Eventually, every car reaches the end of the road, so if you’re facing a huge repair bill, you might be wondering whether fixing your vehicle is worth it. It’s possible the parts and raw materials in your car are actually worth more than the vehicle itself, so it might be better to sell it to a salvage yard. Here’s a closer look at how to make this decision.

How to Decide Whether to Repair or Salvage a Vehicle

When Major Repairs Are Worthwhile

Engine rebuilds and other major repairs might be worth the cost if your car is newer or hasn’t given you many problems in the past. This is especially true if you’ve been in an accident that resulted in body damage but no real mechanical problems.

When It’s Time to Part Out Your Car

As a general rule, if the cost of repairs equals more than half the cost of your vehicle, it’s usually best to just retire your car. However, you should also consider your recent repair and maintenance bills. If your vehicle’s been spending more and more time in the shop, salvaging it may be the best option even if the current problem isn’t too serious.

Selling Parts Yourself vs. Using a Salvage Yard

If you’re good with tools and know how to sell things online, you might bring in more cash by disassembling the car and selling the parts yourself. However, once you factor in the time it takes to remove a part, clean it, and find a buyer, the project may not be worth it unless you have an especially rare or valuable car. 

Salvage yards are the easiest, most hassle-free way of parting out your car. Many will give you an instant quote for your vehicle and even come pick it up free of charge. This also allows you to get rid of the vehicle right away instead of slowly disassembling it over several weeks or months.

For almost 50 years, Al's Auto Salvage & Sales has been one of the most trusted and reliable salvage yards in the St. Louis, MO, area. If your vehicle has run its last mile, you can rely on their friendly staff to make selling it as easy and stress-free as possible. Visit their website to search their massive inventory of parts or call (314) 382-6112 to talk about selling your junk car today.