The Science of Selling Junk Cars

If your car has broken down beyond repair, you may be able to get a little money to soften the blow. Car repair shops will buy the salvageable parts of junk cars and offer them at a greatly reduced price to their customers. If the frame of your car is totaled, some of your engine parts may still be useful, and if the engine is shot, there are probably other parts that can be used. Either way, call around to several junk yards and find out what kind of price you can get for your vehicle before you simply have it towed. The first question a junk yard will ask is if you own the title for the car. You need to have a hard copy of the title with your name as the owner since legitimate junk yards will only purchase junk cars from their owners and not a second party. Before you begin calling the junk yards in your area, make a list of damages and parts that are currently missing from your vehicle. Also note which systems don't work, and be sure to note tire wear. The condition of interior elements may also be helpful to record. The yard owner will probably ask you about all these things as he determines what price to offer. You'll probably be offered anywhere from $35 to $350 for the car depending on its condition. If your engine isn't running, but requires an easy and inexpensive fix, it may be worth the cost since a car that's running will probably get a larger amount of money. Just remember, that it will probably be around the $300 mark, so don't spend a huge amount of money just to get the car to run. You don't want to pour more money into it than you'll get at the junk yard! Call around to several junk yards near your home or broken down car's location to get the best price. If your car isn't running and there's no way for you to tow it to the yard, be sure to find places near enough who would be willing to tow the car for all small fee or maybe even free. You don't want to pay for long-distance towing when you'll only be getting a couple hundred dollars for the vehicle! If possible, use your own (or a friend's) tow bar, tow dolly or another legal towing resource and bring the vehicle to the yard yourself. Who knows, the owner of the junk yard may agree to pay you a little more if he doesn't have to worry about picking the car up and transporting it to his lot. In review, before you attempt to sell any junk cars you'll need to do the following: - Obtain the vehicle's title and have your name entered as the owner - Assess and make a list of damages, working parts, and the interior condition - Call around to various junk yards in the area for the highest quote - Be prepared to tow the vehicle to the junk yard yourself if you want the best price