Where to sell an old car that won't start

Share article:

3 min read

There's a pile of reasons why your car won't start. Some are easy to fix, like a dead battery or bad spark plugs. Some are spendier to solve, like a blown engine or electrical issues. If your old car is too far gone, it doesn't mean it's worthless. Here are some avenues to take if you're looking for a quick sale or the best price.

Junkyards and salvage yards

They are usually willing to buy any car in any condition, often for parts or scrap metal. You can call around to local junkyards, getting quotes over the phone, and arrange for them to come out to inspect the car and take it off your hands..

Private buyers

If the car has valuable parts or can be fixed up, you could get a fair offer if you list it online, like Craigslist, Facebook, or local classifieds. Be honest about the car's condition and be ready to negotiate. Finding a buyer willing to deal with a non-running clunker can take time and effort.

Charities and donations

If you just want to get rid of an eyesore taking up space, donate it to a charity. Most accept non-running cars and will tow them away for free. Plus, you get a tax deduction while supporting a good cause.

Car buying services

Specialized car-buying services like Peddle are designed to make ditching difficult cars easy and efficient. We buy cars in any condition, so you don't have to worry about repairs or trying to get the car running again.

Peddle perks

Simple

Peddle's process is user-friendly and straightforward. You enter your car's details on our website and receive an instant offer.

Quick

Once you accept the offer, you schedule a free pickup for your car and potentially have it towed away the same day.

Competitive

Peddle provides fair and competitive offers based on your car's condition, make, model, and location. No one loves buying junk cars more than us.

Free towing

Peddle handles the mumbo jumbo of towing. This removes the hassle and cost of getting your clunker out of your life forever.

Fast payment

After the driver does a quick inspection of your car, you get paid on the spot. There are no awkward moments about your money.

Customer service

Peddle is known for its excellent customer service. They guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience.

If you're sick of your non-running car running you into the ground, let Peddle pay you to take your problem off your hands.

