Selling a van that’s damaged, broken down, or failed its MOT can feel like a minefield. Many van owners end up with less money than they should — or worse, caught out by scams and hidden costs.

Here are the top mistakes to avoid when selling a damaged van in the UK, and how to make sure you get a fair, safe deal.

1. Hiding the Extent of the Damage

Some sellers are tempted to downplay faults in the hope of getting a higher price. The reality? Buyers almost always find out during inspection or collection — and when they do, they’ll either walk away or renegotiate down to scrap value.

👉 Fix: Always be upfront about your van’s condition. Buyers appreciate honesty, and you’ll avoid disputes later.

See: Step-by-Step: How to Sell Your Van Quickly and Efficiently.

2. Not Having the Paperwork Ready

Missing paperwork is one of the biggest reasons sales fall through. Without a V5C logbook or service history, many buyers won’t touch the deal.

👉 Fix: Gather your documents in advance. Use our guide: The Paperwork Checklist: What You Need to Sell Your Van Smoothly.

3. Overestimating Value Based on “Good Condition” Prices

It’s easy to look online and think your broken van is worth the same as a running one. In reality, damage and MOT failures impact price significantly.

👉 Fix: Be realistic. Compare your van against similar condition vehicles. Or better yet, get a free instant valuation that reflects the true market for broken vans.

4. Accepting Unsafe Payment Methods

Some buyers will offer cash or even cheques. Both carry risks:

• Cash can be counterfeit or stolen.

• Cheques can bounce after you’ve handed over the van.

👉 Fix: Stick to secure bank transfer. With Sell My Broken Van, payment is made instantly and safely before collection.

5. Wasting Time With Timewasters

Private selling platforms are full of “tyre-kickers” — people who make offers, ask endless questions, and then disappear. Not only is it frustrating, but it can delay a genuine sale.

👉 Fix: If you value your time, use a professional service. See: A Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Van Online.

6. Forgetting About Collection Costs

If your van doesn’t run, how will you move it? Towing fees or transport costs can quickly eat into what you make on the sale.

👉 Fix: Choose a buyer that includes free UK collection. With us, there are no hidden fees — the price quoted is what you get.

7. Rushing Into the First Offer

It’s tempting to grab the first offer, especially when the van is just sat there. But rushing often means taking far less than it’s worth.

👉 Fix: Compare options and understand the market. For a balanced view, see: What Are the Best Ways to Sell My Van? Our Complete Guide.

Selling a damaged van comes with risks — from undervaluing your vehicle to unsafe payments and logistics headaches.

The easiest way to avoid these mistakes? Use a trusted, specialist service like Sell My Broken Van for a quick, safe, and stress-free sale.

👉 Check out the bigger picture in our Ultimate Guide to Selling a Broken Van in the UK.