“My car is junk!”
You might find yourself screaming that phrase every time the check engine light turns on or when you need to take it into the shop for a repair. But sometimes this phrase isn’t just a dramatic, burst of frustration. Sometimes it’s really true.
Old or damaged cars can quickly turn into nothing more than a useless pile of metal and plastic.
Do you think your car has reached that point? We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out if your car is really a piece of junk and, if it is, what you should do about it.
So keep reading below!
When Does a Car Become Junk?
Just because your car is old and needs a few repairs doesn’t mean it’s time to take it to the junkyard. If you can still safely drive your car or sell it for a decent price, it’s not junk.
A junk car is beyond hope of either of those things. You should only consider junking your car if it falls under one (or more) of the following categories.
It Doesn’t Run
Is your car stuck in your driveway even though you just recently repaired it? You might be able to get it working after going through the repair process all over again, but it won’t last much longer.
If you can’t drive your car, there’s no point in keeping it.
It Needs a Lot of Repairs, and They Cost More Than the Car Is Worth
Maybe all your car needs to start running is a few repairs, but for old cars, this isn’t always a good deal. The repairs are often extensive and more expensive than your car is worth. You’ll end up saving money by junking the car than fighting with it over repairs.
You Don’t Have the Title
Without your car’s title, you can’t sell it to anyone. While you can replace it, this takes a lot of time and money. It can become more of a hassle than the car is worth.
If you want to get the car off your hands without all the paperwork, you can sell it to a local junkyard instead. They’ll give you money without forcing you to produce a title.
Driving It Is No Longer Safe
You shouldn’t keep driving a car that doesn’t provide the proper amount of protection in case of an accident. It simply isn’t worth the risk.
Does your car have:
- Outdate safety features?
- A damaged frame?
- No airbags?
- A lot of rust?
- Worn-out seatbelts?
- Faulty brakes?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should get that car off the road and keep it off. Not only are you putting yourself in harm’s way, but you could also end up hurting someone else.
It’s better to junk the car and buy a new one at this point.
No One Wants to Buy It
Have you tried selling your car with no luck? If you can’t get anyone to buy it, the best thing to do is hand it over to a junkyard. You’ll still receive money for it, and you won’t have to wait for months (or even years) to get it.
It Looks Like Junk
Is your car covered in rust? Is the inside full of mold? Are there pieces held together with duct tape?
If the car looks like a piece of junk, it probably is.
Sitting in a mold car is dangerous for your health, and large patches of rust damage the structural integrity of the vehicle. You should go ahead and give it to a junkyard at this point.
How to Junk a Car and Get the Best Deal
“It’s time to sell my junk car.”
If you’ve decided this, don’t just pick the first one you stumble across. If you want to get the best deal (because remember, you’re still getting money for your car), you should spend some time learning how to junk a car properly. Follow these tips to get started.
1. Find a Local Company
The first thing you have to do is find a few junk car companies in your area. Then take a look at their website, read reviews on third-party sites (such as Yelp), and make sure they have the proper licensing and insurance.
Don’t be afraid to call a few companies to ask about their background and experience. They should be willing and able to provide you with this information.
To help you narrow your choices down to one final pick, make sure you compare a few different quotes. This will ensure you are getting the most money for your vehicle.
2. Get Your Car Ready
Go through your car and make sure you remove all of your personal items. If you forget something in the car, there’s no getting it back later.
You may also want to take out any parts you think are valuable. For example, you can use the parts for other cars or sell them separately to make a bit of extra cash.
3. Gather All the Necessary Paperwork
Make sure you have all the documentation for your car on hand. When you sell your car to the junk company, it will go a lot faster and easier with this paperwork.
If you don’t have it, that’s okay. You can still sell the car without it, but it might be a bit more difficult.
4. Get Your Money
Now you’re ready to hand over your car and take the money in return. The company might come and pick it up for you, but you might have to tow it to their location. Make sure you ask the company in advance so you know what to do when the day of the sale arrives.
My Car Is Junk: Why Junking It Is the Best Way to Get Rid of It
If you’ve ever thought, “My car is junk,” the best way to get it off your hands is probably to send it off to a junkyard. This will save you the hassle of trying to find a seller, and it will likely make you end up with more money in your pocket.
Want to learn some other helpful tips for car owners?
We’ve got you covered! Don’t hesitate to find the advice you need in the rest of our blog!
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