We all value our cars and most use them daily. Even though we take good care of them, eventually the time will come when they can no longer be used.
This could result from an accident that leaves the vehicle with heavy body damage and the car is unsafe to be driven. Maybe it started having engine trouble or other mechanical issues. You find yourself needing more money to keep it on the road,
Regardless of the reason, you have a car that isn't worth pouring money into—but you are unsure what to do.
You shouldn't sell it to an individual and pass along those problems to someone else. Most car dealerships won't allow it as a trade-in either.
Those are not your only options, however. You don't just have to take a loss. You can get cash for junk cars, and by following these steps, walk away with money in your hand.
Here is advice to get the best results from junk car buyers.
Know The Vehicle
Before you begin the process to scrap your car, you should know the exact condition of the vehicle.
Is the car or truck drive-able? Is there significant body damage from a wreck or major problems with the transmission or a blown engine.
You should also know there are other valuable parts of the car that could increase your quote and it can be a good idea to sell the car for parts.
A working exhaust system is very popular. Working windows and doors are also in demand, especially electronic ones. Other working devices such as mirrors, a GPS, or lock/unlock buttons are also attractive features when selling a junk car.
Bumpers and fenders are other valuable parts of a vehicle. These can be expensive to replace and often, a car or truck that can't be driven still has usable body parts. Batteries are also an expensive item.
Be diligent to go over all the working parts to know the overall value. Make sure to take several photos of the vehicle, including the interior.
Do Important Research
The prices for quoting on cash for junk cars will vary widely.
All things will be considered, including the overall condition, any body damage, and if it can be driven.
There are online resources to give you an idea of the value of the car and the amount you should expect.
Another interesting fact is that most of the cash for junk cars comes mainly from the overall metal content. It's the highest source of value.
The more metal, the more money it is worth. This means large vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, are worth more than small cars.
The Necessary Paperwork for Junk Car Buyers
The first thing you need before you can sell your car for scrap is a free and clear title in your name.
You must have this to transfer to the owner of the salvage yard. You must be able to show the legal right to sell it.
You will also need to provide a copy of the registration for the vehicle. You will need to prove your identity, so bring a valid form of identification.
If you do not have a copy of your title or the registration, a duplicate copy can be obtained through your DMV office.
If there is still money owed on the car, the balance will need to be paid off before it can be sold for scrap.
Other bits of information will be helpful, too. In addition to the year, make, and model of the car, you should know the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This is found on the registration card.
You should be honest about the condition of the car, including the mileage, tires, running condition, working lights, etc. If it doesn't run, can the vehicle be towed? They will also ask if you have a set of keys to the car.
Things to Remove From the Car
Before the deal is done, there are some things that need to be removed from the car.
Most of us spend a lot of time in our vehicles and so much stuff ends up there. Make sure to remove all personal items, including, umbrellas, sunglasses, CDs (check the CD player), toys, clothing, tools, etc.
It's also a nice thing to get rid of the trash inside. Take a few minutes to go through the car and throw away all of the junk.
There are many spots for things to end up in a car, so look everywhere. Check the center console, trunk, glove compartment, under the floor mats, between the seats, and don't forget under the seats.
Be sure to remove any paperwork that can identify you. The registration card should come out as well as any insurance information and all receipts. If there is insurance still on the vehicle, cancel it by the time it's delivered or picked up.
Finally, remove the license plates. These need to be handled carefully so they don't end up on another vehicle.
Don't Forget the Gas
You should also remember to remove any gas still left in the car.
If the car can be driven, you may want to continue to use it until the gas is almost gone so as not to waste the gas inside.
If the car can't be driven, and there is still a good amount of gas in the car, consider using a siphon pump to get it out. This should to done carefully and put into a safe container specifically made for gas. You should also use it quickly as it will go bad.
The Goodbye
Our vehicles become a vital part of our lives and we use them almost daily.
It can be sad when the time comes when we have to move on.
The good news is even if it's damaged beyond repair, either mechanically or body damage, there's still value in it—and with a few easy steps, you can walk away from the deal with a little extra money in your pocket.
It's important to find honest and reliable junk car buyers to make sure the transaction is fair and easy. Please contact us for a quick deal if you need to scrap your car.