Oh, This Old Thing? How to Scrap a Car and Actually Make Money
Every year, 14 million tons of steel get recycled from ELV (end-of-life) vehicles. It’s not just the metal that gets reused, though. Almost your entire car could be recyclable!
Before you get rid of your old vehicle, it’s important to know how to scrap a car. Plus, you could make some cash in the process!
Keep reading to learn more about how and where to scrap a car.
How to Sell a Car for Scrap
The first step in selling your car for scrap is to take a thorough look at its condition. How close is it to the end of its life? Is it beyond repair or selling as a functioning used vehicle?
If so, it’s time to sell it for its parts. Take note of any valuable parts, such as a GPS system or new tires.
Make a list of your car’s inventory so that when you call a junkyard, you can give an accurate description of what you have to sell.
Check the Valuation
Check Kelley Blue Book for a valuation of your vehicle. Keep in mind that their valuation considers a car that’s in good condition.
Take the valuation and subtract the cost of any repairs you’d need to get the car working again. What you’re left with will be closer in number to what you might expect when selling it for junk.
Make Sure You Have the Title
Make sure you have the title of your car so that you can prove it’s yours.
Many junkyards won’t buy your car unless you have proof that it’s yours to sell. When you sell it to the junkyard, you’ll need to sign the title over so that it’s officially no longer owned by you.
Check for Personal Belongings
Take the time to check the inside of your car thoroughly so you don’t accidentally leave any personal items behind. Don’t forget to remove and take your license plates, too.
Be sure to check all areas of the car, such as:
- Center console
- Door pockets
- Glove compartment
- Overhead console
- Rear seat consoles
- Sun visors
- Under the seats
- Under the mats
- The trunk
- Other storage areas
Call Different Junkyards
Once you’ve taken an accurate inventory of your car’s parts and can describe its state to the best of your ability, call around to a few different junkyards for quotes.
Ask about their processes, too. Some junkyards will pay more to dismantle some of the car yourself. Visit cash auto salvage to learn more about how to sell your old car.
How Much Is a Scrap Car Worth?
How much a scrap car is worth depends on the make, model, condition, and parts in the car. Some of the most valuable parts are:
- Catalytic converters
- Fenders
- Airbags
- Cooling system
- GPS system
- Doors and windows
- Tires and rims
- Motor oil and filters
- Audio system
- Truck hatch
The state of junk cars vary, so you might get anywhere between $100 and $500 for your junk car. Or, you could get up to $20,000. It all depends on the make and model, but a fair estimate is that car owners can get up to 20% to 40% of your car’s used value.
Do Your Research Before You Scrap a Car
Before you let your car sit in your driveway deteriorating, take the time to find out how much you might be able to get for it.
You can scrap a car and earn some serious cash, especially if the vehicle’s parts are in great condition.
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