There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of your car, and one of them is because you no longer want it in your driveway anymore! It’s time to trade in that gas-guzzling behemoth for something more fuel-efficient, but what do you do with the old one? Find out how you can dispose of your old vehicle responsibly by reading this article!
How do I know if my car is a junker?
If your car is older t 15 years, then it may be considered to be a junker. Other indicators include the following:
- The tires are bald or patched.
- There’s rust on the body.
- The engine is above 250,000 miles.
- It needs more than $1,000 in repairs to start up.
- The transmission is slipping or bucking.
If your car fits one of these categories, then you may want to consider selling it for scrap. In some cases, you can still get a good price. In addition to selling the car for scrap metal, many junkyards also buy used parts from your old car. So if there are certain components that you don’t want anymore (broken cd players, an engine with a blown head gasket), then it may be worth your while to take them off and sell them to the junkyard.
How do I sell my junker?
The first step is to make sure that the old vehicle is not going to be used anymore. If it’s a newer vehicle, then you might want to consider taking out any valuable components that you can sell and then selling them for scrap metal. The next step is to go into the junkyard at the time they’re buying their goods and see what they’re paying for your car. They will buy different things, so if you’re only interested in the money, then it may be worth your while to sell them all of your parts and pieces. It may even be cheaper than having them towed away and paying a mechanic!
However, if you’re only interested in getting rid of the vehicle then it may be better to have them tow away the whole thing. If your junker is older than 25 years old, then they might not want any parts from it at all!
If you decide to sell your car for scrap metal, don’t feel bad about it. Your car is just one piece of steel that will be melted down and turned into something new. Plus, it’s good for the environment since you’re keeping all those old parts out of a landfill!
Tips for Making the Best Decision When Trading in a Vehicle
When you’re in the process of trading in your car, it might seem like a difficult decision. You may be grappling with whether to trade up to a newer model or trade down to something cheaper. However, there are some things that you can do to help make the decision.
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Determine the vehicle’s value
If you have your mindset on trading in your car, then the first thing you want to figure out is how much it’s worth. Trade-in standards are different for different cars, so one way you can get an idea of what it’s worth is by visiting websites dedicated to this or even contacting a dealer directly. You can also use Kelley Blue Book to find out more information about what your old car is worth.
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Consider the value of trading plus cash
For some cars, you can get a better deal by trading and then adding on top of that the amount that they give you for your trade-in. So let’s say you have an old car worth $5,000 but would rather replace it with a newer model, so you trade it in. Then you go out and buy a new car for $20,000. If the dealership is offering $7,000 for your trade-in car, then you would be better off by trading it in and getting that full amount!
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Consider what you’re saving on gas
If one of the main reasons why you’re replacing your old car is because you want a more fuel efficient one, then this should be a major part of the decision. Calculate how much you spend on gas per month and consider that amount when looking at different models.
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Look for warranties
When trading in your car, make sure the dealership not only gives you an amount for your trade-in but also includes any warranties. That way you know that the car you get has at least some warranty protection on it.
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If you’re trading down, get information about local dealer incentives
Some brands offer great deals on their new cars if you buy them from a specific dealer or have a vehicle to trade-in. Look at the incentives and rebates offered by different dealerships, which can really help to bring down your costs!
Nine Suggestions on How You Can Make Disposing of an Old Vehicle More Responsible
1. Determine the value of your vehicle
2. Consider the value of trading plus cash
3. Consider what you’re saving on gas
4. Look for warranties
5. If trading down, get information about local dealer incentives
6. What will happen to your car? (e.g., trade-in, sell for scrap metal, donate)
7. Delay getting a new car if possible
8. Offer or ask for a variety of prices before selling or donating vehicle; make sure to take into consideration how much you will need to spend to donate/replace your old vehicle (e.g., cost of replacing battery and other required maintenance)
9. Reduce the number of miles you drive your car to save energy
Other Alternatives to Disposing of Your Old Vehicle
When it comes to disposing of your old car, you have a few options. You can trade in your car with the dealer, sell it for scrap metal, donate it to charity, or keep it until something else happens to it.
- Trade in Your Old Car
One way you can dispose of your old car is by trading in your current vehicle while buying a new one. This option is good if you are worried about having enough money to replace your old car after trading it in because the dealership will usually give you more money on top of what they give for the trade-in. One thing that you want to think about when trading in your car is whether or not the dealership offers warranties with the deal on a new car. If they do, then you can feel more confident in buying since you will have some amount of coverage on the vehicle.
- Sell Your Car for Scrap Metal
If you are planning to sell your car for scrap metal, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, be sure to take pictures of your car. If you want to sell it for scrap metal, then you will need to have documentation on the condition of the vehicle before you send it off. Then find out how much your car is worth per pound by looking online or asking a mechanic friend. This way, when someone contacts you interested in buying your old car, you can quote them a price.
- Donate Your Vehicle or Sell It for Cash
Another option that you have is to donate your vehicle to charity, which may be one of the best options if you are trying to get rid of an older car with high mileage. This is also good because it gets more use out of the car than simply junking it.
- Keep Your Current Car until Something Else Happens
If you have a newer car that is in good condition, then you can just keep it in your driveway until something happens to it. While this may not be the greenest option, it is one way of doing things if you do not currently have enough money for a new car.
Get cash for junk cars easily
If you’re looking for an easy way to dispose of your old car, then there are a few options that may work best. To learn more about how to junk your car responsibly and save money on the new one, be sure to read our article.
Give us a call and we’ll get you great cash offer. It’s time to rid yourself of that unwanted vehicle and get money towards and downpayment on a new car!
