Many people hesitate to sell their junk cars because they are unsure how the process works.. Most junkyards offer junk car removal services, meaning they’ll come to pick up your old car, truck, van or SUV and tow it back to their yard. Before you decide this is too much trouble for you, let’s discuss the essential steps of selling your unwanted car to a junkyard so you receive the best value while adhering to the legal requirements.
Locate Vehicle Documents Before Calling for a Quote
Before shopping around for the best junk car quote, locate all documentation related to owning your vehicle. Documents necessary to complete a sale include title, registration and tag. Providing the proper paperwork at the time of the sale ensures a smooth transaction and prevents any legal issues. If there is still a lien on your vehicle, which is possible if you’ve wrecked or totaled a newer model, then address the loan before selling your junk car.
No vehicle title? Junkyards will still purchase your old clunker, but you will still be required to prove ownership to finalize the deal.
Steps to Junk Your Clunker
Once you’ve located the necessary paperwork to prove you are the legal owner and have the right to sell the old car, it’s time to get it ready for the transaction. You can sell it as is right now or increase its value by trying to clean it up. We’ve got a few tips that you can try to maximize your car’s value before contacting a junk car buyer.
Remove Aftermarket Parts
Did you add custom parts to your car, truck, van or SUV? If you made any upgrades, you can keep them for future use or to sell them on your own. Upgrades like expensive stereo systems, rims or other aftermarket parts may provide additional income on the resale market. Junk car buyers like Gardner Auto Parts usually look at the vehicle’s overall condition and common OEM parts, so removing your upgrades may have little effect on its value.
Remove Your Personal Items
It’s normal for vehicles to be filled with the owner’s belongings, from paperwork to clothing. Before sending your junker to the salvage yard, go through it to locate any personal belongings, important documents and valuables. Check the glovebox, console, under the seats and in the truck.
Clean the Vehicle
Your car’s appearance may not significantly impact its junkyard value, but it’s still worth the effort of cleaning it well. Remove any trash or clutter from the vehicle’s interior and exterior. A good cleaning helps present your vehicle at its best and could help increase the quoted amount, especially if it’s a popular model.
Find a Junk Car Buyer Near You
You’ve located your vehicle’s paperwork or a document that proves ownership (meaning you can legally sell the said vehicle). After a quick Google search, contact the junk car buyers or salvage yards of your choosing. To ensure you get the best possible price for your old car, get at least 2-3 quotes. If you have an import make such as Infiniti, Jaguar, Toyota or Mercedes, you can expect some junkyards, like Gardner Auto Parts, to pay more. As both a junkyard and a used car parts store, they specialize in selling affordable foreign car parts.
Remember, even if your car, truck, van or SUV is no longer roadworthy, it still has value as a parts donor. If you have an old car in your driveway, contact Gardner Auto Parts at 954-972-9407 for a top-dollar junk car quote today.
Prepare the Car for Pickup or Drop Off
Many offer free pickup services if you sell your car to a local junkyard. Schedule your junk car removal and ensure the vehicle is accessible and you have all the documents in hand. If you are dropping off, make arrangements to bring it when they aren’t bust and can take the time to complete all necessary paperwork and answer all your questions.
Report the Sale to Local Authorities
Once the sale is complete and you’ve signed over the title, you must report the transaction to the Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure you are no longer legally responsible for the car. You may also be required to turn in the tag or license plate.