Whether your car is unsafe to drive, requires extensive and expensive repairs, or is damaged by a disaster, you may be considering junking it. However, junking a vehicle can be daunting due to numerous half-truths and misconceptions in the market. Learn eight common myths about junking your car and the truths behind them so you can junk your car confidently and get top dollar for it.
Junk Cars are Valueless
Junk cars are invaluable for junkyards, and that’s why they are in business. While the amount you get for your junk vehicle depends on several factors, including condition and model, reputable junkyards offer the most competitive prices possible. The junk car can be stripped of parts and sold as spare parts to other car owners or its essential metals recycled.
Junking a Car Is Complex
The process of junking your car is straightforward. It is much easier than selling a vehicle — think about advertising, viewing the car, confirming ownership, getting offers, and undergoing inspection and transfer. In the current digital age, you can sell your junk car online. Give the car’s details, get an offer, and arrange for pickup and payment.
Only Certain Cars can Be Junked
The acceptable vehicles vary from one junkyard to another. While some yards take specific makes and models, others accept all cars regardless of the type and make, from SUVs to vans and pickups. However, you should consult a junkyard in advance about the type of vehicle you intend to junk before scheduling a pickup.
Junkyards Are Unsafe
Contrary to what many people believe, junkyards are safe and care about the welfare of customers at their premises. However, these yards have tons of automotive equipment and may contain hazardous materials like lead batteries and Freon, sharp objects, and heavy metals. Therefore, you should gear up when visiting a junkyard –wear gloves, a mask, helmet, and steel toe boots for safety reasons.
No Title, No Sale
In the past, this was no myth but a reality. You could only sell your vehicle to a junkyard if you have the title. Nevertheless, nowadays, you can junk your car without a title as long as you prove you are the vehicle’s legal owner. Some junkyards allow sellers to sign an affidavit affirming they are the legal owners and offer corresponding evidence like insurance.
Towing Fees Are Exorbitant
Some people fear to sell their vehicles, especially the undrivable ones, due to fear of high towing costs. You may be worried that towing will take up a substantial part of the money you get for the car. Luckily, junkyards understand these concerns, and most offer free towing from the vehicle location to their yard to save you the hassle and associated costs.
Junkyards Only Take Drivable Vehicles
Contrary to this common myth, your car does not have to be working for you to junk it. In fact, most yards purchase and retrieve car components, such as seats, tires, bumpers, fenders, and wheels, not the whole vehicle. Therefore, even if your vehicle’s engine is not functional, a yard can still benefit from other valuable parts.
Only Full Vehicles Are Junked
It is not uncommon for people to remove some parts of a junk car for use or resell. For example, you may remove the battery of a junk car to use in another vehicle. While some junkyards only buy fully intact cars, you can still junk a vehicle with some missing parts. The secret is to communicate about the missing parts upfront, so you get an accurate quote.
Contact City Auto Wreckers for junk car services. We offer cash for both working and non-working vehicles and tow them free to save you the fuss and stress. We also sell top-notch used auto parts for almost any vehicle make and model. Our team of experienced, friendly, and passionate staff is always ready to serve you.