At some point, every car owner must decide how to get rid of an aging vehicle. In some situations, keeping the car intact and selling it to a new owner is the easiest and most profitable situation. But in other cases, it may be more advantageous to sell the vehicle to a salvage yard, where it will be disassembled for the use of its auto parts. If you’re ready to retire a car, here are a few ways you can tell if “parting it out” is the best option.

Should You Sell a Junk Car Whole or Part It Out?

Functionality

If the vehicle is totaled or needs significant repairs that will cost close to the overall value, selling it for parts is usually the best way to recoup your investment. However, if the car is in good condition and only requires a few moderate touchups—such as minor body or engine work—having it fixed then selling it whole may be the simplest solution.

Comparative Value

Figure out how much the car is worth in its current condition—such as by looking up its Blue Book® value or getting estimates from salvage yards. The latter offer will be based upon what the expected return will be for your vehicle’s auto parts. Compare the two results and choose which solution will give you the best return.

A final option is to determine the profit you’d get by disassembling the car and selling the parts yourself. Because this requires a lot of know-how, time, and storage space, most people prefer not to take this route.

With extensive knowledge of vehicles, advanced disassembly tools, and a built-in customer base, a local salvage yard will be able to quickly process your car—and still provide a fair value that puts cash in your pocket.

When you’re ready to turn a used car into cash, Al’s Auto Salvage Yard & Sales is here to help. Serving St. Louis, MO, for five decades, this experienced team is known for providing fair offers and comprehensive assistance with the salvage process. If you’re trying to restore an old vehicle, these specialists can introduce you to an expansive inventory of aftermarket car parts for numerous foreign and domestic models. Visit this dealer online to learn more about their available selection and 30-day standard warranty. For questions about auto salvage, call (314) 382-6112.