Quick Facts About We Buy Cars

• Buys approximately 15,390 cars per month in South Africa
• 18 branches and 106 pods across all 9 provinces
• Payment on the same day after inspection
• Free online valuation in under 1 hour
• No obligation to sell after valuation

What Is We Buy Cars (WeBuyCars)?

We Buy Cars, officially known as WeBuyCars, is South Africa’s largest car-buying service. The company was founded in 2001 by brothers Faan and Dirk van der Walt.

In 2025, WeBuyCars is a publicly listed company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). They buy and sell approximately 15,000 vehicles every month across South Africa.

The company operates in all 9 South African provinces. They buy cars, bakkies, motorcycles, boats, caravans, and trailers.

The biggest WeBuyCars facility is the WeBuyCars Dome in Johannesburg. This massive showroom can display around 2,000 vehicles. It even has an underground test area for boats and jet skis.

In July 2025, WeBuyCars introduced an AI system called “Blue”. This system can value and buy cars without human help. By August 2025, Blue had already purchased 2,800 vehicles on its own.

✅ How Does WeBuyCars Work?

Selling your car to WeBuyCars follows a simple process. The entire process usually takes less than one day from start to finish.

Step 1: Get an Online Valuation

Go to www.webuycars.co.za and fill in the online form. You need to provide:

• Your car’s make and model
• Year of manufacture
• Current mileage
• General condition
• Your contact details

The form takes less than 5 minutes to complete. You will receive an estimated offer by email and SMS within one hour.

Step 2: Accept or Decline the Offer

If you like the estimated price, reply to accept. There is no obligation to sell. If you don’t like the offer, simply ignore it.

Step 3: Schedule an Inspection

A WeBuyCars buyer will phone you to arrange an inspection. They will ask questions about:

• How long you’ve owned the car
• Whether it’s paid off or still on finance
• Service history and spare keys
• Any accident damage or repairs
• When the car is available for inspection

Step 4: Physical Inspection

During the inspection, the buyer will:

• Take the car for a short test drive
• Check the gearbox and engine
• Inspect for any damage or issues
• Take photos of the vehicle
• Verify all the information you provided

The inspection usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Final Offer and Payment

After the inspection, you receive a final offer. This might be different from the online estimate if the car’s condition doesn’t match what you described.

If you accept the final offer, WeBuyCars handles all the paperwork. You receive payment immediately through:

• Electronic transfer (EFT) to your bank
• Bank-guaranteed cheque

If your car is still on finance, WeBuyCars contacts your bank directly. They pay off the remaining amount. You receive the difference (if any).

Three Ways to Sell Your Car

WeBuyCars gives you three options for selling your vehicle. Choose the one that works best for you.

Option 1: Home Visit (Most Convenient)

A WeBuyCars buyer comes to your location. This can be:

• Your home
• Your workplace
• Any safe, convenient place

Best for: People who are busy or don’t want to travel.

What happens: The buyer inspects your car at your location. If you accept the offer, they complete the paperwork and pay you immediately. You can even keep the car for a few extra days if needed.

Option 2: Branch Visit

Drive to one of the 18 WeBuyCars branches. When you arrive, you check in at a tablet station. You then wait for a buyer to be available.

Best for: People who want to trade in and buy another car immediately.

What happens: After selling your car, you can browse thousands of vehicles at the branch. You can also arrange finance and insurance on the spot.

Major branches in 2025:

• WeBuyCars Dome (Johannesburg)
• Midstream (Pretoria)
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Rustenburg
• Vereeniging
• George
• Polokwane

Option 3: Pod Visit (Fastest)

Visit one of 106 buying pods. These are small stations located in shopping centre car parks.

Best for: Quick valuations while doing other errands.

What happens: The process is the same as at a branch, but faster. Pods focus only on buying cars, not selling them.

Note: Most pods are in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Use the website to find your nearest pod.

