Sell My Broken Van
If you’ve got a van that won’t start, has failed its MOT, blown a gearbox or a turbo or has been sitting stuck on a driveway or in a yard and not earning you any money, then you’ll likely be thinking it’s time to move on.
By using Scrap Car Comparison, you can guarantee an instant sale no matter its condition, and it’ll even be collected for free right where it stands. You don’t even need an MOT or valid road tax, just get a quote and we’ll do the hard work for you.
Sell For Parts
Just because one part of your van might be broken, doesn’t mean the entire vehicle is rendered useless. We can connect you with a buyer who’s prepared to strip your van of all its reusable parts to be used as spares and repairs for other vans.
Top Prices Paid
You can still get a great price for a broken van. Get an instant, no-obligation quote today and see just how much your van could be worth. Our team are experts at dealing in broken vehicles, and we’ll be able to find you a buyer much faster than any private sale.
Free Collection
We have an extensive network of specialist buyers and expert collectors across the UK, which means we can offer a free collection service, with no hidden fees, to every customer, wherever you are and no matter what condition or how badly damaged your van is.
Who We Are: The UK’s Best Non-Running Vehicle Buyer since 2009
Who We Are: The UK’s Best Non-Running Vehicle Buyer since 2009We’ve helped drivers across the UK scrap, sell and recycle their damaged, broken, non-running or failed MOT vehicles quickly, safely and for the best possible price.
- £225 million+ paid to customers for their vehicles since 2009 – so you know you’re getting a fair price for your scrap car
- 8.5 million+ vehicles processed through our technology, matching you with the right buyer every time
- 450+ Authorised Treatment Facilities and specialist buyers nationwide, so your car is collected fast wherever you are
- Hundreds of thousands of cars bought every year, making us the UK’s leading scrap and salvage car buying website
- £1 million+ raised for national and local charities since 2016
- Collection is free across the UK at a date and time you choose
- Your price is guaranteed for 24 hours, with no hidden fees
You May Have Seen Us In
Testimonials
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“Great customer service and polite driver who collected my van.” – Kelvin
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“Sold our old van with Scrap Car Comparison due to ULEZ. Was fast, easy and professional.” – The Wine Cellar
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“The driver who collected the van was courteous, helpful, and professional. Happy to recommend.” – Jeremy
Verified comments from Reviews.io
What a Broken Van is Worth
There is no simple answer for the price of a broken van. Quotes can be influenced by many factors, such as the age, mileage, condition and make and model of the van itself. Scrap Car Comparison guarantees to find you the very best offer no matter the condition of your van.
What Counts as a Broken Van?
There are three main causes that can render a van as broken: mechanical, electrical and structural damage.
Mechanical: Failures of this type are caused by items such as the gearbox, turbo, clutch, timing chain or even the engine itself; major components that often come with large price tags to repair. Smaller problems, like the DPF filter or emissions failures can also rack up and easily render a van uneconomical to repair.
Electrical: Electrical faults can be caused by wear and tear, accident damage or even outside interference such as weather and even being gnawed by rodents. Issues that can result in needing to sell a broken van include ECU faults, wiring loom and immobiliser problems.
Structural: Usually caused by accident damage, structural damage is where the physical structure of the vehicle has been compromised. Structural damage usually results in a vehicle being written off, as it rapidly reduces the possibility of the vehicle being repaired to a safe enough standard to return to the road.
Weight, Size and Metal Value
Vans carry substantially more steel than car, which means that the average scrap payout for a van is higher than that seen for a car.
The following table is based on estimate values from Scrap Car Comparison’s Head of sales and development, James Snook. These estimates were made in November 2026, are based on a scrap value of £120-£160 per tonne.
| Van Type | Typical Kerb Weight | Scrap Value at £120/tonne | Scrap Value at £160/tonne |
| Small van (Caddy, Berlingo, Connect) | 1.1 tonnes | £132 | £176 |
| Medium van (Transit Custom, Vivaro, Trafic) | 1.5 tonnes | £180 | £240 |
| Large panel van (Transit, Sprinter, Crafter) | 2.0 tonnes | £240 | £320 |
Note: The majority of collectors in our network are unable to collect 3.5 tonne vehicles, so Luton and Box vans are not included in this table.
The Repair-To-Value Decision
Know whether to repair or scrap comes down to your own personal circumstances. We recommend getting an initial repair quote for your vehicle, and then compare that to its post-repair market value. Bring these figures to us, and we can give you a quote for your van as scrap, and will also look to see if it could sell as a salvage vehicle, too. We’ll help you put these figures side-by-side to work out exactly the best option for you.
Parts That Still Hold Value
The parts that hold the most value, and can have the best impact on your overall offers, include the catalytic converter, DPF filter, gearbox, alloy wheels, doors and panels. If your van has any loading or refrigeration units, these will also carry significantly more value. Explain the condition of these in detail, as it can help boost your offer far beyond a standard scrap quote.
