How to Sell a Car to a Junkyard

By Victoria Ries

  • Overview

    Abandoned vehicles littering your yard are not only unsightly; they are illegal in some counties, and you may be cited and told to have them removed by a certain date. If you have no intention of fixing a vehicle to run again, one option is to sell it to a junkyard to be scrapped or have the parts taken off and sold. Most junkyards will pay between $100 and $200 per vehicle that isn't stripped of parts.

    • Step 1

      Calling all of the salvage yards in your area. Some junkyards are willing to pay you and come tow the vehicle from your yard; the majority are willing to tow your vehicle for free and give you a tax deduction.

    • Step 2

      Remove all of your personal effects from the vehicle to be towed. Find the title to the vehicle and have the keys ready. These will be needed to complete the cash transaction when the junkyard's towing crew arrives to load your junk vehicle onto their tow truck.

    • Step 3

      Watch while the junkyard crew inspects the junk vehicle to make sure all of the engine parts are intact and that the VIN number matches the VIN on the title. If the inspection is satisfactory, sign over the title to the junkyard and show your ID.

    • Step 4

      Sign the paperwork you are given. Keep your copy in a safe place in case you need it for reference at a later date. Give the vehicle a quick glance and look in the trunk to make sure all of your possessions have been removed.

    • Step 5

      Count your cash while the junkyard crew is still there to make sure the amount that was agreed upon is what you received.
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Tip: Try to sell your vehicle locally before contacting the junkyard; many times, you will receive more money by selling the vehicle to neighbors who will fix it up to run.
    • Warning:
    • Ensure that the gasoline tank on your junk vehicle is empty.

    © Demand Media 2011