Things to do before you scrap your car
When it comes to a junk car it can be very challenging. However, it is important to remember that every car has some value. It may not be worth much, but there are a few things you can do before you dispose of your car.
While junk cars may not be as valuable as operable cars, the parts are often valuable. This can be a fantastic way to make money if you have time to disassemble your car and sell the parts.
Sell any loose piece for money
I learned about selling a used car that can make more money if it runs well. After all, the easier it is for people to remove parts from your car, the more they will pay.
So before you scrap your car, call your local mechanics and see if anyone wants to buy the parts. For example, call a tire store and ask if they will buy your tires or install them for you.
Test Drive
Now that your car is in tip-top condition, take it to the stable one last time and test its features. This includes lights, radio, windows, and any other features you’ve added over the years.
Once again, this extra effort will net you more money when you sell your scrap!
10 things to do before you junk your car
Remove valuable items from inside the car
Before we scrapped my dad’s old truck, we removed valuable items, like his hunting rifles, from the vehicle so they wouldn’t be stolen during the sale process.
This includes any tools, CDs, or even loose change. I’d also be on the lookout for any documents that might be inside the car.
Clean the car
After giving your car a good scrubbing and detailing the interior and exterior, be sure to wipe it down one more time with a damp rag to remove all soapy residue. If there is dirt on the outside of your vehicle, this will make it much easier for people to see when they come to take a look at your junk.
Use WD40 to clean door hinges
You can prevent potential buyers from letting your car through because the doors are difficult to open by spraying a bit of WD40 between the locking mechanism and the actual latch.
If they open smoothly, it will be easier for people to see if there is anything of value inside your car.
Clean the trunk and backseat
Every little bit counts when you’re trying to get rid of a junker. If someone opens your car and sees old junk and other debris, they might say “no thanks” right then and there!
So clean those areas well before reaching out to potential buyers.
Signs of a faulty water pump Leave some personal items behind in the glove box or under the seats
This step is an easy way to prove that your Skrotpræmie was occupied rather than abandoned in someone’s driveway.
So put down a few cheap items you currently own, like a tobacco pouch or even a book of stamps, before you find potential buyers.
Keep the old plates for reference
Although most junk cars no longer have license plates, if yours does, be sure to keep them with the car!
If you ever need to prove ownership in any way, show your state DMV office a photo of your license plate number and they can tell you where it was issued.
Research your options
Since most cars lose a significant amount of their value in the first few years, I’d recommend trying to sell your junk locally on Craigslist or even through a social media garage sale.
These types of vehicles can often sell for more money locally than if they were taken to an auction where you could lose money on the vehicle.
