If your van has broken down or failed its MOT, you’re faced with a decision: should you sell it locally, or go online?

Both options have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on what you value most — speed, price, or convenience. Let’s break it down.

Selling a Van Locally

✅ Advantages

• Face-to-face selling – Some people prefer meeting the buyer directly.

• Immediate payment – If you find the right local buyer, you might get cash on the spot.

• Quick if you know someone – Selling to a local garage or contact can sometimes be done the same day.

❌ Disadvantages

• Limited market – You’re restricted to buyers in your area.

• Lower offers – Local dealers and scrap yards often pay the minimum.

• Collection issues – If the van doesn’t run, arranging transport locally can be costly.

• Timewasters – Private buyers from Facebook or Gumtree can waste time with no-shows.

For example, many local scrapyards will offer bottom-end scrap value, regardless of whether parts or components are worth more.

Selling a Van Online

✅ Advantages

• Wider market – National buyers compete, often raising the price.

• Convenience – Instant valuations, online offers, and free collection.

• Faster turnaround – Many vans are collected within 24–48 hours.

• Safe payments – Secure bank transfer instead of risky cash.

❌ Disadvantages

• Impersonal – Some sellers prefer dealing face-to-face.

• Scams on classifieds – If you use open platforms (eBay, Gumtree), there’s still risk without a trusted middleman.

The Best of Both Worlds

At Sell My Broken Van, you get the reach and security of online selling, combined with the speed and convenience of a local buyer.

• Free UK-wide collection

• Secure instant bank transfer

• No haggling, no hidden fees

• Quotes tailored to broken, damaged, and MOT-failed vans

For comparisons, check out: What Are the Best Ways to Sell My Van? Our Complete Guide.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If you’re selling a standard, roadworthy van, local selling can sometimes work. But for broken or damaged vans, online is almost always better:

• Faster

• Safer

• More competitive pricing

Final Thoughts

Both online and local sales have their place, but if your van is damaged, non-running, or failed its MOT, online specialist buyers give you the best balance of speed, value, and peace of mind.

👉 Start with a free instant valuation today at Sell My Broken Van and see how much your van is worth.

And for the full picture, read our Ultimate Guide to Selling a Broken Van in the UK.