If your car is rusted and broken up, or you’re just looking for a quick cash grab, scrapping it is a great option. However, before you head to your local junkyard, it’s important to know what to expect and how to get the best deal possible.
If you have a car that’s worth less than its parts, it may be better to sell the vehicle rather than scrap it. This is because you can get a higher sum of money by selling the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, and other key vehicle components. It’s also easier for you to negotiate a better price when you can offer the car’s parts instead of it being a whole thing that is not worth much.
Before you scrap your car, it’s important to check its current Blue Book value. This is an easy and free way to determine its current market value. You can do this online at the Blue Book website.
Even though the Blue Book is an excellent reference, your car’s actual value will be affected by its condition, repairs needed, and any other factors. This will help you decide whether to sell it for repair or scrap it and put the extra cash toward a new car.
In addition, you should ensure that you have the proper titles for the vehicle before you hand it over to a junkyard or someone else. This will establish legal ownership and make it easier to find a buyer for the car.
Another way to boost your car’s value is to remove any dangerous parts, such as airbags or tailgates. These are in high demand and can fetch a pretty penny, so be sure to remove them before you head to the scrapyard.
Other valuable components that can fetch a good amount of money include the tires, rims, and wheels. You can often get over $100 for each one if they’re in good shape.
Copper is another material that’s worth a lot of money, especially when it’s used to wire harnesses and old electrical wiring. The copper that’s in your vehicle might be worth more than you think, so be sure to keep it out of the trash and sell it to a recycler for metal.
Be aware that scrappers aren’t interested in organic materials like wood, so it’s a good idea to take them out of the car before you give it away to the scrap yard. This will protect you and the environment from any harmful chemicals that might be released when they dispose of your car.
Aside from this, there are many other components that you can salvage or resell when you scrap your car. Some examples are air bags, tailgates, rims and wheels.
Before you scrap your car, be sure to remove all the personal items that you have inside of it. This will make the process smoother and less likely to get you in trouble with the law.
Finally, be sure to take your car’s VIN number with you to the scrapyard. This will prevent you from being turned down for the car’s scrap value.