The average car owner keeps their vehicle around seven years, but the average road-worthy vehicle in America actually has a lifespan of approximately 12 years. Considering there are over 272 million cars in the U.S, plenty of those are older vehicles. So don’t feel bad if your “baby” is moaning and groaning from point A to B. You’re definitely not alone. But at some point, you will need to consider putting your workhorse down and opting for a safer and more consistent mode of transportation. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze every last dime out of old Betsy and get cash for your junk car. Here are some tips for getting top dollar before signing her away.
Determine the Value of Your Vehicle
Knowing what your vehicle is actually worth in its current condition will help avoid expensive selling mistakes, especially if you intend to sell it privately. Always check Kelley Blue Book to confirm the value of your entire vehicle and its parts prior to selling to another buyer. That will also help you avoid common scams and underpriced offers in the event your vehicle is in relatively decent shape or worth something to a collector.
Decide Whether to Sell it As Is or For Parts
Auto Recycling is one of the largest industries in America, and nearly 90% of a vehicle can be recycled. Of course, that doesn’t mean it should be. Determine the value of your vehicle and its parts to decide whether it’s best for your budget and needs to sell the vehicle as-is, sell it piece-by-piece, or recycle it altogether and be done with it. A little research and effort upfront can save you loads of time, money, and stress in the long run.
Consider Reclaiming or Selling Components to Private Buyers
The older a vehicle is or the higher its mileage, the more the repairs tend to cost. Eventually, it’s just easier and more financially responsible to get rid of it. But you can still potentially squeeze some extra cash out of your car even if it’s an eyesore and barely runs. Just because you need a new engine or transmission doesn’t mean your alternator, battery, or water pump don’t have plenty of life left. OEM parts are especially hard to find for older cars, and private buyers are willing to pay what they’re worth. So be sure to reclaim the strong components prior to ditching the clunker. Don’t forget your GPS, stereo, mats, and airbags if they’re in good shape too. You can always sell or reuse them in another vehicle.
Call Michigan’s #1 Junk Car Buyer for Easy Cash
You can always just skip all the trouble and give Michigan’s #1 Junk Car Buyer a call. We’ll give you an estimate for your vehicle upfront based on the reported condition of your vehicle. Can’t drive it in? No worries. Free towing is included. Just make sure all your valuables and anything you want to reclaim or resell is out of the car before pick up. And have the title in your name ready to hand over to get cash for your junk car. It really is that easy.