How to sell a Broken Car or Non-Runner That Has Been Sitting for Years
A car can end up sitting unused for all sorts of reasons.
Maybe it developed a fault, failed its MOT or was replaced by another vehicle and never moved again.
After months or years off the road, it may no longer start. The battery could be flat, the tyres may have lost pressure, and the brakes might have seized.
That can make it difficult to sell a broken car, especially if you don’t know what’s wrong with it.
The good news is that it doesn't have to stay there any longer.
Whether it's been taking up space on the driveway for months or sitting unused for years, you don't need to get it running again before you can sell it.
Cash For Cars buys non-runners and can arrange collection, making it quick and easy to turn an unwanted car into cash.
What happens when a car sits unused for years?
Cars don't usually like being left standing for months or years. Even if everything was working when it was parked up, problems can start to appear over time.
Common issues include:
-
A flat or failed battery
-
Flat or damaged tyres
-
Seized or rusty brakes
-
Old fuel
-
Rust and corrosion
-
Electrical faults
-
Fluid leaks
-
Damp or mould inside the car
There may also be an engine, gearbox or electrical problem that caused the vehicle to be parked in the first place.
If you’re not sure what’s gone wrong, that’s fine. You don’t need to diagnose the fault yourself before asking us for a quote.
Do I need to get the car running before I sell it?
Not at all. If your car doesn't start, don't worry. You can still sell it as a non-runner and there's no need to spend money trying to get it back on the road first.
That's good news because it means no spending money on batteries, diagnostics, repairs or an MOT just to find a buyer.
This is particularly helpful with a car that’s been sitting for years. One obvious problem can sometimes hide another, so repair costs can quickly start adding up.
If you've been putting off dealing with the car because you thought it would need expensive repairs first, you're not alone. Many owners are surprised to find they can sell it exactly as it is.
Instead, you can tell us about the vehicle's current condition and let us value it as it stands.
Getting a quote is straightforward
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong with the car or spend time gathering lots of information before you start.
To get your quote, we only ask for a few basic details on the form:
-
Your registration number
-
Your postcode
-
Your mileage
-
Whether the car starts and drives
-
Whether it has any damage
That’s enough for us to start valuing the vehicle.
So, if your car has been sitting on the driveway for three years and you’re not sure why it won’t start, that’s not something you need to solve first.
Tell us what you know and we'll do the hard work. No diagnostics, no advertising and no hassle.
How does Cash For Cars value a non-runner?
We use the details you give us to work out a quote for the car in its current condition.
Things such as the make and model, age, mileage and condition can all affect what the vehicle is worth. Missing parts or damage can make a difference too.
The important thing is to be accurate about what you know.
If the car doesn’t start, tell us. If it has bodywork damage, include that too. And if you simply don’t know why it stopped running, we can still help.
There’s no need to pay a garage to diagnose the problem just so you can get a quote from us.
That means you can see what your car could be worth before spending a penny on repairs.
Get a quote for your non-runner car
Can I sell a car with mechanical problems?
Yes. You can sell a car with mechanical problems without repairing it first. Selling an ordinary used car is usually easier because a buyer can start it, test-drive it and see how it performs.
A non-runner is different.
You might not know whether the problem is something small or a major mechanical fault. You may also have no interest in paying a garage to find out.
Cash For Cars buys vehicles that aren’t in perfect condition, including non-runners, MOT failures, damaged vehicles and high-mileage cars.
That means you can get a quote without first having to:
-
Pay for mechanical repairs
-
Arrange a diagnostic check
-
Put the car through an MOT
-
Advertise it privately
-
Deal with people coming to your home to view it
-
Arrange transport to get it to a buyer
For many owners, that’s the main benefit. You can deal with the car in the condition it’s already in.
What happens if I accept the quote?
Once you’re happy with your quote, our team will get in touch to confirm a few extra details and arrange collection.
We’ll ask where the car is parked, how easy it is to access and whether it rolls on all four wheels. This helps us make sure the right recovery equipment is used.
If the car has flat tyres, seized brakes or is parked somewhere awkward, just let us know.
You don't need to worry about how you'll move the vehicle.
Whether it's got flat tyres, seized brakes or simply won't start, we'll arrange collection so you don't have to deal with the hassle of moving it yourself.
Cash For Cars offers free collection for vehicles we buy, subject to safe access.
On collection day, the driver will check that the vehicle matches the condition you described. The paperwork can then be completed and the car loaded onto the recovery vehicle.
You don’t need to repair it, clean it up or somehow get it running first.
For a car that’s been sitting unused for years, that means the whole process can be handled without turning it into another job for you.
Can I sell a car with no MOT?
Absolutely. A car that’s been sitting for several years will often have an expired MOT.
That doesn’t stop you from getting a quote or selling the vehicle to Cash For Cars.
You don’t need to pay for another MOT simply to sell the car, and we also buy MOT failures.
What paperwork will I need?
If you still have your V5C logbook, keys and any service history, have them ready.
The V5C will normally be needed when selling the vehicle. If you’re missing paperwork or aren’t sure what you need, speak to the Cash For Cars team before collection and we can advise you.
That old car might have been sitting there for years, but sorting it out doesn't have to be another big project.
With no repairs to arrange, no listings to create and no buyers coming to your door, selling a non-runner can be much simpler than you think.
FAQs
Can I sell a car that has not run for years?
Of course. Cash For Cars buys non-runners, including vehicles that have been left unused for long periods.
Do I need to know why the car won’t start?
Not at all. Tell us what you know about the car and be clear if the exact fault is unknown.
Do I need to repair it before getting a quote?
No. We can value the vehicle based on its current condition, so you can find out what it may be worth before spending money on repairs.
Can you collect a car that doesn’t start?
We can. We offer free collection for vehicles we buy, including non-runners.
Will I have to pay a collection fee?
No. We offer free collection for every vehicle we buy, with no hidden fees.
Ready to reclaim your driveway?
That car that's been sitting there for months, or even years, could be taking up valuable space for no reason.
You don't need to repair it, diagnose the fault or try to get it through an MOT first.
Simply tell us a few details about the vehicle and we'll provide a quote. If you're happy with the offer, we'll arrange free collection and take care of the hard part.
No listings. No tyre-kickers. No hassle.
Just a quick, simple way to turn an unwanted car into cash.
```