How to Get Money for Your Scrap Car

How to Get Money for Your Scrap Car

Discover practical tips to maximize the cash you get when parting out and scrapping your old, broken-down vehicle.

When your car breaks down and costs more to fix than it is worth, it is time to scrap it and move on. You might think your car is worth less dead than alive, but you could be wrong. Depending on the make and model, it could generate a decent amount of money. Before you scrap your potential down payment on your next car, try these tips:

• Are your registration tabs current? Check with your state’s licensing department to see if they refund unused license fees or allow license transfers to another vehicle you own.
• Sell your scrap car parts by posting an ad on sites like Craigslist or eBay with the title: “Parting out Scrap Car (insert year, make, and model of your vehicle).” In the ad, provide details about the condition of major mechanical, body, and cosmetic parts. If the tires and wheels are in good condition, remove them and sell them separately. Any stereo and sound equipment also brings in more money if sold separately. Ads with photos have more appeal.
• Let buyers make offers. You can find average prices by searching for the same scrap parts you are selling—keep your price in the mid-range and be willing to accept lower offers. After all, the idea is to sell your scrap vehicle and earn some money rather than pay someone car disposal fees.
• It is common practice for buyers to come prepared with tools and remove parts from your scrap vehicle yourself, but be sure to mention this in your ad. Accept cash only, and do not allow strangers into your garage.
• Call your local auto parts stores and ask if they buy used batteries. Many places pay for returned batteries. If you cannot recycle it and it is still good, use it in another vehicle you own. Drain any salvageable fuel from the fuel tank and use it to power your lawnmower. Both of these tips save you money and should be completed prior to vehicle disposal anyway.
• After you have sold all the scrap parts you can, it is time to take your vehicle to a scrapyard for disposal. Call local recycling yards first, as not all of them accept car bodies. Ask about the current price per ton they are paying, which changes daily. If you have the means and it is worth your time and expense, haul it yourself. Otherwise, call a hauler that pays you for your vehicle—only use a free hauler as a last resort.