Can I sell a SORN car?
September 15, 2021 by Ryan Hirons
If you’ve got a car you’re not using, and can legally store it off the road, declaring it as SORN is a common way to avoid taxing it each month.
When it comes to selling it though, you may be wondering how you can go about it and how it differs to selling a car that’s both taxed and insured. This guide explains that.
What does SORN mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, simply meaning you’ve declared a car off the road and thus legally being exempt from a monthly tax payment and insurance on it.
In case the name wasn’t a giveaway though, this means you cannot drive the car on public roads — with the only exception being if you’re driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT.
If you’re driving a SORN car for any other reason, you could face court prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.
Can I sell a SORN car?
The good news is you can sell a car that’s declared SORN, and through the same channels as any other car — just make sure you make it clear the car is declared off the road
It’s not quite as straightforward as handing the keys over to the new owner and letting them drive off with it though…
Ways to sell a SORN car
- Tax, MOT and insure it before sale
If your car has a valid MOT, or would get one if you put it through, taxing it again and insuring the car is probably the best way to sell it.
Not only does it mean you can advertise it as a car that can be driven away there and then, but it also means any buyers can actually drive it away there and then.
You’ll need to outlay any costs, particularly if work needs doing for the car to obtain an MOT, but you should be able to fetch a higher price for the car than if it was off the road.
- Sell as SORN privately
Just as with any other car, you’re able to sell a SORN one privately. Just ensure that buyers are aware the car is declared off the road.
They’ll need to have the means to take it away without illegally driving it on the road, most likely a trailer. You should factor this into your asking price for the car for the best chance of a sale.
- Sell directly to a dealer or part-exchange
You can also sell your car as SORN directly to a dealer or as a part exchange too, again as long as you make it clear and have the means for it to be collected or delivered legally.
Sell through carwow and if you find an offer you like, the dealer will be able to arrange collection of your SORN vehicle — which should take the burden off you.
Can I drive a SORN car to sell it?
Again, you can’t drive a SORN car for any other reason than to take it to or from a pre-booked MOT.
If you sell your SORN car, you or the buyer should arrange a way for it to be legally taken away.
Can I scrap a SORN car?
You are able to scrap a SORN car, though again you can’t drive it directly to a scrap yard.
If you want more info, we have a handy guide on on how to scrap a car.