Selling vs Scrapping: How to Get the Best Price for Your Quality Used Car
Not every vehicle that comes through our doors is destined for the crusher. If your car is roadworthy, has a valid MOT, and is in reasonable condition, you might get significantly more by selling it rather than scrapping it. At Ben Whitcombe Ltd, we buy quality vehicles for resale as well as end-of-life vehicles for recycling.
When Scrapping Makes Sense
Scrapping is the right choice when:
- Major mechanical failure: Engine or gearbox problems where repair costs exceed the vehicle's value
- Structural rust: Rust-through on chassis, sills, or subframe that would fail an MOT
- Failed MOT with expensive repairs: When the cost to pass exceeds 50% of the car's value
- No market for the model: Some older or unpopular models simply have no buyers
- Time pressure: You need the vehicle gone today, not in weeks of advertising
When Selling Makes Sense
Consider selling (to us or privately) when:
- Valid MOT: The car has passed its MOT recently with no major advisories
- Service history: You can show the car has been maintained
- Popular make and model: Ford Fiesta, Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, VW Golf, and similar sell quickly
- Reasonable mileage: Under 100,000-150,000 miles for most cars
- Cosmetically decent: No major dents, scratches, or interior damage
- Working electrics: All lights, windows, and features functioning
Private Sale vs Selling to Us
You have two main options for selling a quality used car:
Private Sale
Advantages: Potentially higher price if you find the right buyer.
Disadvantages: Time-consuming advertising, dealing with time-wasters and no-shows, strangers coming to your home for test drives, haggling, payment risks (bounced cheques, fake bank transfers), handling paperwork yourself, and potentially waiting weeks or months for a buyer.
Selling to Us
Advantages: Instant quote, same-day payment via bank transfer, we collect from your door, no advertising costs or hassle, no strangers at your home, we handle all paperwork including DVLA notification, and it is done in a single visit.
Disadvantages: You might get slightly less than a perfect private sale (but factor in your time, advertising costs, and risk).
What Vehicles We Buy for Resale
We are always looking for:
- Popular hatchbacks: Ford Fiesta, Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, Astra, VW Polo, Golf
- Family cars: Reliable estates and saloons with good service history
- Commercial vans: Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro
- SUVs and 4x4s: Popular models in good condition
- Diesel estates: High-mileage diesels that still have life in them
How We Value Quality Vehicles
When you contact us about a quality vehicle, we consider:
- Current market value: What similar vehicles are selling for locally
- Make, model, and age: Popularity and demand for your specific vehicle
- Mileage: How it compares to average for the age
- Condition: Mechanical, cosmetic, and interior condition
- Service history: Evidence of regular maintenance
- MOT status: How long is left and any advisories
We provide transparent, honest valuations. If we think your car is worth more than we can offer, we will tell you.
The Process
- Get a quote: Call us on 01934 824976 or use our online form. Tell us about your vehicle, ideally with photos.
- We arrange collection: If you accept our offer, we will schedule a convenient time to collect.
- We pay same day: Payment is made via bank transfer on collection. No waiting for funds to clear.
- We handle paperwork: DVLA notification and all documentation is sorted by us.
Get Your Valuation Today
Not sure whether your car is worth selling or scrapping? Contact us and we will give you an honest assessment. We have over 20 years of experience valuing vehicles and we will tell you straight what your best option is.
Get a valuation for your quality vehicle. You might be surprised what it is worth.