How to avoid buying a pre-owned vehicle that has been scrapped or written off By Pritesh Ruthun Share JOHANNESBURG â Buying a pre-owned or second-hand vehicle is a good option, and one that is growing in popularity due to value-for-money and cost-effectiveness, yet buyers need to be aware that there can be drawbacks. It is imperative that potential buyers do their research, including compare pricing, before purchasing a vehicle. One drawback, however, and something that is probably not the first thing a buyer looks out for, is whether the vehicle was written off, and then rebuilt for resale. This is particularly challenging if you are interested in a vehicle that is listed as a private sale.