourself, you might squeeze out more cash in exchange for a ton of time and effort, and then you’ll still have a shell to deal with. Most people just want it gone, so they scrap the whole car in one go.<br>
When you sell it through us, the price is based on what the breakers can salvage — things like the engine, catalytic converter, alloys and the weight of the metal. So higher-value cars tend to fetch more, even if they’re not running.
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Is it legal to sell a non-running car?
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It’s totally legal to sell a non-running car as long as you do it the right way.<br>
The key is to go through a licensed buyer, like an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). That guarantees the vehicle is properly de-registered with the DVLA, scrapped properly and that you’re no longer legally responsible for it.<br>
Where people get into trouble is when they sell to unlicensed buyers who don’t notify the DVLA, and then months later get hit with fines or enforcement letters for a car they thought was gone.
The key is to go through a licensed buyer, like an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). That guarantees the vehicle is properly de-registered with the DVLA, scrapped properly and that you’re no longer legally responsible for it.<br>
Where people get into trouble is when they sell to unlicensed buyers who don’t notify the DVLA, and then months later get hit with fines or enforcement letters for a car they thought was gone.
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Who buys non-running cars in the UK?
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The main buyers are scrap yards and Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), which is who we work with directly. These guys don’t care whether the car starts or not because a driveable car isn’t what they’re after. They’re buying it for the parts, metal and materials. Most of the time, the engine or gearbox is the first thing they’re pulling out anyway.<br>
Then there are breakers and parts dealers who want specific components they can strip and resell. Things like catalytic converters, ECUs and alloy wheels. Again, the fact the car doesn’t move isn’t an issue for them at all.<br>
You might also find a few DIY mechanics or project car buyers privately, but it’s a lot harder. You’d have to advertise, answer messages, arrange collection and hope they don’t flake. That’s why most people prefer using a service like ours.
Then there are breakers and parts dealers who want specific components they can strip and resell. Things like catalytic converters, ECUs and alloy wheels. Again, the fact the car doesn’t move isn’t an issue for them at all.<br>
You might also find a few DIY mechanics or project car buyers privately, but it’s a lot harder. You’d have to advertise, answer messages, arrange collection and hope they don’t flake. That’s why most people prefer using a service like ours.
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Can I sell my non-running car without an MOT?
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The MOT status doesn’t matter to us or the buyers we work with. Remember, these cars are being collected and scrapped or dismantled for parts. They’re not going back on the road, so there’s no legal requirement for them to have a valid MOT.
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Can I sell my non-running car without a V5C logbook?
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Technically, yes, it is possible to sell a non-runner without the V5C, but we advise against it.<br>
The V5C is your proof of ownership and without it, the process becomes a bit messier. A lot of buyers will either refuse to take the car or offer you less for it because they have to go through extra admin to prove the car’s been scrapped properly.<br>
Also, without that document, it’s much harder to protect yourself legally. If the DVLA doesn’t receive proper notification of the transfer, there’s a risk you could still be held liable for things like parking fines, SORN declarations and even insurance issues down the line.<br>
So if you’ve lost the V5C, we’d recommend applying for a replacement using a V62 form. It costs £25 and takes a couple of weeks at most.
The V5C is your proof of ownership and without it, the process becomes a bit messier. A lot of buyers will either refuse to take the car or offer you less for it because they have to go through extra admin to prove the car’s been scrapped properly.<br>
Also, without that document, it’s much harder to protect yourself legally. If the DVLA doesn’t receive proper notification of the transfer, there’s a risk you could still be held liable for things like parking fines, SORN declarations and even insurance issues down the line.<br>
So if you’ve lost the V5C, we’d recommend applying for a replacement using a V62 form. It costs £25 and takes a couple of weeks at most.
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What documents do I need to sell a non-running car?
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The most important one is your V5C logbook. That’s your proof of ownership and the easiest way to make sure everything’s transferred correctly with the DVLA. It also speeds things up on our end, since buyers want to know the vehicle is legally yours to sell.<br>
Besides the logbook, you will also need a valid form of ID (like a driving licence or passport) and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement).<br>
If you don’t have the V5C, you can still sell the car, but it’s more hassle. Not all buyers will accept it without one, and you’ll have to complete a bit of extra paperwork to make sure the DVLA knows the car’s been sold or scrapped.
Besides the logbook, you will also need a valid form of ID (like a driving licence or passport) and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement).<br>
If you don’t have the V5C, you can still sell the car, but it’s more hassle. Not all buyers will accept it without one, and you’ll have to complete a bit of extra paperwork to make sure the DVLA knows the car’s been sold or scrapped.
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Can I sell a non-running car online?
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Selling a non-running car online is the best and most accessible way to do it these days, and there are a few ways to go about it.<br>
You could list it on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay and try to sell it privately. The easier (and truly online) option is to use our platform. Just enter your reg and postcode, get an instant quote and we’ll handle the collection, paperwork and payment free of charge.<br>
Best of all, it takes as little as 24 to 48 hours.
You could list it on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay and try to sell it privately. The easier (and truly online) option is to use our platform. Just enter your reg and postcode, get an instant quote and we’ll handle the collection, paperwork and payment free of charge.<br>
Best of all, it takes as little as 24 to 48 hours.
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How quickly can I sell my non-running car?
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In most cases, we expect to have your non-runner gone within 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes even same day, depending on where you’re located and when you book. Because we’ve got a nationwide network of scrap yards and drivers, there’s almost always someone nearby who can collect your vehicle fast.<br>
For the process to go as quickly as we say it can, we recommend getting the ball rolling earlier in the morning. That way, you can schedule your pickup for an afternoon or evening slot. If you wait too long, slots might fill up and same-day pickup won’t be an option anymore.<br>
And of course, if you sell it privately, count on it taking a few weeks at least. You have to account for the time it takes to find buyers, negotiate and compare offers.
For the process to go as quickly as we say it can, we recommend getting the ball rolling earlier in the morning. That way, you can schedule your pickup for an afternoon or evening slot. If you wait too long, slots might fill up and same-day pickup won’t be an option anymore.<br>
And of course, if you sell it privately, count on it taking a few weeks at least. You have to account for the time it takes to find buyers, negotiate and compare offers.
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Do I need to tow the car myself?
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You don’t have to tow the car yourself. That’s one of the core benefits of using our online service. Our collection partners have access to our advanced tools and will notify you before collection happens, so everything runs as smoothly as possible.
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Do you offer free collection for non-runners?
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We offer free collection for any vehicle, whether it’s a non-runner, a write-off or something that’s been SORN’d for years. And it’s not some third-party random guy either. Our drivers are fully vetted, professional and trained to handle non-runners safely and legally.