Buy, repair and resell salvage vehicles

Private buyers looking for a cheaper car, other garages and repairers, and trade buyers who take unrepaired vehicles.

You aim to sell for more than the purchase price, auction fees, parts, repair costs and transport added together. Profit per vehicle depends on choosing the right ones.

• Vehicle mechanical or bodywork knowledge
• Spotting the difference between a good and a bad buy
• Negotiating and selling
• Careful record keeping

• Motor salvage operators usually need to register with their local council, so check this before you trade
• Check which write-off categories can legally be repaired and put back on the road, and make sure each sale is described honestly
• Hidden damage can turn a bargain into a loss, so budget a cushion for each vehicle
• Check you have the right motor trade insurance and public liability cover
• Repair work at home may breach planning, lease or neighbour rules, so check before you start
• Disposing of oils, fluids and waste parts has rules, so check what applies

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the vehicles you buy, your repair setup and insurance. Budget a cushion for each vehicle, as hidden damage can turn a bargain into a loss.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many vehicles you buy, repair and sell, and the prices you achieve. Plan for at least 15 hours a week.

Motor salvage operators usually need to register with their local council, so check this before you trade. Also check which write-off categories can legally be repaired and put back on the road, and describe each sale honestly.