Keeping your car in good running condition will always cost you money. But if auto repairs are becoming extensive and start running into the thousands of dollars, you may want to consider disposing of your car while you can. The decision between selling it as a junk car or a good, secondhand vehicle depends on several factors, so choose the one that will leave you with the most cash in your pocket. Below are a few key points to consider.

What You Should Consider

Most people think that an old, beat-up vehicle is better off as a junk car. Before selling yours to a scrapyard, here’s what you have to assess.

Body Condition 

Look closely at your vehicle—is it looking worse for wear? Pay attention to cosmetic damage such as dents, scratches, discoloration, or dull finishes that may reduce your car’s resale value. These minor cosmetic issues can be remedied if you’re willing to invest some money in hopes of a good return, but if rusting and corrosion are already present, it’s probably too costly to be worth fixing.

Repair Costs

Have a mechanic evaluate the extent of repairs and estimate costs. Severe issues like a bad engine, failed transmission system, and damaged body frame will set you back thousands of dollars to get your car back up and running. Pay attention to red flags like warning lights, sudden jerking, knocking or grinding sounds, and unusual smells, which indicate that your vehicle might not be safe to drive.  

Current Worth

Consult with an expert regarding the estimated value of your car, then check similar listings of what it would be worth if it were in excellent running condition and acceptable appearance. Bear in mind that this ballpark figure drops with the number and significance of repairs.

How to Decide Between the Two

When deciding, be sure to do the math. Weigh the costs of each alternative to find the one that’s most beneficial to you. For instance, a car that is worth $4,000 but requires $2,500 repairs to make it road-worthy will only net you $1,500 after selling it. Compare this to how much you’ll get if you choose to sell it as a junk car or on an as-is basis instead. Remember that you’ll still get something for some auto parts in good working condition.

If you decide to junk your car instead of having it fixed, take it to T&S Automotive, a trusted scrapyard in Thomasville, NC. Since 2000, the company has offered the best rates for junk cars and scrap metal from customers in and around Davidson County. There’s also an impressive inventory of used auto parts—from batteries to catalytic converters. Call (336) 882-7989 today or visit them online to find out more about their business.