⚠️ Documents You Need to Sell Your Car

WeBuyCars handles all the paperwork for you. But you must provide certain documents. Without these, the sale cannot go ahead.

Essential Documents

Document	Requirements
South African ID	Original or certified copy (not older than 3 months)
Proof of Address	Utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months)
Vehicle Registration Papers	Copy of your NaTIS registration certificate
Settlement Letter	Only if car is still on finance (must be up-to-date)
Spare Keys	All keys and remote controls if available

Helpful Documents (Optional)

These documents can increase your car’s value:

• Service history and maintenance records
• Original service book
• Receipts for recent repairs or upgrades
• Roadworthy certificate (if you have one)

What About Roadworthy Certificates?

Good news: You do NOT need a roadworthy certificate to sell to WeBuyCars. They handle this themselves after buying your car.

In South Africa, roadworthy certificates are only required when transferring ownership to a private buyer. Dealerships like WeBuyCars are exempt from this rule.

What Does It Cost to Sell to WeBuyCars?

The good news: WeBuyCars charges NO fees to sellers. The service is completely free.

What’s Free

• Online valuation: Free
• Home visit inspection: Free
• Test drive: Free
• Paperwork handling: Free
• Payment processing: Free

If You’re BUYING a Car

If you sell your car and then buy another one from WeBuyCars, you will pay certain fees. These are standard for all car dealers in South Africa.

Fee Type	Amount (2025)
License & Registration	R2,350 (excl. VAT) for vehicles under 3,500kg
On-the-Road Fees	R2,000 – R4,000 (varies by vehicle)
Finance Initiation	10% – 15% of loan amount (if using finance)
Comprehensive Insurance	R700 – R1,200 per month (varies by car value)

Real Example: Trading In

🚨 CRITICAL: Scam Warnings When Selling Cars

WeBuyCars itself is legitimate. But scammers pretend to be WeBuyCars or target people selling cars. Read this section carefully to protect yourself.

Common Car Selling Scams in South Africa (2025)

Scam 1: Fake Deposit Scams

How it works: A “buyer” offers to pay a deposit to “secure” your car. They send fake proof of payment. You hand over the keys. They drive away. The payment never arrives.

Protection: NEVER hand over your car before payment clears in your bank account. Wait 24-48 hours for bank confirmation.

Scam 2: Test Drive Theft

How it works: Someone asks to test drive your car. They drive off and never come back.

Protection: Always keep the buyer’s ID and car keys (their car). Go with them on the test drive. Meet in safe, public places only.

Scam 3: Fake WeBuyCars Buyers

How it works: Scammers pretend to work for WeBuyCars. They offer to inspect your car at your home. They steal your car or personal information.

Protection: Real WeBuyCars buyers have ID badges. They arrive in branded vehicles. If in doubt, phone WeBuyCars directly: 087 057 0000

Scam 4: Fake Online Auction Sites

How it works: Scammers create fake car auction websites. They advertise cars at below-market prices. They demand deposits upfront. The cars don’t exist.

Protection: Only use verified platforms. In South Africa, auction assets CANNOT be sold at fixed prices by law. If someone offers a “fixed price auction car,” it’s a scam.

Scam 5: Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices

How it works: A buyer offers R100,000 more than market value. They create urgency (“leaving the country tomorrow”). They ask for personal details before payment.

Protection: If the price seems too high, it’s probably fraud. Check average prices on AutoTrader or Cars.co.za first.

Red Flags to Watch For

Red Flag	What It Means
Buyer refuses to meet in person	Probably a scam
Payment through Western Union or untraceable services	Definitely a scam
Buyer creates extreme urgency	Warning sign
Poor spelling/grammar in messages	Often indicates scam
Deposit required before viewing car	Always a scam

How to Stay Safe

• Only accept bank transfers or bank-guaranteed cheques
• Meet in public places during daylight hours
• Bring a friend or family member with you
• Never hand over keys before payment clears
• Keep copies of all ID documents and proof of sale
• Trust your instincts – walk away if something feels wrong

Where to Report Scams

• South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111 or visit your local police station
• South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC): Report online at www.sabric.co.za
• South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS): 0860 101 248

✅ Alternatives to WeBuyCars

WeBuyCars is not your only option. Here are other legitimate ways to sell your car in South Africa in 2025.

