If you have an old or broken-down car, you might think your only option is to let it collect dust in your garage or pay for an expensive wrecker service to haul it away.
But did you know that there are companies that will buy your junk car from you? Even if it’s a damaged car, they’ll often tow it away for free and pay you cash on the spot!
Table of Contents
Quick Picks
Best Overall: CarBrain
Best for Damaged Cars: Wheelzy
Best for Newer Cars: Carvana
13 Best Places That Buy Junk Cars
1. CarBrain
Selling a damaged car can often feel like a huge chore, but CarBrain has made it a breeze. They can get you a fair offer for your junk car in under 90 seconds.
You just punch in a few details like the make, model, and the current state of your car, and voila, you get an instant quote!
If you accept the office, CarBrain rolls out the next pleasant surprise – a free junk car removal service.
A friendly tow truck driver will swing by, pick up the old beast, and hand over the cash. Just like that, you’ve sold a junk car in no time flat!
CarBrain isn’t a scam! Take BusterMattingly from Reddit:
“I sold the car to them and got 1500 on a car with a blown engine and 160k miles on it. Tow company came the next day and had a check for me. No issues at all.”
Check out my CarBrain Review to find out more!
2. Wheelzy
Have a car gathering dust in your driveway? Wheelzy might just be the junk car buyers you’ve been searching for.
Wheelzy has streamlined the often-tedious process of selling a junk car, ensuring you get a fair deal without the usual headaches.
Their process is refreshingly simple. Start by entering your car’s details on their user-friendly website. Within moments, you’ll receive a competitive offer.
If it sounds good, they’ll arrange for a tow to swing by and collect your vehicle. The best part? You won’t be waiting long for your payment – expect cash in hand within just 24 hours.
3. Peddle
Got an old car that’s just taking up space? Peddle is here to help. This online platform is all about making the car-selling process a cinch.
Just fill out their short questionnaire about your vehicle, and you’ll get an offer quickly. If it sounds good to you, they’ll set up free pickup and get your money ready.
No more waiting around or dealing with complicated paperwork. Peddle has got you covered.
But it’s not just about speed. Peddle has built a reputation for trust and reliability. With a presence in every state, they’re always just around the corner.
4. SellMax
SellMax is here to make it a breeze to part with that junk car sitting in your driveway.
But it’s not just the simplicity that’s winning folks over. SellMax is all about transparency and fairness. They’re not picky about the car’s condition, whether brand new or barely running.
Just head to their site, punch in a few details about your ride, and an instant offer awaits you. If it sounds good, they’ll handle the rest.
They’ll come to you, pick up your car, and leave you with cash or a check. No hidden fees and no complicated steps. Just a straightforward, honest deal.
5. Vroom
Vroom might be your answer when you want to sell your junk car. While they’re known for buying used cars, they don’t shy away from some junk cars either.
Jump onto their site, fill out their online form with your vehicle’s details, and bam – you get an online quote.
Like what you see? Vroom will offer free towing, pick up your car, and you’ll get paid. No fuss, no muss.
With their fair prices and efficient system, Vroom is a contender when selling your old vehicle.
6. eBay Motors
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, eBay Motors allows people to sell junk cars through auctions or fixed-price listings.
Listing your car on eBay Motors exposes it to a large audience of potential buyers, increasing your chances of getting a fair price.
However, be prepared for listing fees and potential fraud risks. Nonetheless, eBay Motors remains a popular option for selling junk cars.
7. Carvana
While Carvana is best known for buying newer cars like the Nissan Sentra, they’re keen on used or beat-up vehicles in decent, running condition.
The process is straightforward: Visit their site, enter your vehicle’s details, and receive a fair market value offer quickly.
If the offer catches your eye, Carvana will handle the logistics. They’ll schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and ensure you get paid without any hitches.
8. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform where your junk car can find a new owner from your own neighborhood. You only need a free Facebook account to list your car for sale.
Snap a few photos, jot down the details, and set your asking price. Before you know it, your car is showcased to a vast local audience, all at the click of a button.
The local online hub lets you showcase your junk car with all its quirks and features. Just whip up a listing, add photos, jot down the details, and set your asking price.
While the platform offers a fantastic reach, you may not get top dollar as you might on specialized platforms that exclusively buy junk cars.
9. Copart
If you’re looking to sell a wrecked car, Copart is definitely worth considering.
Copart is a reputable online platform that specializes in selling wrecked cars. With a strong industry presence, Copart offers a variety of vehicles for auction, including junk cars.
By listing your car on their platform, you can reach a wide audience of potential buyers and receive a fair price for your junk car.
10. Craigslist
Ever thought of Craigslist when looking for places that buy junk cars? If not, it’s time to reconsider.
This classifieds platform is perfect for showcasing any vehicle, whether it’s barely chugging along or has clocked in countless miles.
While you might not snag top dollar as quickly as with dedicated junk car buyers, the direct nature of Craigslist lets you haggle and strike a deal that feels just right to sell junk cars.
Yes, it might take a bit more elbow grease than other online options, but the chance to make more money is definitely in the cards.
11. Local Junkyard
Is your junk car gathering dust in the backyard? Your local junkyard might be the solution. These spots are always on the hunt for junk cars and could be interested in your vehicle.
Drive or tow it in, chat about the details, and you could potentially leave with cash in hand!
