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Carbrain

How to Sell?

How to Sell Scrap Car? [Get Instant Quotes]

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Documentation for Sale: Essential paperwork for selling a scrap car includes the Certificate of Title. If missing, apply for a duplicate at your local DMV. Consider using a notarized Bill of Sale to document the transaction legally.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest For
Privately52 days (on average)Multiple stepsUsed cars
Car Buying Website1-2 daysFill online formOld and junk cars
Dealership5-7 daysVisit officeNewer cars
how long does it take to sell a car

Best Way to Sell Your Scrap Car

Peddle

Peddle logo

Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition

$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it

Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)

Wheelzy

Wheelzy logo

Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min

Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day

Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car

CarBrain

CarBrain logo

Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours

Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car

The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)

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, and has accumulated a high mileage along with 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

can you sell a car without a title

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.

CompanyTrustpilot rating
Peddle4.6 / 5
Wheelzy4.7 / 5
CarBrain4.8 / 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:

  1. Request cash offer by filling out the online form or contacting the company by phone
  2. Accept the offer within 7 days
  3. Schedule car pickup (can be done as soon as 24-48 hours)
  4. Provide signed car Title and hand over the keys
  5. 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.

Recent Peddle offers
ModelYearMileageOffer
Toyota (Camry)2011150,000$2,225
Volvo (S40)200137,000$430
Mercedes-Benz (560)199192,000$1,930
BMW (528)2008126,000$1,140
Kia (Forte)2010145,000$635
Honda (CR-V)201167,000$2,930
Ford (Explorer Sport Trac)2004145,000$1,170
Oldsmobile (Alero)2004162,000$400
Audi (A6)2006106,000$530

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
Recent Wheelzy offers
ModelYearMileageConditionOffer
Hyundai (Tucson)2006200,000Doesn’t start$400
Mercury (Sable Sedan)2003150,000Doesn’t start$225
Mercedes-Benz (C)2001150,000Starts$222
Ford (Edge)2010200,000Doesn’t start$1,200
Ford (Flex)2009150,000Starts$1,000
Lexus (RX)2002300,000Doesn’t start$750
Chevrolet (Cobalt Sedan)2007200,000Doesn’t start$200
Toyota (Corolla)2003250,000Drives$555
BMW (528)2008250,000Drives$1,487

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
carbrain points

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.

best place to sell car online free

Recent CarBrain offers

ModelYearMileageConditionOffer
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport201150,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,270
Jeep Grand201543,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$8,000
Chevrolet201350,000Collision damage, does not start$1,335
Dodge Charger2011143,448Collision damage, does not start$1,000
Nissan Altima201382,000Collision damage, starts and drives$1,725
Chevrolet Silverado2008250,000Engine damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,750

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:

CompanyListing priceFees
CarGurus$4.99No fees
eBay Motors$19 – $79Deposit processing fee of 2.8%
Autotrader$49No fees
CraigslistFreeNo fees
Facebook MarketplaceFreeNo 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:

  1. Gather documents: you will need the car’s title, and its registration if it is still operational.
  2. Research junkyards: search online or in local directories to find licensed and reputable junkyards in your area.
  3. Obtain and compare offers: ensure the quotes specify the payment method and towing arrangements.
  4. Prepare the car for pickup: remove any personal belongings from the car.
  5. Sign the Bill of Sale and transfer ownership: upon the junkyard’s arrival, review and sign the Bill of Sale and Title.
  6. 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.


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Michael Becker

Dollarbreak

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