The dos and don’ts of selling a rough or non-running car

Selling a car that doesn’t run is a little like trying to get rid of a treadmill you only used once, it’s big, heavy, and no one wants to move it. But just because your car isn’t road-ready doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. There’s a right (and wrong) way to get it off your hands, and still make some cash in the process.

Here’s how to sell your rough or non-running car without the stress, mess, or mystery.

DO: be honest about the condition

It’s tempting to downplay the damage. “It mostly runs… if you give it a pep talk and roll it downhill.” But trust us: honesty is your best friend when it comes to selling a rough car. Whether it’s got engine issues, transmission failure, or it simply gave up on trying, describe the condition clearly.

When you sell to Peddle, you’ll answer a few easy questions about the car’s state. We don’t judge, we just want the facts so we can give you a real offer without the back-and-forth.

DON’T: spend a fortune on repairs first

Sure, you could spend $3,000 fixing the transmission… but will the car even be worth that much after? Probably not.

Unless it’s a rare or classic car (and let’s be honest, it’s probably not), throwing money at repairs isn’t the best move. You won’t recoup the costs, and you’ll just delay the inevitable sale. Instead, get a quote as-is and save yourself the headache.

DO: gather your paperwork

Even if the car hasn’t moved in months (or years), having your title, registration, or any maintenance history on hand can make the sale smoother. It proves ownership and might even help bump your offer a bit.

Lost your title? Don’t panic. Peddle works with sellers in most states to figure out next steps. We’ve seen it all, this isn’t our first non-running rodeo.

DON’T: try to sell it privately (unless you love ghosting)

Selling a broken car on a classifieds site? Let us save you a week of frustration: it’s not worth it. You’ll get messages like “Still available?” and “Will you trade for a dirt bike?’ and then radio silence.

Buyers want convenience. And when your car needs a tow, a jump-start, and maybe a prayer to start, most private buyers are going to back out fast. That’s why services like Peddle are built for exactly this situation. We buy cars in any condition and handle the logistics.

DO: get a quote from Peddle

Whether your car is dead in the driveway or sputtering its last breath, we make it easy to say goodbye. Just give us the basics. Make, model, location, condition, and we’ll give you an instant, no-hassle offer. Towing? Free. Paperwork? We help with that too. Payment? Handed over at pickup.

And no, you don’t have to clean it out, we’ve seen worse (trust us).

Selling a rough car doesn’t have to be a rough experience

Selling a rough or non-running car doesn’t have to be rough on you. Skip the shady buyers, save your wallet from unnecessary repairs, and let Peddle do the heavy lifting, literally.

Get your instant offer today and finally clear that space in your garage, driveway, or backyard. Because let’s face it: your car may not run, but your patience is already out of gas.