In the US alone, around 12 to 15 million cars reach end-of-life status annually. And for owners knowing what to do when they can no longer afford to repair their vehicle or it’s no longer feasible to keep pushing money into it, it can be a tricky choice.
Because even cars that are still running feel like they have value, even if they’re past their best.
If you’re finding yourself at this junction and you know you need to part with your vehicle for a newer model or it’s simply not roadworthy or operational anymore, you have options.
Let’s take a look at some smart ways you can still get value for a car you no longer use.
Sell To Junk Buyers
Specifically for companies that buy junk cars for cash. They will ask for some details such as the make, model, and VIN of the car. They’ll also need its condition and any damage, etc., and then once they have the correct details, they’ll offer you a fair price. You don’t need to accept, and you should call around a few companies for more than one quote before deciding, but this is often a fast, easy way to get rid of a car you no longer use.
Remove Recently Replaced Parts
Just because the car as a whole isn’t functional, it doesn’t mean all parts are now useless, far from it. Especially if you’ve not long carried out major repairs.
Let’s say you installed new tires or even wheels. Or you have upgraded the transmission or radiator. These parts are still in good condition; they could fetch money individually, meaning you can get money back for them. It won’t be as much as you paid, but sometimes, especially for things like a catalytic converter, the sum of the parts might be more than what you can get for selling the car as a whole. It’s worth considering if you can get them removed or want to go down this route.
Remove Accessories and Aftermarket Equipment
Like selling parts, any accessories you have added or aftermarket changes you have made to the car could be of value to others.
Think roof racks, towing hitches, upgraded lighting, or audio systems,s etc.
These items rarely increase scrap value if you sell this way, but they can boost how much money you can get for the vehicle. Remove them before you scrap, and ensure the scrap description is accurate, or get the quote after removing them, and sell separately, and still scrap the car.
Sell as a Parts-Only Car
It might be a good idea to see if there are any collectors of the vehicle, hobbyists, or DIYers who want to buy your car for use as a spares and repair type of deal. For example, if someone has a car the exact same model as yours but in a better condition, they might consider buying your vehicle to break it apart to use to repair their own if they are proficient in this area or have a good mechanic who can help them move parts. Aspects such as doors, panels, interiors, etc., can be valuable to someone with the same vehicle and buying the car as a whole could be more cost-efficient to them over new parts.