5 min read
Yes, they totally do! The right fit for you depends on what you're selling and what you're looking for out of the deal. Let’s discuss.
How do I know if I have a “junk” car?
A junk car is damaged beyond repair. So if you’re going to a salvage yard to get cash for your junk car, you’re likely selling for scrap metal, which is bought/sold by the ton.
If you do not have a junk car, it’s a totally different ball game. If your car has working parts (rare or commonly used) or is a unique model, it may be worth more sold whole or parted out than sold purely for scrap weight.
Before you get assessed by a scrap yard, you’ll want to do some research on the value of your car to arm you with the info you’ll need for negotiations. Kelley Blue Book and the National Automobile Dealers Association Used Car Guide are both great resources to help you determine your car’s market value. You can use that number as a starting point before subtracting repairs or missing parts to get a decent idea of your car’s value.
How much can I expect to get for my scrap metal?
Scrap prices shift from day to day, just like a car's market value — so any number you see today could be different next week. As a rule of thumb: steel pays the least per pound, aluminum a bit more, and clean copper wire the most, though insulated wire pricing swings a lot depending on gauge and grade. Scrap Monster is a solid resource for checking current rates before you go in.
Consider parting out your car
Some people who sell their junk cars do it part by part. Parts like your radio, rims, AC system, windshield wiper arms, battery, doors, fenders, catalytic converters, or a GPS system can be resold on online marketplaces, like Craigslist, Ebay, or Facebook.
If the tires are in good shape, people often swap them for older ones (so they can still have the frame towed).
Parting out your car isn’t for everyone. It’s time consuming and tedious. You’ll need the right tools and be dealing with potentially sharp and dangerous materials, so make sure you know what you are doing (or hire someone who does). Consider the time and effort you’ll need to go into doing inventory, pricing, and selling the parts individually. After the most expensive parts are sold, consider what remaining value (if any) the gutted frame may hold. Getting rid of an empty body and frame may also be trickier than you think.
Be prepared to research and compare
Have your car's details handy, including any damage or missing parts. If you're calling around to a few places, it helps to know your numbers going in — what similar cars are getting, what your scrap weight is worth — so you can have a confident conversation.
Confirm that your yard is properly licensed
Whoever you sell to, make sure the transaction is done right, confirm proper licensing, get your paperwork square, and check reviews or references. That protects you no matter who's buying.
Get your car and documents ready
Remove license plates and have your car title ready to sign over. Know the legal requirements of your state, since they vary.
Make sure you grab any personal items from your car. Check the glove box, truck, consoles, under the seats, etc.
If you have a decent amount of gas in the tank, you could siphon that out too.
Will I have to pay for junk car removal, or drop my car off?
Some yards tow for free, others charge a fee or ask you to arrange delivery, worth asking upfront so there are no surprises
Peddle pays for junk cars
If you'd rather skip the research and calls, Peddle makes junk car removal easy, we pay on the spot. Just answer a few questions about your car and we generate an instant offer based on market value. (Our sophisticated algorithm gathers bids from a huge network of junkyards, salvage yards, and auctions, getting you the best offer for your less-than-perfect car.) You have seven days to accept our offer and then we’ll pick it up, free. No research, no haggling, no stress, no hoops, no tricks. Peddle is the newer, better, easier, faster, awesomer way to sell that junker. Get your instant offer in minutes right here.