Owning a car is one of the most convenient necessities of modern life. But after piling on hundreds of thousands of miles they start to get worn out and eventually become unserviceable. In case you’re not able to sell the car anymore because of its dire condition, the only remaining option is to look for a junk car buyer to take it off your hands.
Of course, how long a car lasts also depends on serviceability and reliability. Most dealerships stock a used Toyota Corolla, or some other Japanese cars more than anything else thanks to their reliable nature. However, all cars will eventually reach the end of the line, and there are certain factors to consider before you finally junk your car.
When to junk your car
How long a car lasts generally depends on how well it’s maintained. If the proper maintenance schedule is followed, almost all models can easily last more than a decade and easily do over a hundred thousand miles. Generally, Japanese cars last the longest and hold the most value, than more complicated luxury models. If your garage visits have become more frequent and expensive, it might be time to consider a replacement.
If the repair costs exceed the current value of the car, it’s time to sell it off or junk it. Even in its junk condition, the car may be worth more than you think depending on the condition. Even if the car runs or not, if it starts burning a hole in your pocket, the next step is to sell it off or junk it and buy the next one.
As a general rule, if the car crosses the 300,000-mile mark with several accidents under its belt, junking it might be the only option.
Evaluating your car
Once you’ve decided to junk your car, the next step is to evaluate it. Although the price varies slightly depending on the model, most dealers will only offer a baseline value if the car is in undrivable or salvage condition.
Several parts can be salvaged and sold to recuperate some costs. As expected, if the engine is still in running condition, the car is drivable, the value will rise substantially.
Even salvage title cars will fetch a good price if most of the parts are functional and the car is drivable.
The rate also changes depending on how functional the car is. Parts like good body panels, interior trims, working air conditioning, and more will alter prices accordingly.
Comparing dealer rates
Once you figure out the value of your car, the next step is to compare dealer prices. Ask around at different places, as some offer better prices than others. Most dealers will evaluate the car just with the VIN but a thorough inspection is required before zeroing in on a dealer.
If one of the dealers specializes in a certain type of car, considering them might boost the value even further. Also, check as many places as you can in your region to compare rates.
Calculating towing and other costs
Junking a car might not be as simple as you think. There are several processes involved, the chief of which is transportation. If the dealer is located far away, you’ll have to bear the transportation charges which can add up easily. To avoid this, it is recommended to go with a dealer closest to your location.
If the car is drivable, all of this can be avoided. But most junk cars are badly worn and might be in salvage condition. Several junk dealers offer towing services within their limits, charging more the farther away you are. So, before you go any further, inquire about towing charges and check if it’s worth it.
Towing charges and additional costs should be negotiated before finalizing the price.
Dealer credentials
Some junk dealers are better than others. If you want to sell non running car, there are several experienced and professional companies out there that strive for easy deals with the best prices. But on the off chance that you don’t have access to any of them, start by checking out the websites of the dealers near your location. Most dealers will detail the processes involved online and even quote prices depending on the model. Reading a lot of online reviews will also give you a fair idea of the dealer’s practices.
If the website looks professional and offers plenty of information, contact the dealer for available deals.
Since junking cars is a fairly common process, ask around in your family and friend circles to find out any dealers they recommend.
An advantage of going with a reputed and professional business is the transparency on offer. Most reputed companies explain the whole process and try to give you the best deal possible, making sure it’s fair to both parties.
If you’re selling the car in a hurry, avoid shady dealers who don’t explain the process. Most dealers also carry a license to buy cars and should be thoroughly checked online to verify if it’s still valid. A lot of scams are prevalent nowadays, so do thorough negotiations to avoid any future complications.
Most dealers will also specify what they do with the junked car. Recycling is the main process to salvage most of the parts and help reduce material waste. A lot of the parts might be stripped and rebuilt in some cases.
Payment and paperwork
Before you finalize the deal, check the mode of payment. When dealing with junk cars, most dealers offer cash over everything else for a simple and quick exchange. If you prefer cheques, make sure you concur with the dealer during negotiations.
Another factor to look out for is paperwork. Make sure the transfer of ownership is done properly before giving the car away to avoid any liabilities in the future. Most professional companies are cut and dry with their processes and won’t cause any issues. However, when dealing with a lesser-known dealer, make sure all the processes are done completely and the vehicle is transferred to the new buyer.
Most reputed dealers will give you all the information about the required documents and prerequisites before starting the whole process including any towing or hidden costs to avoid any confusion.
If you consider all these factors and take your time during the whole process, you can junk your car and move on to the next with no issues. Just make sure you choose a professional and reputed dealer.