While salvage yards offer a speedy way to sell junk cars, you might not pocket as much money as you’d hope for that junk vehicle.
Many junk car buyers sweeten the deal with free car removal, saving you the trouble and extra costs of transporting the vehicle.
12. Local Scrap Yards
A local scrap yard could also be a junk car buyer in your area.
More than just a final resting place, the scrap yard is like a vehicle recycling hub. They pay money for your scrap cars, valuing the auto parts and pieces of scrap metal.
While you might not get top dollar as you would for a pristine vehicle, they’ll offer as much money as they can for those valuable car parts.
Bring in your unwanted vehicle to the scrap yard. They’ll salvage what auto parts they can repurpose the rest, and you walk away with cash in hand.
13. Pawn Shop
A pawn shop may not be the first place you think of when selling your junk car, but it’s an option when you’re in a hurry.
Though they’re famed for dealing in jewelry and antiques, some pawn shops are open to buying junk cars.
It’s a quick solution when time is crucial, but be prepared; you might not get as high an offer when you sell your junk car to a pawn shop.
The offers might be less competitive due to their business model and overhead costs.
How To Sell A Junk Car
Know Your Car Deets
Before selling your junk car, you must know all its details – the make, model, year, and any damage or issues.
The more information you have about your car, the better equipped you’ll be to sell it.
You can check the car’s registration and title for important information such as its history, previous owners, and any liens against it.
Get It Appraised
To determine your junk car’s value, use online tools or seek professional appraisals.
Online tools, such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, can provide a rough estimate of your car’s worth based on its details.
For a more accurate appraisal, consider seeking a professional evaluation from a mechanic or a specialized appraiser.
Knowing your car’s value will help you set a realistic asking price and avoid over- or under-selling your junk car.
Be Honest About Your Car’s Shape
When selling junk cars, honesty is the best policy. You want to make sure you’re upfront about any issues or damage the car has.
This will save you time and headaches down the road. Tell the buyer if the car doesn’t run or only runs intermittently.
If there are any dents or scratches, those should be mentioned, too. Being upfront about the car’s shape will help you find the right buyer and avoid miscommunications.
Figure Out The Best Place To Sell
Armed with all the necessary information and a clear understanding of your car’s value, you can select the most suitable place to sell your junk car today.
Consider your needs, preferences, and the car’s condition when selecting the ideal selling platform.
For a quick and easy online sale, platforms like CarBrain, Wheelzy, and Peddle may be suitable.
If you prefer selling locally, consider listing your car on Facebook Marketplace or contacting local junkyards or scrap yards.
Choosing the right place to sell can maximize your profit and have a hassle-free selling experience.
FAQs
Do places really buy junk cars or cars that were in accidents?
Ever glanced at that junk car in your driveway, the one that’s seen better days or had a little fender bender, and wondered, “will someone really pay me if I junk my car?”
The answer is a resounding YES!
People really buy cars that are junk or wrecked, and they pay cash for junk cars! CarBrain and other sites are ready to give you instant quotes ASAP.
How much can I get for a junk car?
The value of a junk car depends on key factors like:
Condition of the Car: The state of your junk car plays a significant role in its value. If the car has usable parts, it might fetch a higher price.
Make and Model: Some car models have parts in higher demand than others. If your junk car is a popular model or has parts that are sought after, it could be worth more.
Weight of the Car: Junk cars are often valued based on their weight because they’re typically sold for scrap metal. Heavier cars might fetch a higher price due to more metal.
Current Scrap Metal Market: The global market for scrap metal fluctuates based on supply and demand.
It’s always wise to approach multiple companies or services that buy junk cars.
Knowing your car’s value allows you to set a realistic asking price, receive a fair offer, and get the most money for your junk car.
Is it easier to sell a junk car online or in person?
Both have their perks and quirks. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each way:
Selling a Junk Car Online:
Pros:
Broader Reach: Access to a wider audience from various locations.
Convenience: List your car anytime, anywhere, without physical meet-ups to sell your car.
Multiple Platforms: Ability to list on several sites simultaneously.
Get Instant Quotes: CarBrain and other sites will tell you upfront what they’ll pay for your car.
Cons:
Potential Scams: Higher risk of encountering fraudulent buyers.
Harder Negotiation: Less personal interaction can make negotiating a fair price tougher.
Impersonal: Lack of face-to-face interaction could lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations when you sell your car.
Selling In Person:
Pros:
Direct Negotiation: Face-to-face interaction can get better prices for your unwanted vehicles.
Immediate Feedback: Instantly gauge a buyer’s interest and seriousness.
Physical Inspection: Buyers can see the car firsthand and be handed the car title, potentially building trust.
Cons:
Time-Consuming: Need to schedule and manage viewings.
Safety Concerns: Meeting strangers poses potential risks when you sell a junk car.
Limited Audience: Restricted to local or nearby buyers.
Final Thoughts
Selling your junk car may seem daunting, but several options are available to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Whether you choose to sell it to a junkyard, an online car buyer, a scrap metal buyer, a private buyer, or an auto salvage yard, be sure to research and choose the right option.
I highly suggest checking out CarBrain right now to see what offer you can get on your junk car. With a little effort, you can turn your junk car into fast cash and wave goodbye to your junk car woes.
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