7 Things to Know: Selling Junk Cars

Here at Barberton Junk Cars we seek to continuously provide information and news relating to auto recycling, auto scrap and the cash for cars market. Here we want to provide an overview of the 7 things to know when considering whether to sell a junk car. These relate specifically to the areas in which we serve as a junk car buyer including: Akron, Barberton, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, the Merriman Valley, Silver Lake, Monroe Falls, Stow, Norton, Wadsworth, Highland Square, Kenmore, Clinton, Canal Fulton, Green, Firestone Park, the Rolling Acres area, the Chapel Hill area, Ellet, the Portage Lakes, Mogadore, North Akron, Bath, Tallmadge and Fairlawn.

1. There are 2 categories: running cars or non-running cars. Any complete vehicle that can be test driven is considered a running vehicle. A car that either does not start or is unable to be driven is a scrap or junk car. As a buyer of several vehicles each week, it would be impossible to mechanically inspect and evaluate each car we buy; therefore, we assume the worst when a car does not run and the amount of cash you can receive is based as such.
2. You must have the title in your name to scrap a car. There are no exceptions under Ohio law. We receive call everyday asking if a junk car can be sold with the registration. The answer is no. A memorandum title is NOT a title that shows ownership, it is simply proof from the lender (who owns the car) that allows you to get registration and license plates for the vehicle. We are NOT able to simply come out and remove a car that is on your property unless you can prove you own it. The title is the only document that allows us to assume ownership of the car, truck, van or SUV.
3. Don’t expect to sell your junk car to recoup the cost of recently installed new components. We get calls all day stating “The car doesn’t run but it has a brand new alternator, starter and the tires are only 3 months old”. Unfortunately, the car is still non-running in our eyes. (see #1 above)
4. There is a point where repairing an old car is no longer worth it. You may find yourself with (for example) a 2000 Ford Taurus that needs a new transmission. The cost for this repair is likely $1,500-$2,000 and the car is now 15 years old and if it were running could be sold for $2,000 at best. In this scenario, you are likely better off scrapping the car and seeking something newer, as a 15 year old car is going to need costly repairs every other month or so.
   
5. Try selling the components of the car yourself instead of scrapping it. If you have a place to store the vehicle and can post ads to sell the components of your car, you will likely make much more versus selling the car for scrap. One example is if you have body components that are in good condition. One example is that the vehicle’s front clip or hood is appealing to someone that needs one if the paint finish is the one that they need. The buyer then only needs to pay labor cost rather than buying the part and then paying to have it painted to match.
6. If your car is wrecked and impounded, it may not be worth releasing it. If you have an older car that is involved in a major wreck and you do not have collision insurance to cover the repair cost, it may not be worth paying the impound storage and towing fees to scrap the car. We encounter this scenario quite a bit where after 3 days or so the owner is facing $300 in impound fees and if the junk car quote you receive from a scrap car hauler is equal to or less than this, you are usually better off signing the title over to the impound lot and moving on.
7. There are significant price changes from month to month in auto scrap and recycling. As with any market, prices can fluctuate from 10-40% at any given time. It varies according to a number of factors including the number of scrap cars currently in the market, the volatile metal prices and according to the area you live in. If the car is located in a more rural or remote location the junk car buyer may pay less for this car since the travel time needed and added fuel costs make it less appealing.

Barberton Junk Cars pays cash for cars throughout Summit County. For a junk car quote, simply call our junk car buyer at (330) 732-JUNK. We are available 7 days a week to provide pricing and typically pick up cars Monday through Saturday.