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Writer's pictureEkene Uchenu

Where To Sell A Junk Car (Where To Sell A Car That Does Not Run )

When you are ready to sell your junk car or a car that doesn’t run, most people want the option that would pay more to them. We recommend choose the option that will get the most value. While many private buyers may offer top dollar for your used vehicles, selling a junk car is different becuase junk car buyers buy for parts or to work on it. The demand is very low.



Many car dealerships and junk buyers specialize in making offers for cars and trucks that won’t run. These companies buy inoperable cars for parts, restoration and even scrap metal recycling. Online junk buyers can make offers on inoperable vehicles in seconds and typically provide vehicle pickup as part of their services.


Some junk buyers may make low offers for used vehicles. As a result, owners of older or severely damaged cars may be better off selling to a private buyer or selling for scrap.



We pay too dollars for any car junk, damaged, dead cars. We pay from $100 to $20,000. In some situations, private buyers will pay more than a dealer or junk buying service for a car that doesn’t run. Many private buyers will buy older, luxury or classic car models to restore these vehicles as a hobby or for resale. Often, these buyers pay competitively against the fair market value. 

To see if your old car has potential buyers, look for your make and model on places like eBay Motors, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Some online services like Cars.com and Autotrader also offer private party sale options, though eligibility requirements may vary.


When browsing other online marketplaces, take note of the potential value of your car. Note the asking price for the same make and model in a similar condition, if possible. Private sale prices may vary widely, so take an average of a few as a solid baseline for what you may get from a private buyer.




Depending on your vehicle’s make, model and age, you may get more value if you sell the car for parts. Even if one component of your engine doesn’t function, for example, you may be able to sell the transmission, catalytic converter or other parts either as is or as scrap. Check used part prices for your vehicle at local junkyards and through online parts marketplaces. Remember, selling your car for parts will take much longer than selling the whole vehicle to a private buyer or junkyard because you’ll need to wait for prospective buyers to find your listings.



If you wish to part your car out, parting out your car or selling to a private buyer isn’t promising, you may need to sell as a scrap. Prices offered for scrap vehicles vary based on location, the make, model and year of the vehicle, current scrap metal prices and other factors.

Get quotes from local scrapyards and online junk buyers to compare offers and ensure you’re getting a fair price before selling your inoperable vehicle.




If you’re thinking of selling a car that doesn’t run, follow the tips below to streamline the process and get the most value for your vehicle:

  • Know your vehicle’s value: Before selling, know how much your car is worth by checking guides like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or using online car valuation tools.

  • Weigh the cost of the repairs: Sometimes, a minor repair can make a big difference in how much you can sell your car for, so get a diagnosis before selling your car as is.

  • Compare offers: When selling your inoperable car, compare offers from local junk buyers, parts buyers and online junk buying services before committing to an offer. 

  • Prepare your vehicle: Get your vehicle ready for sale by cleaning the interior and exterior and removing all personal items.


How Much Is a Car That Doesn’t Run Worth?


How much your car is worth will be affected by the fact that it doesn’t run. Most junk cars sell for between $100 and $500 on average. However, you could be offered much more if your car is newer, has little to no cosmetic damage and has most systems in reasonable condition.

If your car doesn’t run but is in otherwise good condition, you may get more for it than you will for an older, damaged car.



Remember if you want to sell your car for parts, this may provide better value than selling the entire car as is. Some of the most commonly sold car components include:

  • Whole engines

  • Catalytic converters

  • Transmission systems or components

  • Batteries

  • Stereos and GPS systems

  • Tires and tire rims

  • Air conditioning systems

  • Doors and windows

  • Seats and airbags

  • Windshield wipers 

To find the value for these items, check the common prices found on sites like Craigslist or eBay Motors.


Is It Worth Selling Your Junk Car?

Before you sell your car because it doesn’t run, get a diagnostic inspection from a mechanic to determine why it won’t run. In some cases, it may be worth repairing. Even if you repair the vehicle, you can still decide to sell it, and you may get more for the vehicle as a result. 



Common Reasons Used Cars Won’t Start


Please check with your local mechanic if your car is not running.


These are few reasons a car might not run, some of which are easily fixable. Some common reasons are:

  • Battery failure

  • Alternator failure

  • Faulty starter

  • Fuel injection issues

  • Engine problems

  • Malfunctioning sensors

  • Key or ignition issues


Many people worry they can’t sell their car if the reason it won’t run is severe, but this isn’t true. Most people selling their cars as junk or scrap are facing repairs that exceed either the value of the vehicle, the amount remaining on a loan or both. 

In most cases, people will list why a vehicle won’t run as part of the sales ad. Junk buying services ask detailed questions about a vehicle’s condition before making offers and typically perform a full inspection before finalizing an offer price.


Factors To Consider Before Selling

Before selling a vehicle, you’ll want to consider a few factors. 


Please try to consider the cost of repairs. If repairing the vehicle so it operates properly will cost more than the car’s value or more than you still owe on an auto loan, selling might make sense. When exploring this option, get quotes from more than one repair shop before making a decision.

Next, consider how you’d like to sell. In most cases, dealers will offer trade-in value for vehicles that don’t run. Also, many junk car buyers offer loan payoff when they buy your vehicle. However, sometimes private buyers offer more for a junk vehicle than a dealer or buyer.


Best Ways To Sell a Car That Doesn’t Run


You aren’t without options if you’re trying to sell a car that doesn’t run. Consider seeing what similar cars sell for on private selling marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Alternatively, you can sell your car for parts or request offers from online junk buyers and local scrapyards. 

When exploring your options, our team recommends considering offers from online junk buyers to ensure you get the best value. Our team likes Peddle and We Buy Any Car for selling cars that don’t run.


Where To Sell a Car That Doesn’t Run

Consider these online car selling services when comparing ways to sell your inoperable car or truck:



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