Over 146k five-star reviews

Brian
logo
5.0
Super easy to work with! Got way more value for my car than anyone else would offer. The online process was simple to use. The person picking up the car was professional and straightforward. Pleased with my experience! Definitely recommend.
Shanae
logo
Recommended
I've used them twice to get rid of cars either not running or not in good shape. Fair offer, you know just what you're getting. And you don't have to worry about a bunch of spam calls or waiting on competing offers like you do other places. The company partner contacted me same day and were very quick to schedule.
Adam
logo
5.0
What a great experience! Very easy. Sad to see my car dead on the side of the road, but Peddle made everything smooth: I did the online quote, they sent a truck out the next day, and I was paid immediately. Thank you, Peddle!
Larry
logo
5.0
Was very skeptical at first. But after using Peddle I can't believe what an amazing experience. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I now sing the praises of this website to everyone I know. Thanks again for such an incredible process from start to finish. You have certainly raise the bar.
Mike
logo
5.0
Selling my old junk car couldn't have been easier than what this was. A couple of clicks on the keyboard one or two phone calls between transport and was done!!! Happy with the price I got, trade in prices were much lower than what I got from peddle. If there is a need to use this service again I will gladly do it!!
Kevin
logo
5.0
Peddle made the process to sell my 2007 Honda Fit super easy. Received a quote within minutes of submitting my information and their price was significantly higher than others. Their local pick-up partner was also responsive and worked with me on what could have been a logistical nightmare. Highly Recommend.
Emiliy
logo
Recommended
Awesome experience! I was apprehensive at first because everything seemed too simple. I answered a few questions, received a quote and scheduled pick up. Communication is excellent. The pick-up driver was very professional and knowledgeable. I got $685 for my 2004 Lexus ES
Laura
logo
5.0
This has been the easiest way to take care of my car after the engine broke. They were fast, smooth, convenient and professional. Everything from scheduling to pick up to the offer and payment was a breeze. Will definitely recommend
Timothy
logo
5.0
My mother's 2003 Nissan Xterra had a broken timing belt and was too old to consider such a costly repair. We just needed to get rid of it. Peddle was hassle-free, very responsive, and gave us same-day service with a great offer!
Julia
logo
Recommended
This was such a quick and easy service to use! I cleaned my things out of the vehicle and it was ready to be picked up. I went online last night, it was towed this afternoon. My tow driver Will, is awesome!! Thank you so much, I definitely thought this was going to be a hassle and it couldn't have been more simple!
Kelley
logo
5.0
Peddle gave me the best offer of the four companies I contacted. The tow people (a really nice couple!) showed up as scheduled, handed over the check and towed away my terminal old Camry. I really nice experience and I would recommend Peddle wholeheartedly.
Charles
logo
5.0
Very easy and fast process. Peddle offered me significantly more than other companies. In less than 24-hrs from clicking the "Accept Offer" button, my 2015 Toyota Highlander was picked up and check in hand. Could not have gone any better. Highly recommend!
Brian
logo
5.0
Super easy to work with! Got way more value for my car than anyone else would offer. The online process was simple to use. The person picking up the car was professional and straightforward. Pleased with my experience! Definitely recommend.
Shanae
logo
Recommended
I've used them twice to get rid of cars either not running or not in good shape. Fair offer, you know just what you're getting. And you don't have to worry about a bunch of spam calls or waiting on competing offers like you do other places. The company partner contacted me same day and were very quick to schedule.
Adam
logo
5.0
What a great experience! Very easy. Sad to see my car dead on the side of the road, but Peddle made everything smooth: I did the online quote, they sent a truck out the next day, and I was paid immediately. Thank you, Peddle!
Larry
logo
5.0
Was very skeptical at first. But after using Peddle I can't believe what an amazing experience. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I now sing the praises of this website to everyone I know. Thanks again for such an incredible process from start to finish. You have certainly raise the bar.
Mike
logo
5.0
Selling my old junk car couldn't have been easier than what this was. A couple of clicks on the keyboard one or two phone calls between transport and was done!!! Happy with the price I got, trade in prices were much lower than what I got from peddle. If there is a need to use this service again I will gladly do it!!
Kevin
logo
5.0
Peddle made the process to sell my 2007 Honda Fit super easy. Received a quote within minutes of submitting my information and their price was significantly higher than others. Their local pick-up partner was also responsive and worked with me on what could have been a logistical nightmare. Highly Recommend.
Emiliy
logo
Recommended
Awesome experience! I was apprehensive at first because everything seemed too simple. I answered a few questions, received a quote and scheduled pick up. Communication is excellent. The pick-up driver was very professional and knowledgeable. I got $685 for my 2004 Lexus ES
Laura
logo
5.0
This has been the easiest way to take care of my car after the engine broke. They were fast, smooth, convenient and professional. Everything from scheduling to pick up to the offer and payment was a breeze. Will definitely recommend
Timothy
logo
5.0
My mother's 2003 Nissan Xterra had a broken timing belt and was too old to consider such a costly repair. We just needed to get rid of it. Peddle was hassle-free, very responsive, and gave us same-day service with a great offer!
Julia
logo
Recommended
This was such a quick and easy service to use! I cleaned my things out of the vehicle and it was ready to be picked up. I went online last night, it was towed this afternoon. My tow driver Will, is awesome!! Thank you so much, I definitely thought this was going to be a hassle and it couldn't have been more simple!
Kelley
logo
5.0
Peddle gave me the best offer of the four companies I contacted. The tow people (a really nice couple!) showed up as scheduled, handed over the check and towed away my terminal old Camry. I really nice experience and I would recommend Peddle wholeheartedly.
Charles
logo
5.0
Very easy and fast process. Peddle offered me significantly more than other companies. In less than 24-hrs from clicking the "Accept Offer" button, my 2015 Toyota Highlander was picked up and check in hand. Could not have gone any better. Highly recommend!
As seen on:
NBC
CBS
USA TODAY
yahoo finance
abc
FOX NEWS channel
Forbes

IT'S SO EASY TO SELL YOUR CAR WITH PEDDLE

Frequently Asked

TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Smooth operators are standing by with answers so you can sell your car without a hiccup.