1. GetWorth

What it is: WeBuyCars’s main competitor. Owned 60% by Motus Holdings, South Africa’s largest auto retailer.

How it works: Similar to WeBuyCars. Online valuation, inspection, instant payment.

Limitations: Does NOT buy cars over 10 years old or with more than 140,000km.

Contact: www.getworth.co.za

2. AutoTrader Instant Offer

What it is: South Africa’s largest online car marketplace now buys cars directly.

How it works: Get an online valuation, then take your car to a participating dealership for inspection.

Advantage: Connects you with multiple dealers, potentially higher offers.

Contact: www.autotrader.co.za

3. Traditional Dealerships

Any car dealership will offer to buy your car or take it as a trade-in. Major groups include:

• McCarthy Group
• Motus Holdings
• Imperial Auto
• Super Group

Advantage: May offer better prices for specific brands.

Disadvantage: More paperwork. Less convenient.

4. Selling Privately

You can sell directly to another person through platforms like:

• AutoTrader (private listings)
• Cars.co.za
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree

Advantage: Usually get the highest price.

Disadvantages:

• Takes longer (weeks or months)
• More paperwork
• You need a roadworthy certificate (R500-R1,500)
• Higher risk of scams
• More time spent dealing with buyers

Comparison Table

Option	Speed	Likely Price	Convenience
WeBuyCars	Same day	Medium	Very high
GetWorth	1-2 days	Medium	High
Traditional Dealer	1-3 days	Medium-High	Medium
Private Sale	2-12 weeks	Highest	Low

⚠️ Your Consumer Rights

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) protects you when selling or buying cars. Know your rights.

Rights When Selling Your Car

• You have the right to a fair price
• You must not be pressured into accepting an offer
• All agreements must be in writing
• You have the right to cancel within 5 business days of signing (cooling-off period)

Rights When Buying a Car from WeBuyCars

• The car must match the description given
• You have a 6-month warranty on major components (if applicable)
• You can return a defective car within reasonable time
• All fees must be disclosed upfront

Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA)

If you have a problem with WeBuyCars or any car dealer, contact MIOSA. This is a free dispute resolution service.

Other Useful Contacts

Organisation	Purpose	Contact
National Consumer Commission	General consumer complaints	0860 003 600
SABRIC	Report scams and fraud	www.sabric.co.za
SAPS	Report criminal activity	10111

Who Should Use WeBuyCars?

✅ Good choice if you:

• Want to sell quickly (same day)
• Don’t want to deal with individual buyers
• Need convenience (they come to you)
• Want to avoid scams and hassles
• Are trading in for another car

❌ Consider alternatives if you:

• Have time to wait (2-3 months)
• Want the absolute highest price
• Have a rare or collectible car
• Are comfortable handling private sales

Key Takeaways

1. WeBuyCars is legitimate and safe – Over 15,000 South Africans sell to them monthly
2. No fees to sell – The service is completely free for sellers
3. Get multiple quotes – Compare prices from WeBuyCars, GetWorth, and traditional dealers
4. Watch for scams – Real WeBuyCars employees have ID badges and branded vehicles
5. Payment is immediate – But verify it clears in your account before handing over keys
6. You need 4 documents – ID, proof of address, car papers, and settlement letter (if financed)
7. Know your rights – Contact MIOSA if problems arise: 010 590 8378

Bottom Line

WeBuyCars offers one of the fastest and most convenient ways to sell your car in South Africa in 2025. While you might get a slightly higher price selling privately, WeBuyCars eliminates all the risk, hassle, and time involved. For most South Africans, the trade-off is worth it. Just remember to compare offers from at least 2-3 buyers before making your final decision.