Selling your used car can bring you more money than you imagined. According to the latest stats, in 2018, 40.2 million used vehicles were sold in the U.S.and the number keeps increasing which means used cars are in high demand. However, selling your used car means making the most money from the transaction and what better way to make more money than to understand the tips and tricks of the industry and sale process.
If you have a used or junk car sitting in your garage or yard with no real use, below are some of the ways to make the best money off selling it to a junkyard like Tony’s Auto Removal Vancouver WA.
- Understand The Condition The Vehicle Is In
Whether your vehicle is an ancient model or a relatively new model that has been condemned due to certain reason or functioning quite well, the first thing to consider when planning on selling it to a junkyard is the condition that the car is in. Obviously, you are not an expert at selling a junk vehicle but you do understand that an operational and good looking vehicle will sell for more compared to one that is no longer functional or is rusty.
Before making the sale, it is important that you properly assess the status of the vehicle and set a realistic price goal for its sale. A functional car will command more price value compared to one that hasn’t operated in years. In addition, the non-operational car will require transportation to the junkyard which may further reduce the price which you will be offered.
As part of the factors to consider when assessing your car, consider these:
- Does the vehicle run?
- How much rust is there on the car?
- In what state is the chassis?
- Does the electrical and mechanical parts of the car function properly?
- Set A Realistic Value
Used car sellers aim to make the most dollars from car sale and this may lead them to set unrealistic values on their car. Like every other seller, you aim to make the most money from the sale while the buyer aims to buy at the least cost. To ensure that you get the right value for your used car, be sure to factor its condition into the overall price you wish to demand. You may consider consulting with friends and family members who have sold their used cars to a junkyard in the past to better understand the value of your vehicle.
- Get The Car Roadworthy
When planning on selling a car, most people rely on making small changes which can improve the overall value of the car and boost the price they are offered for it. Similar to selling a house, renovation is required but not necessary. Make sure that the vehicle is as roadworthy as it can be. It goes without saying that roadworthy vehicles command more value and can be driven straight to the junkyard instead of having it transported at an extra cost which may be taken out of the original price offered to you.
- Prove Your Ownership, Get The Paperwork Sorted
The ownership of the car is an essential part of the sale. Most junkyards will not purchase a used car from you without all the proper documentation proving you to be the owner of the car. To prevent hassles during the sale, it is recommended that you get all the paperwork sorted, making sure that it is easy to transfer ownership to the junkyard buyers after the sale.
It is important that you know that without the title, you will be unable to sell the car legally. Visit the DMV if you have to.
- The First Offer Is Not Necessarily The Best
When selling your used car, it is important to shop around for the best prices in the market. As a rule of thumb, never sell your car to the first junkyard that shows interest in the vehicle. This is because the junkyard may be offering a value that is way lesser than what others would present to you. To make things more competitive, try out multiple junkyards and consider the best offer of the lot.
- Avoid Falling For Scams
Junk car sale scams offer you the quickest ways to lose your money. These scams are relatively common with used cars and this is why you need to pay attention to the sale process and be sure that you are dealing with a licensed and established junk car company. Be sure to educate yourself on the common junk car scams and how to spot them.
- Request Cash Payment
Some unscrupulous junkyards offer checks that can’t be cashed to their customers. Some others promise to pay at a later date after completing some sort of paperwork. In most cases, these sales are not guaranteed. To protect your interest, always choose junkyard companies that offer cash on the spot.
