Non-runners and project cars can be a bargain — a fraction of the price of a clean example, and a rewarding rebuild. But they come with catches that catch people out. Here’s what to know before you bid, and how to get one home once it’s yours.
What counts as a “non-runner”?
It’s a broad term. A non-runner might not start, have no key, have a flat or missing battery, be accident-damaged, have a seized engine or gearbox, or simply have no current MOT or tax. Some drive but aren’t road-legal; many won’t move under their own power at all.
Category S and Category N — what they mean
Many non-runners are insurance write-offs, marked with a category:
- Category N — non-structural damage (electrics, cosmetics, bumpers). The chassis is sound.
- Category S — structural damage that’s been recorded, but the car is repairable.
- Category A / B — these cannot legally return to the road (A is scrap; B is break-for-parts only). Never buy these to drive.
A Cat S or N car can be repaired, re-registered where needed and put back on the road — which is exactly why they’re popular projects.
How you’ll get it home
You usually can’t just drive a non-runner away: no tax, no insurance in your name, and often no way to start or steer it. That’s what non-runner transport is for — a flatbed and winch load it safely and deliver it to your door, no keys or engine required.
What to check before you buy
- Does it roll and steer? A car that freewheels is far easier (and cheaper) to load than one that’s seized or missing wheels.
- Are the keys present? No keys is fine for transport, but factor in the cost of replacements.
- What’s the real extent of the damage? Photos rarely tell the whole story — assume worse.
- Is there a V5C? And is the category correctly recorded?
- Where is it? A car three counties away is no problem to move — but factor transport into your total budget before you bid.
Buying at auction?
Most non-runners come through salvage auctions like Copart and the other UK auction houses. Remember the storage-fee clock starts the moment you pay, so arrange collection early.
Get your project home
Bought a non-runner or project car? We move them every day — Cat S, Cat N, no keys, no problem. Send us the details for a keen price in minutes, or call 07301 118118, 24/7, anywhere in the UK.