So, your car is totaled, and now you have to figure out what you’re going to do with a two-ton lump of metal you can’t drive. Don’t start grinding your gears just yet. With a bit of know-how, you can transform that old beater into cash in your pocket. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look and how to negotiate.
Visit an auto salvage yard
You might think that no one would want your twisted hunk of metal, but you’d be surprised to learn there are plenty of salvage yards happy to take a vehicle off your hands, such as Tear-A-Part. By visiting an auto recycler, you can capitalize on low prices, unearth hidden gems for domestic and foreign vehicles, and even do your part to reduce compounding landfill waste.
Should you decide to sell your wrecked vehicle to an auto salvage yard, transparency will go a long way in the negotiating process. Be upfront about the condition of the car and how much you want for it. You may want to collect quotes from multiple salvage yards to use as leverage.
Be honest about any body damage or mechanical issues. That way, the yard can make an informed decision and you know you’re getting the best price possible. Lost your title? Don’t give up hope. Some salvage yards will buy cars without a title, so long as you can prove ownership.
Sell parts from the vehicle
If you aren’t having luck selling your wrecked vehicle to an auto salvage yard, make a list of parts worth selling individually. Some items you can sell are:
- Engines
- Dashboards
- Side panels and door panels
Even if the car has seen better days, there’s likely at least one part in good enough condition to sell.
Find out what your insurance will pay
If you have car insurance, check with your insurer to see if they will pay the car’s current Kelley Blue Book for a wrecked vehicle. Many insurance companies will pay the value of your car if they assess that it would be more expensive to pay repairs.
Your insurer might pay more for your car if they know that they can salvage parts for resale.
Look for auctions and sellers
If all else fails, you can always try to sell your vehicle online or at a public auction. Because warring bidders will drive the price up, you can set your starting bid cheap. No matter the type of auction or its audience, you’ll get much more for your car this way than you would letting it rust in your yard.
Shop around
If you’re struggling to offload a wrecked car, try going out in your community and talking to people. You might be surprised by how many salvage yards will take your wrecked vehicle if you just establish a bit of rapport first. If your area has been struggling economically, local salvage companies may be grateful for the extra inventory. Being active in your community can also help you find buyers for parts, since yours will be a discount from brand-new.
Wrap Up
Getting in a wreck doesn’t have to wreck your chances of selling a car. Your car has value, even if it can’t drive anymore. Keep an open mind and a watchful eye, and you’ll have a buyer in no time.