Do not, however, be tempted to remove them first. Your van is worth far more fully intact than it is in parts, plus you’ll have to find someone qualified to remove them, space to store them and then individual buyers for each. Selling a broken van for spares and repairs through Scrap Car Comparison, however, is a quick and easy way to get every penny your van is worth.
Scrap Route or Salvage Route
When selling a broken van, you’re often presented with two clear options: scrap or salvage. Salvage is an industry term, and is more colloquially known as “spares and repairs”. The condition of your van, its age and demand for its parts will help steer you to either a scrap or salvage option.
The paperwork will differ between a scrap sale and a salvage sale, and this is covered further down the page.
Getting a Van That Does Not Run Collected
When you use Scrap Car Comparison, your van will be collected from exactly where it sits. This means you don’t need to worry about driving it or having it driven to the seller. We work with buyers who come directly to you, every time.
Where It Can Be Collected From
Your van can be collected from anywhere, whether that’s at home, in a yard, on a customer’s site, in a garage that’s had it for weeks, or even from the side of the road. Just let us know exactly where it is, including information on access (such as height restrictions, being parked behind other vehicles or if anyone else needs to be present) and we can let the collector know exactly what sort of recovery vehicle to send.
Access, Winching and Rolling Condition
Even if your van can’t roll due to having seized brakes, no wheels or a flat battery, we can recover it for you. Just make sure you let us know up front, as some access issues can result in different types of collection vehicles and equipment being required.
Keys, Documents And Load Space
You can sell a van without its keys, as our collectors are experts and will still be able to help remove the vehicle. If you have any racking, stock, tools or rubbish within the load space, then this will need to be removed before the collection. Buyers can refuse to take a van full of material, so this is an important step to remember. Signwriting or any wraps do not impact your offer, but most buyers will remove this as a matter of course.
How to Sell Your Broken Van
1. Get an instant quote online
Enter your van’s registration details and your postcode into our instant quote generator to see your initial free no-obligation quote. These will be your scrap quotes based on the kerb weight of your van’s make and model. We’ll then give you a call to discuss the condition of your van in greater detail, allowing us to also see if it could be sold for even more money as a salvage vehicle.
2. Tell us what has gone wrong
Our call is your opportunity to give us an accurate description of your van. Let us know exactly what’s wrong with your van, remembering that the more detailed your description is, the more accurate your quote is going to be. This includes detailing information such as its mileage, body type and the location of the van itself. We’ll then take this information and see what your salvage offers are. We’ll present you with both offers side by side, and these offers are guaranteed for 24 hours, giving you time to think before accepting an offer.
3. Accept your offer
Once you’re happy, choose an offer and accept. Once accepted, we’ll lock your price in and move on to the booking stage for collection. It’s worth remembering, that while your price is indeed now guaranteed, this remains subject to inspection and if your description of the van’s condition was not wholly accurate, then your price could be renegotiated upon collection.
4. Book a free collection
With an offer now accepted and locked in, it’s time to book your free collection. This is offered as standard to our customers thanks to our network of specialist buyers operating across 99% of all UK postcodes. Once they arrive they’ll carry out a visual inspection to ensure your van is as you described, as well as checking your photo ID and working through the paperwork with you.
5. Hand over the paperwork and get paid
Once you’ve handed the paperwork over and the van has been loaded up onto the recovery vehicle, your payment will be processed. This will be via bank transfer and usually lands on the same day. Make sure you remember to inform the DVLA of the sale, and you’ll automatically receive a refund for any full unused months of tax. You should also remember to cancel your car insurance to avoid any unwanted payments.
Paperwork Tax and the DVLA Side
As the seller, it is your responsibility to tell the DVLA, and the buyer cannot do this for you. Failing to inform the DVLA means you will remain as the van’s registered keeper on its database, and liable for any potential fines it accrues, as well as a potential £1,000 for not informing them in the first place.
The V5C and the Yellow Section
When selling as scrap, your logbook will go to the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), while you, the seller, retains the yellow section titled ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to a motor trader’. You should then tell the DVLA via its website that you have sold the car. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
No logbook? That’s not a problem here at Scrap Car Comparison, and we can still get you a great price for your van even if your logbook is missing.
Certificate of Destruction and Van Size
When a vehicle is scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility, the ATF will issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) within seven days if it has scrapped a car, a light van or a three-wheeled motor vehicle. Vans over 3.5 tonnes, such as a 7.5-tonne Luton or a large chassis cab will not generate a CoD.
A CoD will also not be generated if the van has been bought to be repaired and sold on, rather than destroyed. For this reason, you will not receive a CoD at the end of the salvage route.
