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Making the decision that it’s time to ditch the clunker in your driveway for a safer, more reliable option is exciting, but it comes with a lot of steps. Before you begin the process of buying your new car, you’ll have to figure out what to do with the old one first.
You probably know trading it in won’t do much for you, and that finding a private buyer could be tricky or time-consuming. Your best bet is to find a reputable junkyard near you to sell your car to.
Get Ready to Sell
Before you sell your car, there are a few items and pieces of information you should have available, as well as the steps you should take to ready your vehicle. Your first step should always be to fully clear the car of any personal items. This may sound obvious, but remember to double-check areas like your glove compartment, center console, and seatback pockets.
Once your car is cleared out, you’ll want to get your documentation ready. The most important document for sale is your title, as it essentially gives you permission to sell the car and proper transfer ensures that it’s no longer your responsibility once it’s sold.
If you’ve lost your title, don’t worry! Contact your local DMV about the application to receive a copy. You’ll also want to gather any mechanic records at this time. If your car has any damage or has had any parts replaced, this information will help make sure your quote is accurate.
Your last step to get ready to sell is to photograph your car! Take clear, bright pictures from a variety of angles, and be sure to capture any damage that may influence your car’s value.
While you’re doing this, it’s likely a good time to record your car’s Vehicle Identification Number. This 17 digit number found looking through the driver’s side of your windshield is unique to your car and you’ll need to know it to sell.
At this time, you may also wish to do some research yourself to get an idea ahead of time what your car may be worth. Traditional tools like Kelley Blue Book don’t work the same for junk cars, so you’ll have to go another route. Try looking around auction websites at cars of the same make and model as yours with similar damage and see how much they’ve sold for.
Finding a Junkyard
Ideally, finding a buyer would be as easy as calling your local junkyards and accepting the highest quote you’re offered. Unfortunately, not all junkyards are the same.
Most drivers are simply not equipped to accurately assess their car’s value, and many are in a rush to get their junk car sold so they can move on. Some disreputable businesses choose to take advantage of this and attempt to deceive or scam their customers.
You can avoid many of these scams easily just by knowing what to look for when you shop for quotes. The first thing is to always remember your car has value! The “no value” quote followed by an offer to take your car off your hands as a favor is one of the oldest tricks in the book.
You should also be able to receive a quote over the phone — never bring your car to a junkyard for an inspection and quote! The cost of towing when you do sell should also always be covered by the junkyard and included in your quote.
Other common scams include the “bait and switch” where you’re offered one quote over the phone and given a different amount at sale time, “deferred” payment that never comes, and failure to properly transfer the title.
This last one may sound like an accidental oversight, but in reality, can be a very dangerous scam. Some junkyards will neglect to transfer your title, leaving you legally liable for your car. They can then charge you months later for storage fees, so never sell without seeing your title signed over.
Sell Online!
These scams can be intimidating, especially if shopping for quotes wasn’t your idea of a good time to begin with. Luckily, you can save the hassle by finding a salvage buyer online!
CarJunkYardsNearMe is a website that specializes in buying junk cars. That means no one knows better than us just how much your car is worth. We only work with certified and trusted buyers in your area, keeping you safe from scams.
To get your quote, simply upload pictures of your car and its VIN. In just 90 seconds, you’ll get a quote that’s guaranteed for a whole week! The amount we quote will always be the amount you receive.
Once you’ve accepted your quote, just schedule your pickup at a time and date most convenient for you. One of our professional tow drivers can come to you within 24-48 hours of you accepting your quote. That means you can have your car sold in just days!
When the driver arrives, you’ll hand over your keys, sign over your title, and accept payment. Congratulations! You sold your junk car safely and for the best possible price.
Get your quote with CarJunkYardsNearMe today!
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