Your Step-by-Step Guide To Selling A Junk Vehicle

January 8, 2021
Selling your cars

Your Step-by-Step Guide To Selling A Junk Vehicle

Do you have unanswered questions in the back of your mind that prevent you from finally selling your junked car?

Your burning questions are answered below and can help you get that junk car out of your life along with putting some cash in your pocket!

Here are some frequent questions people have about getting rid of a car that no longer runs.

When should I sell my junk vehicle?

Are you wondering if it’s time to get rid of your junked car? While no one can tell you what to do, here are some signs that you and your car are ready to part ways:

  • It breaks down nearly every time you drive it
  • You’re tired of putting money into it
  • It’ll cost more to fix than it’s worth
  • You’re tired of looking at it
  • It’s time for a new car and you need a place to park it
  • Your significant other has moved into the nagging stage asking you to just do something about that piece of junk

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it’s probably (past) time for you to sell your junked car.

How difficult is the selling process?

The selling process varies depending on where you sell it. You do have options.

If you opt to sell it private party, you will handle taking photos, ensuring you have all the correct information, and posting it for sale on the venue of your choice.

Make sure you check into fees, because some places charge you a percentage or a flat-rate for listing a vehicle for sale, regardless of the condition. You will also need to ensure the buyer knows the exact condition of the car and set your price.

Once you find a buyer, you need to arrange a time to meet. They’ll probably want to see the car first and may need additional time to run to the bank for the money if they’re going to purchase. That way you don’t have to worry about a bad check.

Selling private party can be challenging. But, selling your junked car doesn’t have to be.

You can also sell it to a reputable salvage yard, like Tear-A-Part. We keep the selling process simple.

You contact us (either by phone or with an online form) and provide us with some basic information about your car. A trained staff member receives your information and contacts you to ask for any other information, give you a quote for the vehicle, and schedule a time to pick it up.

On the day of pickup, you receive your money. No hassles. No gimmicks.

How much is my junked car worth?

Your car’s value depends on many things. Junk yards will factor all of the following into the quote they give you:

  • How old is your vehicle?
  • Is your vehicle rare or common?
  • Does your vehicle run?
  • Do most of the parts on your vehicle work?
  • What condition is your car in?
  • Do you have the title for your vehicle?

Many junked cars are worth several hundred dollars. You never know how much you’ll get until you get in touch, so find out today!

What happens if I don’t have the title for my car?

Your state laws govern what happens to your car if you don’t have the title. In Utah, there are some steps you’ll need to take to sell a car you don’t have the title to. If the car is abandoned, you will need to notify the authorities and fill out some paperwork.

If it’s your car and you’ve just lost the title, there is a process you can follow to request a duplicate title. This involves filling out the proper form, paying a fee, and waiting the specified amount of time. If there is a lien-holder on your vehicle, you may need to work with them directly instead of with the DMV office.

Once I sell my junked car, what happens to it?

Once you sell your vehicle, a tow truck will come and pick it up. After it’s delivered to the salvage yard, a staff member will drain and recycle the fluids. This prevents them from leaking out and polluting the groundwater.

Then your vehicle will be examined, and usable parts will be added to the inventory for other customers to purchase.

When the usable pieces are gone, the salvage yard will recycle the rest of your vehicle, including the chassis. This prevents waste and ensures that the metal from your car lives on instead of rusting in the woods somewhere.

How can I avoid being scammed when I scrap my car?

Not all salvage yards are reputable. There are frauds in this industry, just like any other. To avoid being scammed, keep your eyes peeled for red flags. Look for things like:

  • Difficult to contact customer service
  • Promising to pay a huge amount
  • Changing payment terms upon seeing the car
  • Tow truck drivers insisting they need more money
  • A bad feeling in your gut

If something seems too good to be true, it is. Make sure you read reviews before you work with a company, so you have a better idea who you are dealing with.

What do I need to do before the tow truck comes?

Do you have questions about selling a junk vehicle? Here's help.

Once you’ve arranged for your junked car to be towed, there are a few things you’ll want to do.

  • Remove all personal belonging from the vehicle (check the trunk, seat pockets, glove box, and CD player)
  • Remove the license plate from the vehicle (depending on your state. In Utah they stay with you.)
  • Ensure all required paperwork is ready to go (and signed!)
  • Wait for the tow truck

The biggest thing is to make sure you have everything you need out of the vehicle. Once it’s gone, it’ll be much harder to get back.  

Still have questions about selling a junk vehicle?

Though these are the most commonly asked questions, there are others out there. If this post didn’t answer a question you have, get in touch with Tear-A-Part today. The friendly staff will be happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions.

Ready to sell? Contact us today and check something major off your to-do list!