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Writer's pictureJeff Guymon

Sell My Junk Car

Updated: Aug 13, 2020

If your car is totaled or in need of repairs that out-value your car’s worth, you may want to consider selling your junk car.


This article will be addressing and answering the following questions:

  • How much can I Sell my Junk car for?

  • Where Can I Sell my Junk Car?

  • How Do I Sell my Junk Car?

  • How long does it take to sell my junk car?

  • Tips to Sell my Junk car

This article will walk you through how to sell your damaged car, where to sell it, and some helpful tips if this is your first time trying to get rid of a vehicle.

How much can I Sell my Junk car for?


You may think that a junk car is only useful to a junkyard where they will use it for metal scraps, however, your car (in addition to maintaining value due to the metal) has valuable parts that can be sold for much more.


First, the metal that your car is made of can actually bring you in some cash. Steel, aluminum, and copper are very valuable to scrap metal dealers. Steel can get you about $0.60 per pound, while aluminum is valued at $0.40 per pound. An older car will probably get you more cash because older cars tend to be made of steel, while newer model vehicles rely more on aluminum. You can also make some cash by taking out and selling certain salvageable car parts before selling the scrappy metal to a scrapyard. Airbags that have not been deployed are valued at about $200, built-in GPS systems go for a couple hundred, and the tailgate of a truck can sell for a few hundred dollars as well.

Other valuable parts to sell are:

  • Catalytic converters

  • Bumpers

  • Tires

    • The bigger the tire, the more money you can sell it for.

  • Rims

  • Air conditioning

  • Radio

  • Windshield wiper arms

Taking the time to remove and sell these valuable car parts can use up your time and might be difficult, but it will provide value in the long run. You could potentially make over $500 by selling odd parts and then selling your car to the junkyard.


Where Can I Sell my Junk Car?


You can go to a salvage yard to sell your old car, but be wary if you are a first-time seller. Auto salvage yards can take advantage of you by giving you a lower price. You could also find your local junkyard and compare three different junk car quotes in order to find the best offer. You can also sell your junk car over social media; be sure to use hashtags such as #junkyardcar #junkcarsforsale. If you would like to go a more old-fashion route, you can post ads around your town, advertise your scrap car in a newspaper or simply park it out front of your house with a “For Sale” sign. If you are looking for a fast and convenient way to sell your junk car, you should turn to the internet. You can google search phrases such as:

  • “Automotive Auction”

  • Salvage Yards

  • “Buy-your-junk car sites”

  • Sell my junk car for cash near me”

  • “Sell my junkyard car for $500”

  • "Sell my junk car today"

  • "Sell my car"

  • "We buy cars"

  • "Junk my car"

  • "Cash for Cars"

Reputable companies that advertise cars nationwide are Ebay.com and Craigslist.com.


Who buys junk cars?

  • Cash Cars Buyer

    • Call (866) 924-4608 for a quote

    • They advertise, "We want your old family car, truck, or SUV. We buy cars of all makes and models (including Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan) Whether they are old, very old, or new, we’ll take them off your hands"

  • DamagedCars.com

    • Call +1(877) 877-7911 for an instant offer

  • GoPull-It.com

    • Click here for a free online quote and online offer

  • JunkCarCashOut.com

    • Call (801) 441-2766 for a free quote

  • Junk Car Traders

    • Call (855) 959-1325 for a "fair price" quote

Be on the lookout for companies that buy junk cars that advertise cash offers, the best price, highest car worth valuation, and hassle-free free junk car removal. You will make more money in the end!

How Do I Sell my Junk Car?


Once you have picked the "top dollar" offer out of multiple junk car buyers, you must complete a few tasks before selling it. Cars are cluttered with mementos collected over the years; your junkyard or car collector company requires you to clean out all of these personal belongings. Next, you should empty your gas tank. Either siphon out the fuel or take your car on one last drive down memory lane. Next, you need to be prepared to show proof of title. Your junk vehicle will be very difficult to sell without one as most salvage yards require a valid title. Be sure to return your license plates and cancel your insurance before you hand over your old car.


Every platform is different, but when applying for a free quote you can expect to:

  1. Fill out your vehicle’s information.

    1. Have your vehicle’s car title, bill of sale, release of liability, maintenance record, warranty information, make, model, year, mileage, body condition, engine condition, and signs of exterior or interior damage on hand.

  2. Once you have received offers from at least three different companies, pick the best offer. Once you accept your offer, you will be required to show proof of ownership.

  3. You will also schedule your car’s pickup date.

    1. Some agencies offer free towing, be on the lookout!

  4. Lastly, you will be handed a cash or check payment at the time of pickup.

  5. You are required to notify your insurance company and DMV of the sale.

How long does it take to sell my junk car?


The length of time that it takes you to sell your junk car varies by which method of selling you choose. Relying on advertisements through newspapers and signs might take longer than an advertisement on Craigslist or eBay. Also, many salvage car buying companies advertise instant free quotes with 24/7 service. Others pride themselves on their ability to buy a car fast with their 24-48 hour quote time window. Another aspect to factor in is that if you are removing and selling valuable car parts, they will not all sell at once, and this process might take a while.


Tips For Selling Your Junk Car

  1. Selling a car is easier if you are aware of your vehicle’s value. You can check Kelley Blue Book's value of your car today, or call local dealers. Keep in mind your vehicle's make, model, and condition.

  2. To get you the best deal, use this market value of your vehicle, and add 10%. This will be your initial negotiation price.

  3. Make your junker look presentable to potential buyers.

    1. Get your car a wax job, car wash, vacuum service, and window detail.

  4. On-the-market cars with the following basic maintenance are likely to sell faster.

    1. Change your car’s transmission fluid

    2. Get an oil change

    3. Rotate the tires

    4. Add washer and radiator fluid

    5. Make sure tire pressure and alignment are good to go

  5. Donate your clunker to charity in exchange for a tax write off in the amount of your vehicle’s fair market value.

    1. How it works: The Salvation Army and The Make A Wish Foundation; both have vehicle donation programs where they will fix your car up and give it to someone in need. Once you pick a qualified 501(c)(3) charity, they will give you all the necessary paperwork to officially gift the vehicle and transfer the title.

  6. Be aware of your state’s Lemon Laws


How to Refinance your Auto Loan and Save Thousands of Dollars


Are you exploring ways to make extra cash by selling an old car? You can also save big on refinancing your car loan.


WithClutch.com is a fully digital platform that lets new car owners like you lower their car payments from the comfort of their own home. No need to set a foot in a bank or credit union. You can lower your rate or get cash in as little as 20 seconds.


Follow three simple steps to refinance your auto loan, get approved in seconds, and save thousands in minutes.



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