Most cars will last between 13 and 17 years. So what happens when it’s time to put your car in park for good? Or worse, what happens if it’s totaled and is no longer operatable?
You’re still not out of luck. You can even profit from your old junker!
Here’s what you should know before you junk a car.
Look Up Your Vehicle’s Value
If you’re selling a car — even a junker — you want to get the most money possible for your vehicle. To avoid getting ripped off, look up a rough estimation of your vehicle’s worth.
Fortunately, this is pretty easy, especially in the age of the Internet.
Kelley Blue Book is the gold standard when it comes to pricing vehicles, and their website can give you the info you need in a matter of minutes. There’s even an option to account for the quality of your vehicle, so you won’t have to ballpark how much to take off due to damage.
Collect the Necessary Paperwork
As if selling a car wasn’t stressful enough, you’ll need to jump through a few hoops before getting rid of your car.
First, call your insurance provider and remove the vehicle from your account. Depending on how long you’ve had your junker, you may have already done this.
Next, remove the vehicle’s license plate. Some states require you to return your plates, so check local laws.
Finally, make sure you have your title, which proves ownership. You’ll have to sign it over to the buyer, so having your title on hand is an absolute necessity.
Don’t worry if you lost your title. You should be able to file for a replacement online.
Find a Reputable Buyer
You’re probably ready to get rid of your vehicle once and for all. But don’t be in such a rush that you lowball yourself.
When looking for buyers, shop around. You don’t always have to accept the first offer.
For that matter, be open to negotiation. You may be able to get more for your car than you think. Conversely, you may have to drop the price a little.
Details to Consider
Junking a car can be a logistical nightmare. To make the process easier, have a clear idea of who you want to sell to and how they’ll collect the vehicle.
In most instances, the buyer will tow the vehicle themselves or pay to have it towed away from your property. Still, it’s best to iron these details out sooner rather than later.
There are plenty of junkyards who will pay cash for junk cars, for instance. On the other hand, you may also want to sell certain pieces of your car, then junk the rest.
If you’re feeling charitable, you can even donate your old clunker to a charity that specializes in fixing up vehicles and giving them to those in need.
Junk a Car and Get Paid Today
Having to junk a car is a bittersweet experience. It’s hard to say goodbye to your old car, but it’s hard to beat that sweet, sweet cash.
Ultimately, if you plan on junking your car, the biggest piece of advice we can give you is to take your time. Research local junkyards and know how much you want for your car.
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