“Should I junk my car?”
For 27 million car owners each year, the answer to that question is yes. The truth is that up to 80% of your car can be recycled, which means that the “junk pile” in the front yard is still worth something.
If you’re thinking of junking your car, there are some important factors to consider first. Keep reading for your crash course (pardon the pun) in junk car removal.
Who Buys Junks Cars?
You’ve probably seen those “cash for junk cars” ads everywhere, but what does it mean exactly? Here are your two main options for selling a junk car.
Option 1: Sell It for Parts
Even an older car or one that’s been totaled in an accident likely has some parts that are still worth something.
Before you write off the entire heap to the junkyard, take a good look at what’s under the hood. You may be able to sell a specific part (such as a stereo system or a catalytic converter) to someone else who needs it but can’t afford to buy it new.
Option 2: Scrap It for Cash
Once you’ve salvaged anything of value from your car, it’s time to call a company that will pay you cash for a junk car. They’ll collect it, sell any leftover parts, and scrap it for recyclable metal.
The price they’ll pay depends on your car’s condition and weight. Even a car that’s not running is still worth a few hundred dollars in scrap metal.
What Should I Do Before I Junk My Car?
First, collect all the information you’ll need to give to the junk car removal company. This includes:
- The year, make, and model
- The VIN number
- The mileage
- The current condition (is it drivable or does it need to be towed?)
- The car title (may or may not be required)
Once you’ve arranged for the pick-up, you should remove the car’s license plates and cancel the insurance. Then you’ll want to go through every nook and cranny of your car and look for:
- Personal documents
- Auto records
- Medical records
- Insurance records
- Banking documents
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- CDs or audio equipment
- Anything you’ll want to use in your next car
It sounds obvious, but many junk cars end up in salvage yards with important documents inside them. This is especially true in the event of an accident, when you may not think to check the glove box or center console.
Forgetting this step could leave you wide open to identity theft, so give your car a thorough once-over before you say goodbye.
Junk Car Removal 101: Class Dismissed
If you’ve been wondering, “Should I sell my junk car?”, we hope this article has given you some fresh perspective.
There are plenty of companies that pay cash for junk cars, but you need to do your part too to ensure you get the possible price. You also want to prepare your vehicle to prevent a possible case of identity theft!
Now that your “junk my car” crash course is complete, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more advice about autos, lifestyle, money, and much more.