If You’re Selling a Junk Car — Make Them Pick it Up with Cash in Hand

People sell their cars all the time. But what you may not know is that some buyers will come to your home and inspect the vehicle before they purchase it. If there are any problems, they can leave without going through the complicated process of shipping the car back. One way to increase your chances of selling a junk car quickly with cash in hand is by making them pick it up themselves. This is what we do at Pull-A-Part. We tow the junk cars that we buy, for free. We are your easiest and most reliable choice to pick up cars for cash.

If you wan to sell a junk car, then there are some things that you need to know. First off, the customer picks up cars for cash on their new purchase. If someone offers you money for your old vehicle on the spot, it's best to take it. Don’t ever walk away from a deal you feel good about. And if they want it, and don’t want you to sell it to someone else, make them pay then and there, and give them a receipt. Then they can come get it. Here are some points to consider when it comes to selling your junk car and who will actually pick up cars for cash.

1. BE HONEST AND DIRECT

One of the surest ways to sell your car for scrap is to let people you don't know to inspect it. If they even suspect that there are problems with the car, they can leave without buying it. You won't get anything at all. However, if you make them pick it up themselves and see the car's actual condition, you significantly increase your chances of selling it.

2. POST WHERE YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR CAR ON CRAIGSLIST

You will need to post an ad that states the year, makes, and model of your junk car. It is best if there are pictures included in your ad as well. For instance, you might want to have one of yourself next to the car, so they can see what kind of shape it's in. List the car for free, and be sure to include your contact information. Make sure anyone that wants to buy your car via Craigslist has cash in hand when they want to buy it from you. 

3. GET RID OF JUNK CARS FOR CASH

Another way to sell a junk car quickly with cash is by dealing with reputable buyers. A company that purchases cars should have an excellent reputation and gives good deals on used cars. These companies offer money for old, broken-down cars that have been sitting in your garage. If you have an old car just taking up space, you can sell it for cash and get something out of it.

4. DO THE SELLING YOURSELF

If a potential buyer wants to inspect a car, there is a problem right away. They will likely want free repairs from you after they buy the junk vehicle from you. Make sure to do all negotiations without allowing someone else to intervene. If they say something along the lines of "the company won't purchase any cars which haven't been inspected," tell them they can inspect it before they buy your car for cash.

5. MEET IN A PUBLIC LOCATION FOR YOUR SAFETY

Even if you have called or emailed a potential buyer in advance, meeting them in a public place is still a good idea. They will be able to see your car and leave with it right away if they're interested. If someone seems hesitant, say no thanks and move on to the next offer.

6. MAKE SURE YOU’RE AT HOME WHEN THEY COME BY TO CHECK OUT YOUR CAR

You'll want to make sure you accept offers on your junk car during the hours that you will be home. It's best to meet new buyers in a public place, such as a parking lot or a nearby restaurant. Make sure you call the buyer ahead of time and tell them what type of car they will be purchasing and when to expect your home. Remember that it is dangerous to meet with strangers alone.

7. NO GAMES

People who offer money for junk cars should provide you with a free, no-obligation quote, like we do at Pull-A-Part. It is likely a scam if they ask you questions about the vehicle or try to get you to purchase their product before giving you an offer. Don't deal with these people even if they are persistent. A reputable buyer will provide you with an upfront price.

8. MAKE SURE THEY ARE LEGIT

If someone offers to pay for your car in advance or with a large amount of cash, it doesn't mean that they are legit. Many scammers would like nothing more than to take your money and leave with their car. Always make sure that the buyer has a license and is willing to provide some identification before giving them your keys.

9. GET THE PAYMENT IN CASH

Selling your junk car overnight can be difficult if you don’t use a company like Pull-A-Part. However, some companies act like they want to buy cars only to leave without making any money. They may look for problems while inspecting, use strange gimmicks, etc. It's best to go for dealers who pay cash for junk. Dealing with them is the fastest way to sell a junk car yourself.

If you're selling your car, you should do some research on the internet about reputable licensed buyers in your area who can pay cash or offer immediate online quotes for old cars before wasting time advertising it on Craigslist or other classified websites.

It is possible to sell your junk car in person. However, there are a few things you need to be careful of if you want to complete a transaction safely and securely. Ensure the buyer has a license and some identification before letting them access your vehicle. Suppose you're selling a junk or scrap vehicle to an unlicensed company or individual. In that case, this is riskier than selling it to someone who has their own business and license because in case there were problems with how they paid you or about the car itself, you wouldn't be able to file any claim. Just imagine all the trouble and time involved. Also, make sure they have enough money on hand to pay you in full before allowing them to take your car. If they seem hesitant, that doesn't mean they aren't legitimate. It could just be a sign that the buyer would like to inspect the vehicle another day or in another location.

Your easiest and most reliable option is Pull-A-Part — and we pick up cars for cash. We are a real company, with real junkyards. We give you the market value for your junk car, and will pick up your cars for cash — with a no hassle free tow! The price we give you online or over the phone is the cash we pay you for your junk car.

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Is this car complete?

For a car to be complete, the following criteria must be met:

  • No major mechanical components are missing, including the catalytic converter, engine or transmission
  • All wheels are included
  • All major body parts are intact, including all doors, hood and trunk