Older cars ad trucks that are no longer running or don't have a lot of value can be challenging to dispose of. The market for older vehicles is limited, and if the vehicle is not running, the number of people looking for the car is often further reduced. However, there are some ways to get cash for unwanted cars, but you may need to think outside the box and look in less traditional places.
Car Buyers
Car buyers looking for older vehicles often post signs and information in areas around town with statements like "cash for cars" or "we buy junk cars" on them. Many of these buyers are legitimate businesses looking for vehicles they can repair then resell or disassemble and sell for scrap.
The car buyer will pay you cash for these vehicles, but the amount they offer can be minimal. The goal for many car buyers is to pay cash for cars with lower value and make more profit on their end. If your vehicle is not worth much, this can work out in your favor because you get it removed and make some money from the sale.
In large cities, many buyers are willing to pay cash for cars they can resell or scrap, so call around and get a few prices. You may find that some buyers are willing to pay more for the vehicle, and you can select the one that offers the best price.
Salvage Operators
Another common way to dispose of a car or truck that is not in good shape is to recycle it with an auto salvage yard that pays cash for junk cars so that they can remove parts from it. Auto salvage operations depend on the used parts they can remove from old cars and trucks to make money, so the more good auto parts on your vehicle, the more most yard operators are willing to pay.
If the vehicle is rare and there is still a call for the parts, that can further increase the price, but eventually, the salvage operator will not want to go any higher. The salvage yard needs to make money on the sale of the parts, and if they pay too much for the vehicle when buying it, it can be difficult for them to do that.
Operators that pay cash for junk cars may pick up the vehicle from your house with a tow truck, or they may only consider buying the car or truck if you tow it in. If you are paying for the towing, remember to account for that to determine if you will profit from the sale or if you want to check with other salvage or scrap yards to try and get a better price.
