A We Buy Any Car alternative for broken and non-running vans
We Buy Any Car built the online-quote-then-branch-inspection model, and for a clean, driveable van with full history it works well. It is a poorer fit when your van will not start, has failed its MOT, or needs more repair than it is worth — because you still have to get it to a branch. RubbishVans is built for exactly those vans: you describe the faults up front, send photos, and we collect.
| Feature | RubbishVans | Branch-based buying services |
|---|---|---|
| Non-running vans | Core of what we buy — the vehicle does not need to start or drive | Usually needs to be driven to a branch, or excluded entirely |
| Where the deal happens | We collect from your address, driveway, garage or yard | You take the vehicle to a branch appointment |
| MOT failures and major faults | Expected — you tell us the faults in the form and we price around them | Typically reduces or voids an online quote at inspection |
| How the price is worked out | Scrap floor plus parts value, based on the photos and faults you declare | Guide book valuation for a running vehicle, adjusted at inspection |
| Fees | No admin or transaction fee, and collection is free where eligible | Check their current fee schedule — models vary |
| Damaged, Cat S / Cat N and salvage vans | Considered — declare the category and we quote accordingly | Often outside their remit |
| Fleet and multiple vehicles | Welcome — one enquiry can cover several vehicles | Usually one vehicle per appointment |
Choose RubbishVans when
- Your van will not start or is not road legal
- It has failed an MOT and the repair bill is more than it is worth
- The van is stuck at a garage, workshop or recovery yard
- You want the vehicle collected rather than delivered
Choose Branch-based buying services when
- Your van runs, drives and has a current MOT
- You want the fastest possible same-day cash sale on a clean vehicle
- There is a branch near you and driving there is no hassle
Why broken vans get low online quotes
Instant online valuations start from a guide price for a running vehicle in average condition. Every fault you declare later is a deduction from that starting number, which is why a quote can drop sharply at inspection. We start from the other end: the guaranteed scrap value of the van, then add for the parts and components that still have a market. The number you see is built on the faults, not despite them.
What you need to sell
The V5C logbook in your name, photo ID and proof of address, plus keys and any service history you have. If the V5C is missing you can still sell — it just takes an extra step with the DVLA. We notify the DVLA of the change of keeper as part of the collection paperwork.
Honest comparison
Competitor details change often and vary by vehicle. We describe how the models generally work rather than quoting their prices — always check the current terms on their own site before you decide.
Common questions
- Will you buy a van that does not start?
- Yes. Non-runners are the majority of what we buy. We collect on a transporter, so the van does not need to start, drive or be road legal.
- Does the price change when you collect?
- The offer is based on what you declare and the photos you send. If everything matches, the price stands. If something material was not declared — a missing engine, for example — we will talk to you before anything is loaded.
- Is this cheaper than scrapping?
- Usually it is more. A scrap yard pays for the weight of metal. We pay the scrap value plus whatever the remaining parts are worth, so a van with a good body, gearbox or recent parts fitted is worth more to us than to a weighbridge.