Having a junk car sitting around is like money wasting away on your lawn. Find out here the secrets to maximizing your return when selling a car for scrap.
The average car stays on the road for just 11.8 years. After that, most car owners have to figure out how to get rid of a car that’s worth nothing to a dealership.
Selling a car for scrap is a great way to get rid of cars that just aren’t worth much anymore. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a rock-bottom sale price.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to help you get the best price possible. Here’s what you need to do when selling your car to a scrap buyer.
Understand What Scrap Buyers Look For
Scrap car buyers aren’t looking for the same things a used car dealership is. They don’t really care about how many miles are on the car or whether or not it’s maintained properly. They care about the parts they can sell.
You’ll get more for a car that’s in good physical condition. This means a vehicle that’s not rusted out and doesn’t have a bunch of dents and dings in the doors.
You’ll also get the most from scrap buyers if your car is relatively rare. The less time your make and model was in production, the fewer parts are available on the market. This increases the demand and makes scrap buyers willing to offer you top-dollar.
Unfortunately, this also means they don’t care about the bells and whistles your car has. That 8-disc CD changer or TV screens installed in the headrests won’t impact how much they offer you. They’ll offer you a price based on the weight of the metal components and it’s up to you to take it or leave it.
Sell the Non-Metal Parts
Since your car’s value is set by the amount of metal it has, the best thing you can do is get rid of the non-metal parts. This can be anything from the radio and sound system to the engine and tires.
Put those items up for sale on your own. Use online marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay, and reach out to local mechanics shops to see if they’re interested in your parts.
This will let you get the full amount possible from your car. Remember, scrap buyers aren’t typically interested in the interior of your car.
Use that to your advantage. Sell the items yourself to get the most from your junker.
Get Rid of the Battery
Scrap buyers don’t want your car’s battery and will likely remove it before giving you a quote. You can save yourself time and frustration by removing the battery before contacting the scrap buyer.
Instead of just tossing it in the trash, sell the battery. If it’s in good shape, you may be able to sell it to a private buyer. If it’s not, you may be able to find a mechanic or a battery shop that will pay you for it to recycle it.
This may not add tons to what you get beyond the scrap value of a car, but every penny helps.
Keep the Car Whole
It may be tempting to take the car apart and sell the doors or undamaged panels yourself. But this can hurt the amount you’ll get when you scrap the rest of the car.
This is because scrap buyers base their offers entirely on the weight of the car itself. The more parts that are there, the more you’ll get for the car.
Many companies also prefer to see the car fully assembled. It makes it easier to transport the car and also makes it easier to weigh.
If possible, leave the car fully assembled and only remove the easy-to-access parts inside the car and under the hood. These won’t impact the scrap value.
Get Quotes from Different Scrap Buyers
Different scrap car buyers will offer different prices for your car. This means you’ll want to shop around before you decide to sell your car for scrap.
Get quotes from several buyers and choose the one that offers you the highest price.
Keep in mind that you may want to expand your search for the right buyer. Demand for certain makes and models can vary from city to city. If you’re willing to transport the car a bit farther away from home, you may get a higher price.
If you’re in a pinch, you can always list the car for scrap online. Keep in mind that you probably won’t get the best price possible.
Always Double-Check the Scale
When you’re selling a car for scrap, the price you get comes from the weight of the car. The lighter the car is, the less you’ll receive.
Most buyers are honest and won’t try to cheat you on the offer. But that doesn’t mean that every scrap buyer you work with will do the same.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to double-check the scale before the car gets weighed. When nothing is on it, the scale should register absolutely nothing.
If the display shows any number, request that they zero it out before they weigh your car. This way, you’ll get the amount you’re actually due rather than getting low-balled.
Make Sure You Have the Title
You can’t scrap a car that you don’t own. This means you’ll need to provide proof of the title to the scrap buyer before you can sell it.
Make sure you have the title on-hand before you contact scrap buyers for a quote. If you don’t know where your title is, contact the DMV and see if you can get a new one issued.
If you can’t, some scrap buyers accept previous registrations to prove ownership. This isn’t standard and varies from state to state. If you don’t own the car outright, you won’t be able to sell your car for scrap.
Selling a Car for Scrap Is a Great Way to Make Fast Cash
Selling a car to a dealership is a great option if it’s running. But if you’re stuck with a junker in your yard, scrapping it is the best choice.
Use these tips when selling a car for scrap and you’ll be able to get the highest amount possible.
Looking for more tips on how to make money when you’re in a pinch? Check out our latest posts.
