How to Sell your Junk Car: Getting the Most Cash, Plus Other Profitable Tips

By John Hayden

So, your car has served you gallantly, but it has reached the end of its useful life. Now it just sits out there, taking up parking space without being useful for much else. Or is it? Here’s an idea worth something: sell it for junk.

The truth of the matter is; if you consider your car old enough to be junk, you shouldn’t expect a ton of cash from selling it. However, you can still make a decent profit from the sale of your junk car. Now comes the all-important question: how can I sell my car?

How Can I Sell My Scrap Car?

Selling your car for scrap won’t make you wealthy, but you can expect decent returns from the sale. Let’s cover your options regarding selling your junk car.

1. Private Sale

If your old car has some unique features that set it apart from regular cars, then you’re in for some good news. Collectors and private buyers are willing to pay more for cars that are special in some way. Classic cars, one-of-a-kind options, and low mileage are some things that private buyers look out for in junk cars. If your car stands out from the crowd, the chances are that you will get a sweet deal from selling to a private buyer.

2. Sell or Trade-in at a Dealership

Car dealerships are willing to accept almost any car if you are buying a new or used vehicle from them. Occasionally, you can even be offered cash for your junk car without having to purchase anything from them. However, this rarely happens at all.

When you trade-in your scrap car at a dealership, you often get discounts towards the new vehicle you want to buy. The dealerships give you an exact value for your car and also offer other minor tax benefits. While a trade-in pays less than a private sale, you stand to make more if you can strike a very reasonable bargain.

3. Sell to a Local Junkyard

The majority of junk cars end their long life of service here. Junkyards aren’t picky and are always willing to pay you for your car’s weight in metal. They weigh your car on their industrial scale and pay you the going rate for scrap metal or a fixed per-car rate. There is no consideration for your car’s unique traits; they only pay you for the metallic value.

What is Cash for Cars?

Cash for cars is a junk car removal service that’s designed to make the disposal of scrap cars less stressful for customers. Providers of this service pay cash for your car and go on to resell it for parts or scrap.

The convenience of this process is what makes it appealing to most people. You do not need to take your car to the junkyard yourself. Just contact a junk car removal service for a quote of your car’s worth, and they come to tow away your vehicle after striking an agreement with them. It is worthwhile to note that ‘cash for cars’ programs don’t always offer you the best deal. Since they would be reselling your car for parts or scrap at a profit, you leave money on the table for the stress-free service.

To Sell, To Scrap, Or Trade-In?

There are several profitable options as regards the disposing of your junk car. But which one gets you the most profit? Let’s take a look at your options

  • If you have time or aren’t in a hurry, you can advertise your car and command higher profit from a private sale. Your car’s unique features will be important to getting you a sweeter deal than the other options might offer.
  • If you have plans to purchase a newer vehicle to replace your junk car, then a trade-in at the dealership is your best bet. The trade-in value might be lower than what you would get from a private sale, but the added incentives and taxes benefits make it worthwhile.
  • If you are pressed for time, a ‘cash for cars’ service will help with quickly disposing of your car for you. You would be getting a lot less for your vehicle, but the process is fast and hassle-free.

Trade-in Your Car with Hayden Autos

If you are looking to get the most value for your car while looking to buy a new one, Hayden Autos is the place to be. We offer our customers the best trade-in rates in the market. Additionally, you are guaranteed to get the car you love at a fraction of its price with our generous discounts.

Fill the form below and get started with getting yourself a new car to replace your old junk.

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