Vehicle Tax, SORN and Private Plates
When scrapping a van, you should always remember to remove any private number plates from your van before you begin the process as the registration can not be recovered.. This can either be put on retention with the DVLA or transferred to another vehicle.
When you inform the DVLA that you have sold or scrapped a car, you will automatically be refunded any full remaining months of road tax. This will be made via cheque to the name and address on the V5C.
If your non-running van is sitting off the road, you could save tax and insurance costs by declaring it as SORN. If your van is declared as SORN, make sure to let us know so we can inform the collector ahead of their arrival. If you do declare your van as SORN, you must keep it off the road in a driveway, garage or on private property, and could be fined if it is on the road at any time.
Payment Method By Nation
The law regarding paying for scrap vehicles clearly states that they cannot be paid for in cash, and this is the same across the board in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is covered by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 in England and Wales, the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 in Scotland, and under the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for Northern Ireland.
Vans On Finance or Lease
If your van is on finance, a lease or contract hire, then it is not yours to sell or scrap. You’ll need to speak to the finance company first in order to gain their consent or obtain a settlement figure. If you’re unsure, you can speak to us and we’ll be happy to work with your lender to come up with a settlement figure and then continue with a quote as normal.
Business-Owned and VAT-Registered Sellers
You will need to check your tax situation if you are looking to sell a van owned by a VAT-registered business. When businesses reclaim VAT at the point of purchasing the van, it is then normally due when the van is then sold on, even for scrap or salvage. This changes if the van was bought under the VAT margin scheme or if the business uses the flat rate scheme. In any case, this can change how much your business will actually keep from the sale. We cannot provide VAT advice, so check with your accountants or HMRC before you accept any offers.
Our team are experts in dealing with commercial vehicles, and if you’re looking for more detailed information on this service, or are looking to sell more than one vehicle – or even a fleet – then visit our dedicated commercial vehicle disposal page for additional answers.
Selling a Vehicle With Outstanding Finance
A vehicle on hire purchase or a PCP agreement can be sold, but it must be agreed with the finance company, with the finance cleared first. Speak to your lender and obtain a settlement figure. We’re more than happy to work with you and your lender on this for you, and won’t just refuse a vehicle because it has finance remaining on it. In some cases, we can even help convert the remaining balance into an unsecured personal loan at the lender’s discretion. Once the remaining balance is sorted, you’re free to get a quote as normal.
Remember that outstanding finance will show up on an HPI check, so there’s no chance of hiding this when selling a vehicle.
FAQs
Who buys broken vans in the UK?
Buyers looking for spare parts, or vans they can repair themselves, are always looking for broken vans. These buyers form a large part of our extensive UK network, so we can always find you a buyer willing to pay a great price for your van.
Will you collect a van that doesn’t start?
Absolutely. Just let our team know that your van can’t start, and what’s causing it. We’ll then pass this information on to your collector so they can arrange the relevant recovery vehicle to remove your van.
Can I sell a van with no MOT or tax?
Yes. When selling a van as scrap or salvage, there is no need for it to hold a valid MOT or road tax. Make sure you inform our team as soon as possible that your van has no valid tax or MOT, so we can pass this on to the collector, as this can be useful information to plan for the collection.
Can I sell a van without the V5C logbook?
Yes, you can. While having a V5C will make the process much simpler, not having one doesn’t mean you can’t get a sale. Speak to our team and let us know you’re missing the paperwork, and we’ll talk you through your next steps.
How soon do I get paid, and can I be paid in cash?
Once your van has been taken away, payment will be made instantly by bank transfer, usually clearing later that same day. If your van is being sold as scrap, then cash payment cannot be offered, as this contravenes the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
Can I sell a van that still has finance on it?
Not without speaking to your lender first. While the van still has outstanding finance, the lender retains a legal interest in it. Speak to your lender to discuss a settlement figure for the remaining balance, or we can do this on your behalf, and once this is sorted you can continue to get a quote as normal.
What happens to my van after it’s collected?
If your van is to be scrapped, it will be taken to an Authorised Treatment Facility where it will be put through a process known as depollution. This sees all the hazardous materials, fluids and batteries removed before it is finally recycled. If the van was sold as a salvage vehicle, then it will either be stripped for parts to repair other vans, or repaired itself and returned to the road.
Can you take a van that’s over 3.5 tonnes?
We suggest giving us a call to discuss your options if you’re looking to sell a van over 3.5 tonnes. The majority of collectors on our network are unable to collect vehicles of this size, but we’ll still do what we can to get you a great price in no time at all.
Related Articles
- Find out more about what happens when you sell your vehicle for salvage
- Learn more about how to sell a vehicle without an MOT
- Everything you need to know when you need to scrap your van
Get every penny your van is worth in an instant when you get a quote from Scrap Car Comparison
