When taken apart bit by bit, a single car has about 30,000 parts.
If it becomes clear that you cannot get one last trip from your automobile safely, then chances are that no one else will buy it to use as a car. Selling it for scrap is your final option.
Selling your junk car can make you some money to go towards a new car or for other needs.
We have saved you the trouble of doing an online ‘sell my junk car near me’search by bringing you all the information you need to know.
Sell My Junk Car near Me: End Game
You might wonder what use your junk car is to the buyer.
The buyer might take parts off to repair other cars. As cars age, it becomes harder and harder to find their parts.
The metal in your car can also be sold to a metal recycler. This ensures the metal does not end up in a landfill.
Recycling will give forth new metal that will build something else from scratch. This is an environment- friendly process.
How to Make the Most out of Selling Your Junk Car
Not only do you want to rid yourself off of your old jalopy, but also, you want to get the best price while at it.
Here are a few tips to help you along.
1. Ensure You Are in Possession of the Title
Most reputable junk car buyers will only buy from the car owner. Your title proves ownership.
If the title is tied up elsewhere, this takes away your room to negotiate a better price for your old car.
2. Determine Your Car’s Worth
Figure out a ballpark amount of what your car should cost. If you are selling it to a scrapper, then acquaint yourself with the prices of steel.
If you have trusted friends and family in the business or related businesses, you can ask them for an approximation of what you should ask for.
Have as much information about your car, including any damage on it before you approach sellers. This is yet another way to negotiate a reasonable price and avoid being lowballed.
3. Drive to the Yard
Ask the buyer if there will be any changes in the buying price If you drive your junk car to the yard yourself.
Some dealers will buy your scrap car for a higher value if you drive it in yourself because it saves them towing charges. It also speaks to the general condition of the vehicle.
4. Compare Offers
You will be surprised at the differences in prices from establishments located right next to each other.
Find a few buying companies in your locality. You can search them online or get referrals from your circle.
Call or email them with the specifics of your car and request a quote. All credible salvage car buyers use the same process to value a scrap car.
By getting several quotes, you should have a rough idea of the likely going rate, and you are able to pick the highest offer.
5. Market Trends
Monitor market forces to see if the price of steel is expected to rise or fall in the near future.
If they are expected to rise and you are not in an urgent need for cash, you can hold off a little longer until the market rate is more favorable.
6. Keep It Together
While it might seem fruitless to take care of a junk car you know will never be used again, doing so can be in your advantage.
Most buyers will pay more for a complete car than one that has been broken into pieces. Some buyers will not even consider buying broken up cars.
7. Negotiate and Then Negotiate Some More
A deal is not cast in stone until you get a payment.
Negotiate on the price as much as possible. Use the state of the car and its short accident history to push for a higher price.
8. Learn the Local Laws
Understand the local scrapping laws before attempting to sell your jalopy.
If you are caught flatfooted without the necessary paperwork, the buyer might decline to pick your car and charge you for transportation as well.
Such charges ultimately lower what you will get from the sale.
9. Clean the Car
There is something about a filthy car that makes it look more broken down that it might actually be.
When taking the car for the buyer to inspect, remove all your things and rubbish from the car, and give it a nice wash.
This, coupled with driving the car to the yard yourself, shows that it’s still in a somewhat sound condition. This might fetch you a better price.
10. Be Calm
Granted, you might be selling your junk car to use the money to sort out an emergency.
Try as much as possible not to communicate your sense of urgency, nor desperation. The minute you do, the buyer is much likelier to lowball you because they are aware you need cash fast.
Extra Caution When Getting Rid of Junk Cars
You should not have any trouble selling your junk cars to a reputable buyer. While it might not be easy to identify a good buyer, it’s easy to identify potential scams.
Here are some red flags:
A major red flag is a buyer who does not seem concerned with the title or transferring the title to their name.
Until you affect the title transfer, the junk car is still your responsibility, and you might be held liable for actions taken with regards to it.
Something else to steer clear of is sellers using bait and switch tactics. These unscrupulous buyers will give you a fair price quote, then change the price when they show up to tow the car.
Their hope is that you will take a lower price, rather than give up on the deal in its entirety.
Another way to protect yourself if by working with a buyer who agrees to pay you in full before towing or taking your car.
Payment after towing can work to your disadvantage. One, the dealer can delay the payment indefinitely. Secondly, if you push them into returning the car, they can concoct storage and towing fees for you to pay up.
In the end, these charges will eat into any amount you will eventually make on the car sale.
One last thing to look out for is business licensure and reputation. What is the general reputation of the auto recycler you are dealing with and do they have at least some form of licensing?
The answers to these questions will point you in the right direction.
Are You Ready?
“Sell my junk near me” is a common query on search engines. But are you ready to get started?
By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you will increase your likelihood of getting a high price.
At Cash Car Buyers, we work with you to ensure you get a favorable final return from your junk car. Contact us today for a cash offer.