Many American families own at least one car they no longer drive. Whether they're saving it for their child to drive in the future or have simply never gotten around to selling it, the vehicle is rarely driven, if ever.
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Typically, this isn't a problem. There's no reason it shouldn't sit there waiting for repairs or the right time for you to sell it. However, if it comes time to make a big move, you may be forced to make a decision. “Should I move my car or sell it?”
There are pros and cons to each choice, but ultimately, it comes down to the car and any future plans you have for it.
If you need help deciding what to do, keep reading for a little help.
1. Do I Drive It Often?
First, you need to be brutally honest with yourself. If you bring your car with you to your new home, will you actually drive it? How often do you drive it now?
Determine how useful the vehicle would be should you answer yes to, “should I move my car.”
For example, if it's an older work truck that's still reliable, it may be beneficial for doing the dirty work at your new home. This could be hauling lumber, gravel, and any other materials you need to set up your new place. Perhaps it's an old hunting truck you can take off the beaten path and not worry about banging it up.
On the other hand, if it's an old car that's stuck around for the sake of nostalgia or because you've been too busy to get it sold, maybe now's the time to get rid of it and make a little extra cash.
2. Do I Have Any Plans for It?
Even if you're not currently driving the vehicle, you may have big plans for it. In this case, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring it with you on your big move.
Fixing It Up
Perhaps it's a project car you plan on fixing up. Even if it takes you a while do to funds or a busy schedule, you should never abandon your hobbies. Alternatively, it could be a car with cherished memories that you fully intend to drive once you've put some work into it.
Saving It for a Child
Similarly, there's nothing wrong with hanging on to an old car to serve as your child's first vehicle. After all, why would you buy a new, inexperienced driver an expensive vehicle while they're learning the ways of the road?
Going this route will save you money and anxiety when it comes to your kid getting behind the wheel. Not only will you be avoiding the expense of a new car, but registration and insurance will be cheaper as well.
3. How Much Work Does It Need?
To find the answer to “should I move my car,” you need to be honest about how rough of shape the vehicle is in. Is it something you will actually ever fix? Is it cost-effective to do so?
What's Wrong With the Vehicle?
Before you make your decision, you should have the car checked out by an experienced mechanic. You need to know exactly what you're looking at.
Make a list of every problem the vehicle has in the order of most severe to least. What needs to be fixed to make the car driveable? The list should give you a solid overview of whether or not you're in over your head.
How Much Will It Cost to Fix It?
If you deem the car worthy of fixing, how much will it cost? From the list above, what's the most expensive item to fix? Can you afford to make all of the repairs?
If not, is it worth coming up with a payment plan to get the car back on its feet?
4. How Will I Get It to My New Home?
Next, if you answered yes to, “should I move my car?” you need to figure out the logistics of the move. How will you get the vehicle to your new home?
Can You Drive It?
If the car is driveable, you need to ask yourself a couple of important questions.
First, do you want to make the extra drive? If you've got multiple cars and/or a Uhaul, that means you'll have to come back and make another trip with the old car. If it's a long trip, it could become quite tedious.
Secondly, is the car in good enough condition to even go the distance? Sure, driving it would be the most convenient way to get it there, but can you rely on it to do so?
Should You Ship It?
If driving the car to your new home is out of the question, you're left with only one other option. You'll need to ship it.
However, shipping a car can be quite costly. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,000. However, this can all be altered based on the logistics of the move, type of car, type of transport, and the transporting company.
5. Would It Be More Beneficial to Sell It or Scrap It?
Finally, if you've answered no to, “should I move my car?” then you've likely decided to sell it. However, there are a few options you need to consider.
Selling It Privately
First, should you take the time to sell it privately? Do you have the time to do so? Is the car in decent condition for regular use or will you sell it as a “mechanic special.”
Selling It for Parts
You could also consider selling the car for parts to try to maximize your revenue. However, this can take time and a fair amount of mechanical know-how if you intend to save money and do the work yourself.
Selling It to a Cash Buyer
Lastly, your most convenient option may be to sell your car to a cash buyer. While there can be some misnomers about car cash buyers, there are incredibly reputable ones out there.
For example, we operate as an insured and licensed auto dealership. Our business's goal is to help people get any car off their hands while giving them a fair deal.
Should I Move My Car or Sell It?
Well, what will you decide?
If you're still in your head thinking “I don't know if I should move my car or sell it,” we can give you an instant offer to help you make up your mind. Just fill out the forms and we'll let you know what your car is worth to us!
Otherwise, feel free to contact us with any questions.