Did you know that in the US alone, 12.6 million cars get recycled each year? If you're ready to quit staring at that junker in your driveway, then this stat may not surprise you very much.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
When it comes to junk car buyers Witchita, KS, are you having trouble deciding which businesses are legit? If so, you're not alone.
It can prove a serious hassle working with a junkyard or junk car buyer in Wichita if they're not as reputable as they seem on first appearance. Don't get scammed by an unscrupulous business.
Fortunately, there are some red flags to help you recognize a less-than-legit facility. When you know what these warning signs are, you'll be in a better position to scope out and find the right junk car buyer for your needs.
Read on to find out more about what you should look for in a reputable junk car buyer.
Look for Complimentary Towing
Are you thinking about junking your ride? If you're on the fence about it, check out these 10 signs to help you make a solid decision.
And if you know for sure that it's time to move on? Then, follow these tips to make it a worthwhile transaction.
When you're in the midst of frantically Googling “junk my car,” you may feel ready to settle for just about anything. But take our word for it. You don't have to.
Depending on the junkyard or junk car buyer you work with, you'll save yourself lots of stress, time, and money. Especially if you understand what to look for in a great junk car buyer service.
This starts with complimentary towing. If you find yourself in the unenviable situation of dealing with a junkyard that wants to pay you $200 for a car with a $100 towing fee, walk away. You can do much better.
Any junkyard worth its salt should offer free towing. Otherwise, you're dealing with scammers, and you've got better things to do with your time. Like finding a reputable junk car buyer.
Check for Signs the Company Is Both Reputable and Successful
Remember that stat we opened up with at the beginning of this article? Every year, Americans recycle tens of millions of vehicles. That means a legit junkyard should be busy.
If you drive up to a junkyard and there are few, if any, signs of success, then move on. Junk car buyers in Wichita KS should have lots of business. That is if they treat customers decently.
As for scam artists? They'll spend most of their time watching rust grow on cars once word-of-mouth gets around about their scandalous dealings.
What are some other things to look for? Hop online to find out how many locations the junkyard has. Multiple locations remains a sign of success and longevity in the business.
While you're online, take a gander at their website. Does it look professional and credible? Do they cover a sizable service area?
Give their online reviews a look-see, too. It's amazing what reviews will tell you about the business practices of a company. If you see lots of disgruntled customers, then start looking for another service.
Research Which Companies Have an Acceptable Turnaround Time
One of the great ironies when it comes to the junk car buyer business remains kept promises. Many companies claim to offer 24/7 service or a “quote in minutes.” Then, they put you on hold for 45 minutes or schedule an appointment weeks out.
Unacceptable.
See these unscrupulous gimmicks for what they are, and move on. Your time is precious, and you don't need anybody actively wasting it.
A reputable car junk buyer will have a system in place to provide you with consistent service in a reasonable amount of time. Avoid the pitfalls of poor advertising. Instead, go with an experienced junkyard that delivers.
Opt for a Company that Offers Reasonable Prices
When you're looking to get rid of a junker, it can be all too tempting to go with the first offer you receive. But you should remain wary of any junk car buyer who tries to lowball you.
How do you know that such is the case? The best way to find out is by doing some calling around. Don't expect the first junkyard that you contact to give you the best price.
Yes, this requires a little extra work on your part, but it will pay off. Why? Not only does it give you a better concept of what your old car's worth, but it puts you in a more confident position to negotiate.
Junkyards should offer you comparable prices across the board. If not? Then, they're trying to scam you.
No matter how desperate you may feel about getting rid of your car, don't fall for it. You've got much better options, so do a little research.
Here's another thing to keep in mind when it comes to a reasonable price for your junker: If it's a 2000 or newer, you should get some value from the sale. These vehicles, even when very damaged, rarely prove to be worthless.
So, don't let a potential junk car buyer tell you otherwise.
Get Paid in Cash or Don't Sign the Title
A legit junk car buyer should offer to pay you in cash. If not, this could be a very bad sign.
There are few things worse than having someone write you a bad check. You'll end up paying anywhere from $20 to $40 in fees when it bounces. And you may get left holding the bag without a car in the process.
Make it clear to potential buyers from the get-go that if they don't provide you with cash then you're not signing the title.
Even if they've got an excuse, don't buy it. For example, some scammers will send out a tow truck driver who only has a check or doesn't have any money on them at all. The driver will try to load the vehicle with the promise you'll get paid later.
It doesn't get any shadier than that. Even if they offer to leave the vehicle in exchange for you signing over the title, say, “No.” Find another buyer who's willing to pay on time in cash.
Always Sign and Mail the Release of Liability
While states differ slightly on their protocol, most include a tear-off portion on each car title. Filling out and mailing in this tear-off portion releases you from liability.
Why is this important?
If the junk car buyer decides to resell your ride to another consumer, you don't want any liability in the transaction. By sending in the form to your state's DMV, you'll be protected should a resale occur.
Work with Buyers Who Honor Their Original Quotes
Before you authorize a junk car buyer to come and remove your vehicle, make sure you provide them with accurate information about your car. That way, they can give you an honest quote.
That said, the buyer also bears responsibility in this process. They must honor their original quote when the tow truck shows up for your car. If they refuse to do so, then end the transaction on the spot.
You have plenty of options with it comes to junkyards and junk car buyers in Wichita KS. There's no reason to settle for somebody trying to cheat you.
Don't Deal in Vouchers or Free Trips
Here's a trend we've heard about in recent years that represents another scam attempt. Some buyers will offer customers vouchers or free trips to turn in old vehicles.
But here's the deal. Most of these vouchers and free trip offers prove incredibly difficult to use. They often turn out to be timeshare offers.
That said, you don't have to squash a sale if you receive such offers. Just ignore the vouchers or free trip “estimated value” and think solely about the cash.
If their cash offer proves better then the competition, that's great. But don't expect to get much if any use out of the additional vouchers or trip.
Besides the red flags above, here are a couple more things to keep in mind when it comes to parting with a junker.
Think Twice Before Donating Your Car
It rarely makes sense to donate a vehicle.
But what about the write-off on your taxes? The tax-deductibility of your junker proves questionable, especially in light of the revised tax code. So, don't go into it for a tax deduction without consulting your accountant first.
It makes more sense to sell your car to a reputable junk car buyer. Then, you can use those funds to directly support a charity.
This represents a win-win because you can choose the charity you support and you can make sure the amount that you spend proves tax-deductible.
Make Sure You've Removed All Personal Effects
You'd be shocked how much swag tow truck drivers pull out of people's junked cars. Don't expect them to make a special trip to return any of this to you.
Whatever you leave in your car becomes the property of the tow truck company once you accept the cash. So, go over your car with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it's cleared of your possessions.
Remove All Custom Accessories
And while you're at it, don't forget to remove all custom accessories. When you make a deal with a junkyard salesperson, this doesn't generally extend to your car back up sensors or sweet stereo setup.
If you installed extra bling to your car and can remove it, do so.
You never know what you might be able to use on your next car. Or, what you might be able to auction on eBay, for that matter. Learn more about valuable junk car parts now.
Finding Reputable Junk Car Buyers Wichita, KS
When it comes to finding legit junk car buyers Wichita, KS, keep the tips above in mind. They'll help you avoid scammers and cheats while getting the most money for your junker.
For more tips on the best way to junk your car, get in touch with us today. We're here to help.
