Do all Junkyards Buy Cars? How to Find the Best One to Get the Most Cash?

Are you looking for junkyards that buy cars? What makes a good one, and how do you find it in the first place? These are questions that many people have when considering to sell a junk car.

DO ALL JUNKYARDS BUY CARS?

If you want to sell your junk car, you need to remember that yes all junkyards buy cars. However, not every yard has the same buying and offering needs or prices. There are some differences between them in what they will pay for a given vehicle and how much money is available. But how do you find the best junkyard that fits your needs?

1. FIND OUT IF THE JUNKYARD HAS A WEBSITE

If a junkyard has a website, you can get a lot of helpful information before going there. What will they buy? Typically all cars and trucks, motorcycles, and boats are considered for cash purchase or towing away. However, special discounts may be offered on heavy equipment, appliances, and other items that need a crane to move them.

2. FIND OUT HOW MUCH THEY PAY/DONATE

If you want your car or parts donated, check with the company office before dropping off your vehicle. Some salvage yards are selling to recycling centers, and so they will not take your vehicle regardless of its condition. Also, some junkyards accept specific vehicle makes or models irrespective of their conditions, while others do not.

3. FIND OUT ABOUT THEIR DUMPSTER SERVICES

If you want them to tow away your car, then call ahead because there might be extra fees involved in this service or minimum prices (the yard cannot get your vehicle unless it is worth a certain amount). If you have good glass, doors, or other parts, then the yard will pay more for these.

4. FIND OUT WHAT THEY DO TO JUNK YOUR CAR

Most yards require metal to be separated from non-metal items before being sent off to recycling centers. The best-condition cars usually go straight to a crusher, but in some cases, when there is not enough room on-site, tow trucks take them elsewhere. Some scrap yards charge extra when your vehicle does not meet its standard of cleanliness. This can include having an engine with coolant inside, fluids under the hood, and oil in the transmission pan, among various things that make farming out your car harder for salvage yards.

5. FIND OUT IF THEY WILL PAY FOR YOUR CAR TITLE

If you need to get rid of your car and do not want the hassle of dealing with it later (for example, selling it in a private sale), then consider bringing it directly to a junkyard. You will only need the certificate of ownership (the title). Do not worry about having an outdated, legally binding document either because most yards require current information regardless of its age.

6. FIND OUT IF THEIR FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

Junk yards that buy cars near you have different ways of doing things depending on the company management/ownership, so call around before going there to find their price structure. If they do not give you a written quote, ask for one, even if it is over the phone. Some companies also accept trades, so inquire about this before showing up with your vehicle(s).

HOW TO GET THE MOST CASH FROM JUNKYARDS THAT BUY CARS?

1. FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR CAR

Some people bring in broken/non-running vehicles to junkyards thinking they will still get money when they do not know the value of their junk cars.

2. FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANYTHING VALUABLE INSIDE

If you want to make the most cash from your vehicle, then make sure it has all its doors, windows, and other parts intact before bringing it there. The yards are more likely to give you quotes on running vehicles without considering any damage or internal problems because they can recycle parts more easily. This also means that many junkyard owners will not buy specific makes/models without asking for additional fees beyond hauling costs because these models are rarely seen at their lots.

3. FIND OUT IF YOUR VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR THEIR TOWING PROGRAM

This is not always the case because some junkyards will only accept running/driving cars without any problems. This is okay for them because they can either sell it as salvage or recycle the parts easier than someone who brings in a wrecked car.

4. FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS THEY ACCEPT

Some junkyards only deal with local people, so their preferred payment method is by cash or check. This means that those without checks should go around town looking for ATMs as part of the process because these facilities charge fees to use them. Having an offer written down on paper first makes it easier for the company to answer questions there instead of waiting until later when someone brings up issues about their initial offer.

5. READ ALL PAPERWORK BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING

A reputable junkyard does not want you to sign any legal documents when you are in a rush or have been asked too many times, so they will give you some time to look over the paperwork in private before asking for your signature. If nothing is being done with your vehicle(s), then this process should not take more than 10-15 minutes at the most. Be prepared with all required information about your car, yourself, and payment method if mentioned in advance.

6. COMPARE PRICES WITH OTHER COMPANIES

If you do not mind having your car(s) sitting around for weeks, try calling a few junkyards first before going there because they may be willing to pay more depending on their current inventory. You can use this website as a reference for finding out how much cash or scrap metal you could get from selling your ride(s). They do not offer price estimates, but it does list what others have received in the past so make sure you keep track of those figures if they are not posted online.

There are times when selling your car online is the only way to get rid of that clunker or damaged vehicle sitting around in your driveway or garage. Sadly this transaction does not always go smoothly because you may be thinking about how much money you can get out of it without knowing any details about what is involved with getting cash for cars. The good news is there are people out there willing to help make these deals happen if you are ready to do a little leg work on your end. Just remember that some companies offer more than others, so try calling around first before driving over to have them quote an amount based on their current inventory. They will take most vehicles whether they run or not but ask them questions ahead of time just in case they need it to be towed or loaded by a flatbed.

Call or fill out the form below for your free quote

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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