Got a clunker of a car in your life? Don't despair. Even if it doesn't run, you can still turn that junked car into cash, and help the environment.
Did you know 25 million tons of material are recycled from old cars every year? That's a lot of parts kept out of landfills. So if you'd like to explore some options for your vehicle, there are many solutions.
Is It Time To Sell?
First of all, you may be asking yourself, "How do I know when I should sell my old car?" There are a few things to consider. If it costs more to run and repair it than it is worth, you might need to let go of it.
Time is of the essence, though. The longer your car sits around, the more its value decreases. Exposure to the elements can damage it, and cause rust and other issues that lower its value.
What to Do Before Getting Rid of Your Car
Before you start the process, here are a few tips to consider. Go through your car and remove all personal belongings. Then, assess whether anything valuable can be sold easily, like a GPS system or other accessories.
Do you still have gas in the car? Remove it, or use it beforehand. Then get all of your paperwork in order, like the title and insurance.
Then determine the value of your car. You can do this by going online and looking it up in Edmunds or the Kelley Blue Book. They cover both new and used cars and will help you get an estimate.
Ways to Cash in on Your Old Vehicle
Once you are ready to get rid of your car, there are many ways to do it. Many of them can be done quickly, which means that your old car could be out of your life in 48 hours or less. Check out some of these ideas below!
Newspaper Ad
If you want to keep it local, you can always list your car in your newspaper. Just be sure to describe it accurately, and sell it "as is". This will let potential buyers know that you will not be making any repairs before selling it.
It's also important to go into detail about any issues your car has in the ad. That will help avoid any surprises at the showing, and not waste time. Because of the nature of newspaper sales, this option may take a while to move your vehicle.
Online and Social Media
Another route to consider is posting online. You can potentially reach more viewers than in the newspaper and add more photos. There are many sites that also encourage trades, so you can potentially trade your car for another.
Used Car Dealer
If you are looking for a quick solution, you can stop by your local used car dealer. While you may not get the most money or true value of your car, it can be a quicker process than online and newspaper ads. If you are looking to purchase a new car, you could offset the cost of it with a car trade-in.
Selling Your Junked Car for Parts
If your car still has many usable parts, it might be worth considering selling them off some of them. This is a good solution if your car was in an accident, and has significant damage. That way, you can sell off the parts that are still functional.
Some of the top parts are batteries, oil filters, catalytic converters, tires, starters and alternators, and glass. You can also get a certain amount per pound (usually under a dollar) for scrap metal as well. Try your local salvage yards, body shops, and online sites for potential buyers.
Recycle
Want to do something good for the environment? Consider recycling some of your car parts, like tires. Did you know that 90% of America's tires that used to be in tire mountains are gone?
By recycling and repurposing vehicle parts, it makes an impact. You can contact your local auto recycling facility for assistance. They will do an inspection and then sort the parts, and leave you with peace of mind.
Donate
If you want to help out a worthy cause, there's another option. You can donate your car to a group that helps veterans, or other groups that need help. Most offer free towing and a tax deduction.
There are also companies that recycle cars and will donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice. Plus, you'll still receive a tax receipt for the value of your vehicle.
Junk Car Company
There are so many ways to make money with a car, even if it is in poor condition. One of those is by calling a company that will give you cash for junk cars. It's simple and easy, and can often be a same-day process with immediate results.
Most companies will come out and tow the car and give you cash on the spot. And you can choose one that recycles it if you would like to make it an environmentally-friendly transaction.
Ready To Get Rid of Your Car?
Before you say goodbye to your junked car, it's important to consider all of the options first. Whether you decide to recycle, sell off the parts, or get cash for your car, do your research. It could save you time, money, and stress.
Once you are done, don't forget to contact your local DMV. It's important to let them know that you no longer own the car. That will help you avoid any issues in the future!
