We're getting a fresh car later in the year and with our 2005 Octavia getting a little long in the tooth (170k on the clock) I wondered what the best thing to do with it is. I don't want to sell it because it's starting to cost money - the electrics have started to fail such as the boot only opening with the fob, the horn doesn't work etc etc and so wouldn't in good conscience get much for it.

 

It runs well and there's plenty of the car which is in great nic and I like the idea of breaking it up to help others keep their cars on the road - as if the car has a donor card

 

Has anyone sold off their car as parts before? What's the best way to do it - strip it down and list parts on ebay?

I'd probably sell it to We Buy Any Car or the likes....

Quite a few people stripped their old Mk1 Octavia for spares. Takes time and you to tie up a far bit of space too but you will get more money this way.

Do a search on the Mk1 forum as there were many posts on the subject.

I would guess your biggest issue with breaking is that you will be running a mini scrapyard until the parts are  gone and you will be left with a big heavy shell. 

 

If somebody is willing to pay a worthwhile price for the car, honestly described, why not sell it? Your only moral qualms are if you try and claim it does not have any issues.

 

Or part exchange it, assuming you intend to get a replacement motor

Edited 22 February, 20179 yr by juan27

Just advertise what it is honestly and let someone buy that thinks they can make a profit breaking it or repairing.

1 hour ago, Muzza80 said:

I'd probably sell it to We Buy Any Car or the likes....

They offered £300 before I even added any 'damage' to it's description

 

 

Why not look on eBay, auto trader etc over the next few months to get an idea as to how much like for like cars sell for, too be fair most 170k mileage cars will have some faults declared or not, quite likely there will be some one who would snap your hand off as long as the car was road legal, as to breaking assuming ask for buyers to express an interest to see if there is a demand to make it worthwhile, a complete roadworthy car will sell even to a breakers yard, a dismantled car is unlikely to be bought ' whole, job lot '

Try gum tree as it is free and be honest about what's wrong will make it easier to sell.  Also long MOT helps.

Used cars have no value in them at all. I would just sell for whatever you can get for it. I am sure if you sold it for £500, someone would buy it. No point in breaking it, as you cant guarantee all the parts will ever be sold. Then you are left with an unsightly broken car on the front of your house.

Some folk don't mind buying old cars, I just bought an 2005 Octy with 225k on clock. As long as you are honest with known faults don't sweat it. Anyone knows what they are buying if it's done 170k. Infact I would have bought it! It's the only way I can afford to buy cars, cheap and it's a gamble, sometimes you get years out of them virtually free others only months.

42 minutes ago, billpierce said:

Some folk don't mind buying old cars, I just bought an 2005 Octy with 225k on clock. As long as you are honest with known faults don't sweat it. Anyone knows what they are buying if it's done 170k. Infact I would have bought it! It's the only way I can afford to buy cars, cheap and it's a gamble, sometimes you get years out of them virtually free others only months.

 

Been there done that got the tee shirt as the saying goes, like you it was a factual necessity but the savvy buyer will do every thing in their power to tip the balance when buying someone else's castoff so a private seller declaring known faults certainly helps

I've broken cars before (had a big yard) and unless they are something special like vrs, gti, sti etc I wouldn't bother again as you end up with all the crap bits no one wants. 

 

Having said that some common cars break really well. 

 

Advertise honestly and take what you can get. 

Edited 26 February, 20179 yr by RichieXR2