Do you have a junk car in your garage?
With over 69 million vehicles breaking down in the United States annually, it’s a likely situation. When it happens, the issue might be too severe or expensive to fix. However, it doesn’t mean you get nothing from your old car.
In this guide, we’ll discuss various ways of dealing with old cars. Read on and get something out of your decrepit vehicle today:
Check the Car’s Condition
Before doing anything else with your car, look at its current condition. It allows you to get a good estimate of its current value. That way, you’ll know what to do next.
For example, if the car won’t run anymore, your most viable option is to sell its parts. However, when it’s in a good condition, it’s best to list it on websites featuring junk cars for sale. If you’re lucky, you’ll find someone willing to take it off your hands for cash.
Some free apps and services allow you to estimate your vehicle’s value without expert assistance. However, it’s still best to get in touch with an auto repair shop to get the most accurate value estimate. Keep in mind, most outlets will charge a fee for this service.
Repair Whenever Appropriate
Determine whether the repairs are worth your money and time after discovering your vehicle’s value. If it is, fix them up to get more money when selling the entire car. It’s an especially lucrative method if you have a fine vintage vehicle collectors desire.
In some cases, doing the repairs are still worth the profit even when the associated fees are expensive. It’s especially when it’s classic vintage cars you can sell in auctions.
Sell to a Willing Buyer
One of the easiest methods for car removal is to sell to a willing buyer. It’s the best choice when they’re knowledgeable about your car. It means they will know what to do with it, whether it’s fixing or selling its car parts and scrap metal.
In most cases, buyers will take your car when they’re inoperable. It depends on the type of buyer since some are collectors while others are only in it for the parts. It’s why knowing your vehicle’s value is an important part of this decision.
Regardless of your vehicle’s condition, model, and make, you can’t go wrong when selling to a reputable cash for junk cars.
Sell to Salvage Lots
If your car has remaining redeeming factors, salvage lots will purchase it. In most cases, these outlets will repair your car and put them back on the road. After all, most salvageable cars have decent values.
Even a non-functional car can fetch a good price when used as a source for replacement parts. However, selling to salvage lots for car parts isn’t the most profitable method. You’re likely to sell higher if you’re selling the vehicle’s components on your own.
Sell the Parts Directly
When your vehicle is beyond repair, they’re still sellable because of their components. For example, bumpers and water pumps are high in demand. They fetch a great price if they’re in good working condition.
As for parts beyond help, you can still sell them as scrap metal.
Squeezing every last bit of value out of an old car is the primary benefit of selling parts. If you have no idea what to do, it’s the safest course of action.
Advertising your car online is one of the best ways to sell your car faster. Always be transparent when posting advertisements. Be upfront about flaws like broken AC units.
Doing so increases your buyer credibility and trust. Take high-quality images of your vehicle using various angles. It applies to both vehicle interior and exterior.
With quality pictures, your car will better stand out in an ocean of poorly-made ads.
What to Do Before Getting Rid of the Car
After deciding what to do with your old vehicle, you must do some tasks before sending it off. It ensures you won’t get into various troubles later on. Here are some:
1. Collect Your Personal Effects
Clear out your personal belongings before sending the car away. It’s the most important task because it’s likely to take longer than expected. It’s also easier to forget after the selling process concludes.
Look under your seats, in the cassette or CD player, in the trunk, and in other available compartments. Otherwise, you’ll lose this opportunity once you finish your transaction.
2. Prepare Your Title
Aside from having a valid car title, you must also cancel its insurance before selling it away. It’s because you’re also selling your title as part of the transaction. Your buyer will always require you to present a title to complete the transaction.
Transferring the title to your buyer also protects you from future legal trouble. Otherwise, it means you’re still the legal owner. The law can tag you with every liability coming with ownership.
3. Remove Your Plates
Removing your old plates is a must since the car is no longer yours. Do it as soon as you can since some services will tow the car straight from your driveway. It’s convenient but leaves no room to perform last-minute preparations.
After selling your vehicle, recycle your license plates. Do it according to your state’s laws since improper disposal could mean fines. Most states forbid you from putting your plats on another car, but keeping them is legal.
Sell Your Old Car Soon!
We hope you learned what to do when you have an old car. Use your knowledge to get the most value out of your vehicle. It won’t matter whether the vehicle is inoperable or in great condition.
However, it’s best to expand your knowledge and maximize your earnings.
Do you want more guides to help get rid of your older vehicle? Read our other blog posts and learn more valuable tips and tricks today!