Quick Answer:
The best way to sell a scrap car is to sell it online to Peddle, Wheelzy or CarBrain, as these companies specialize in purchasing damaged and scrap cars.
Selling a scrap car online will take no more than 48 hours, and you only need to provide the car’s make and model and describe its condition.
While private sales may yield higher profits, it takes much longer and requires more effort. Additionally, private selling carries risks like payment scams, personal data theft, and legal complications.
Key Takeaways:
- Determine Car’s Worth: Assessing the value of your scrap car is key. Factors like make, model, year, and condition significantly impact the price, typically ranging from $50 to $1,500.
- Documentation for Sale: The Certificate of Title is essential paperwork for selling a scrap car. If it is missing, apply for a duplicate at your local DMV. Consider using a notarized Bill of Sale to document the transaction legally.
- Online Selling Platforms: Utilize online car-buying companies like Peddle, Wheelzy, and CarBrain for a hassle-free sale. These platforms offer quick processing and fair valuation, often including free towing services.
- Selling Options: Besides online platforms, consider selling privately or to junkyards. Private sales may offer higher profits but require more effort and time. Selling to junkyards is convenient but may result in lower offers.
| Turnaroud | Effort Needed | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privately | 52 days (on average) | Multiple steps | Used cars |
| Car Buying Website | 1-2 days | Fill online form | Old and junk cars |
| Dealership | 5-7 days | Visit office | Newer cars |
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
What is a Scrap Car?
A scrap car is essentially a vehicle that is no longer functional or worth repairing.
This type of vehicle is typically quite old, often having been on the road for 15 to 20 years or more. It has accumulated high mileage and significant body and mechanical damage.
In general, a car is considered a scrap car if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
- It is no longer safe to drive.
- The cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car.
- It is no longer worth the cost of maintaining.
- It is no longer useful for its intended purpose.
How Much is a Scrap Car Worth?
The price of a scrap car is influenced by several elements, such as the make, model, year, overall condition of the car, and the prevailing market rates for scrap metal.
Typically, scrap cars are priced between $50 and $1,500, with the average value hovering around $500.
Key factors impacting a scrap car’s value include:
- Make and Model: certain vehicles are in higher demand for their parts or have a greater quantity of scrap metal. For instance, a widely used SUV might be more valuable as scrap compared to a less popular sedan.
- Year: older vehicles have a lower scrap value due to the decreased value of their parts.
- Condition: cars in better condition, with functional parts, are likely to fetch a higher price than those that are heavily damaged or missing essential components.
- The market value of scrap metal: since the value of scrap metal is subject to market fluctuations, the amount you can earn from your scrap car may also vary in line with these market trends.
Can You Sell a Scrap Car Without the Title?
While selling a scrap car without a title presents challenges, it’s not entirely unfeasible. Be aware that buyers may propose a reduced price in such cases.
To sell a scrap car sans title, consider these steps:
- Apply for a Duplicate Title: if your title is misplaced, request a duplicate from your local DMV. This usually involves a fee and proof of vehicle ownership.
- Show alternative ownership proof: instead of a Title, offer other ownership evidence to the buyer, such as vehicle registration, insurance proof, or a bill of sale.
- Complete a notarized Bill of Sale: a notarized Bill of Sale, confirming the transfer of vehicle ownership to the buyer, is crucial. This document provides legal protection for both parties.
- Be open to lower offers: expect lower bids from buyers due to the increased risk they bear without a title.
Be cautious, as selling a car without a title could result in liability issues later, especially if the buyer resells the car without title transfer. Ideally, obtaining a duplicate title is the safest route before selling your scrap car.
The Safest Way to Sell Scrap Car
The safest way for selling a scrap car is through online car-buying companies such as Peddle, Wheelzy and CarBrain.
These companies purchase cars regardless of their condition and provide secure payment options.
Conversely, selling a car privately carries risks like payment fraud, personal data theft, and potential legal complications post-sale.
| Company | Trustpilot rating |
|---|---|
| Peddle | 4.6 / 5 |
| Wheelzy | 4.7 / 5 |
| CarBrain | 4.8 / 5 |
Best Ways to Sell Scrap Car
1. Sell Scrap Car Online
Online car-buying companies like Peddle, Wheelzy and CarBrain specialize in buying cars in various conditions, including scrap cars.
How it works:
- Request cash offer by filling out the online form or contacting the company by phone
- Accept the offer within 7 days
- Schedule car pickup (can be done as soon as 24-48 hours)
- Provide signed car Title and hand over the keys
- Get paid (by check or cash)
Best companies to sell your scrap car online:
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
- Get free online quote – offer valid 7 days
- Instant quote available on (855) 925 4302
- No obligation to accept the offer
To get a cash offer from Peddle you will be asked to provide:
- Car’s make, model and trim
- Your zip code
- Car’s mileage
- Type of Title (clean, salvage or rebuilt)
- Answer questions about the car’s condition
Peddle’s representative will collect your scrap car from a specified location at no cost, and you’ll receive immediate payment upon collection.
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
Wheelzy also gives out cash for scrap cars and provides a free towing service.
There are 2 ways to get a cash offer:
- Fill out the online form: provide the car’s year, make, model, zip code and phone number.
- Call the company by phone: (855) 510-1108
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
- Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200
- Get cash for your car in under 48 hours
- CarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditions
- Up to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
To receive a cash quote for your scrap car from CarBrain, complete their online form by entering your zip code, detailing the make and special features of your car, and responding to inquiries about its state.
While CarBrain typically issues payment via check, arrangements for cash payment can be made.
2. Sell Scrap Car Privately
On average, selling a car privately takes 52 days, but finding a buyer for a scrap car often takes considerably more time.
Selling a scrap car entails collecting required documents, determining the price, advertising, vetting potential buyers, and handling formalities like executing the bill of sale, transferring the title, and notifying the DMV about the sale.
Best places to sell a scrap car privately:
| Company | Listing price | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus | $4.99 | No fees |
| eBay Motors | $19 – $79 | Deposit processing fee of 2.8% |
| Autotrader | $49 | No fees |
| Craigslist | Free | No fees |
| Facebook Marketplace | Free | No fees |
3. Sell Scarp Car to Junkyard
Junkyards usually offer a quick way to dispose of your scrap car. They typically handle all the paperwork and towing arrangements, making it convenient for you.
However, junkyards often offer significantly lower prices for scrap cars than the actual value of their parts.
How to sell a scrap car to a junkyard:
- Gather documents: you will need the car’s title, and its registration if it is still operational.
- Research junkyards: search online or in local directories to find licensed and reputable junkyards in your area.
- Obtain and compare offers: ensure the quotes specify the payment method and towing arrangements.
- Prepare the car for pickup: remove any personal belongings from the car.
- Sign the Bill of Sale and transfer ownership: upon the junkyard’s arrival, review and sign the Bill of Sale and Title.
- Receive payment: Collect the agreed-upon payment according to the junkyard’s preferred method, such as cash or check.
Remember to verify the junkyard’s legitimacy and avoid scams. Check for licensing, positive reviews, and a clear payment process.