Just because your old car is ready for the junkyard doesn’t mean it has no value. Understanding how to get the most for a junk car can put precious extra cash in your pocket. Here’s what to think about before having a car hauled away.

Why Sell a Junk Car?

1. Is It Really Junk?

Before deciding to sell a beater for scrap or salvage, do a little research to determine if it’s a smart move. If the cost of having your car repaired and restored to safe operating condition is more than its resale value, relegating your car to the junk pile is probably the right tack to take.

2. Who’s the Right Buyer?

When you’re ready to sell your junker, find a buyer who understands its worth, pays out fairly, and can handle removal if necessary.

Although private buyers seeking scrap or parts for restoration projects may fit the bill, you’re more likely to get a fair deal and helpful service from professionals specializing in paying cash for junk cars. Go online to find reputable local buyers with the resources to tow.

3. What’s a Fair Deal?

Once you connect with a trusted buyer, several factors impact how much they’ll pay. Professional buyers usually purchase a car for the value of its metal. Steel, aluminum, and copper are highly sought by scrap dealers. On average, cars contain around a ton of steel (900 kg). Aluminum is the next most abundant metal, weighing in at around 300 pounds. Smaller amounts of copper, palladium, and platinum are also recoverable.

The quantity and market demand for these metals determine how much you can get for your junker. Larger cars have more reclaimable metal and more relative value. Also, metal values change yearly, so offers may also change over time. If you sell to a parts reseller, you may get more or less for parts based on condition and market demand.

Ready to part with your old car? The trusted local buyers at Cash for Junkers in Ham Lake, MN, take the hassle and uncertainty out of getting the most for your junk car—even if you don’t have the title paperwork. Plus, they’ll come to you and remove your vehicle when you accept an offer. Call (763) 218-3149 to request an estimate, and review their junk car FAQ by visiting them online.