Have an Old, Beat-Up Car? Scrap It or Sell It?

Is there an old, beat-up car in your life? If so, it’s probably time to let it go. But how do you do that? Sell it for scrap? Used car dealer? Sell it yourself?

A beat up car can be a burden, but it doesn’t have to be. The only decision you have to make is about what’s worth more to you — money or convenience?

It’s true; there are several options for getting rid of a junk car. You could sell it privately, sell it to a dealer, sell it to a junkyard, or scrap it yourself. The more convenient options will net you less profit, but save you time. The less convenient options provide a better return on the investment, but can be stressful. 

To figure out the best way to get rid of your junk car, check out the guide below. 

How to Dump a Beat Up Car

The average age of any car on the road today is 11.8 years. And that’s the average — that means a good amount of cars are even older. Americans like to drive their cars until the wheels fall off, which is a better return on their investment. However, it can be harder to sell that beat up car when the time comes. 

Consider one of these options below.

Junk It Yourself

The DIY junk car owners are likely thinking, “I can junk my car myself!” If you have the time and mechanical knowledge, parting out the car yourself is an option that will net more profit. 

Not only does it take trade knowledge and hours of physical labor to remove valuable parts, but you have to know where to sell the parts. Additionally, websites often charge a fee to use their marketplace services. 

Sell It Yourself

If your car is still drivable, selling it privately is another option. Unfortunately, this option also requires time and can become stressful. 

To sell your car, you’ll need to regularly post about it on various digital marketplaces. Then, you’ll need to dedicate time to meet potential buyers who may end up wasting your time. However, if you have time to waste, this could be a viable option.

Use a Dealer

If the car is still drivable, but you don’t have the time or energy to spend selling it yourself, take it to a dealer. You likely won’t get as much money as a private sale, but it’s much more convenient. 

Contact a Junkyard

Finally, if the car is not drivable and you don’t have the time or knowledge to part it out yourself, contact a junkyard. They may only offer you a few hundred dollars, but it’s better than nothing. Don’t forget to keep your plates and cancel your insurance.

Making a Decision

Regardless of how you choose to dump your beat up car, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Even if it’s going to the junkyard, you don’t want to leave and identifiable information or data behind. Dispose of the car the right way to protect you legally and financially. 

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