Failing a roadworthy test can be frustrating, especially when you were planning to sell your car soon. In Victoria, a valid Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is required for most private car sales. Without it, you can’t transfer ownership through VicRoads which can delay your plans or even force you to reconsider how to sell your vehicle. But don’t worry, there are still several smart and legal ways to sell a car that doesn’t pass the roadworthy inspection.
Understanding Why Cars Fail the Roadworthy Test
Before exploring your selling options, it’s helpful to understand why cars fail roadworthy tests in the first place. The most common reasons include worn-out tyres, faulty brakes, broken lights, oil leaks, or damaged suspension. Sometimes, the car might fail due to minor cosmetic issues, but other times the repairs can be expensive and not worth the cost.
If fixing the vehicle will cost more than the car’s resale value, it’s often better to sell it as-is rather than investing more money into it.
Option 1: Repair the Issues and Retest
If the repair costs are manageable, getting the car fixed and retested can still be a good option. After repairs, you can apply for another inspection to obtain a valid Roadworthy Certificate. Once you have the RWC, selling your car becomes easier, as most buyers prefer vehicles that are roadworthy and ready to drive.
However, if the repair bill is too high, you should carefully consider whether it’s financially wise to continue. In many cases, car owners discover that the expenses outweigh the potential profit from the sale.
Option 2: Sell Your Car Without an RWC
In Victoria, you can legally sell your car without a Roadworthy Certificate but with conditions. The buyer must agree to take responsibility for obtaining the RWC and completing the transfer process. This type of sale is known as an “as-is” sale.
While this option can work for some, it’s important to note that it often limits your buyer pool. Many private buyers prefer ready-to-drive vehicles, so selling without an RWC might mean accepting a lower price or waiting longer to find the right buyer.
Option 3: Sell to Licensed Car Buyers or Wreckers
If you don’t want the stress of repairs or dealing with private buyers, selling directly to licensed car buyers or wreckers is the easiest route. These companies specialize in buying old, unregistered, or damaged vehicles even those that fail the roadworthy test.
They typically provide free car evaluations, instant quotes, and same-day pickup services. This option not only saves time but also guarantees a fair price based on your car’s condition and market value.
Benefits of Choosing Old Car Removal Services
Old car removal companies in Melbourne offer one of the most convenient and stress-free ways to sell a vehicle that fails the RWC. You don’t have to worry about fixing or advertising the car — they buy it as-is. Most services include free towing and handle all the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring the sale process remains quick and smooth.
For sellers who just want to get rid of their vehicle fast without additional costs, this option makes perfect sense. In fact, there are many Reasons to Consider Old Car Removal Services in Melbourne when your vehicle can no longer meet roadworthy standards.
Save Time and Money
When a car fails the roadworthy test, it often indicates deeper mechanical issues. Spending hundreds or even thousands on repairs doesn’t always guarantee you’ll pass the next inspection. By selling your car to a removal service, you save both time and money. There’s no need to spend on parts, labour, or testing fees — you can simply get paid and move on.
Additionally, you avoid ongoing expenses such as registration renewals, insurance, and parking costs for a car that’s not roadworthy. For many Victorians, that’s reason enough to sell the vehicle immediately.
Eco-Friendly Recycling
One major advantage of car removal companies is their environmentally responsible disposal process. Instead of letting an old or failed vehicle sit and rust in your driveway, these services ensure that usable parts are recycled and harmful materials are disposed of properly.
This eco-friendly approach helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainable auto recycling practices in Victoria. You get peace of mind knowing that your car is being handled responsibly.
Legal and Hassle-Free Process
Licensed car removal services follow all legal requirements for transferring vehicle ownership, even for unregistered or failed cars. They’ll handle the documentation, provide you with a receipt of sale, and ensure that the car is no longer registered in your name.
This protects you from future liabilities such as parking fines or toll notices that could occur after the sale. It’s one of the main reasons why so many people prefer professional buyers over private sales when dealing with cars that fail the RWC.
Final Advice for Sellers
Failing the roadworthy test doesn’t mean your car has no value. Whether you decide to repair it, sell it privately, or use a car removal service, there’s always a solution that fits your situation.
If you’re looking for a fast, easy, and reliable way to sell a car that didn’t pass inspection, licensed removal companies are your best bet. They save you time, handle the paperwork, and give you a fair price without the hassle.