What to Do With a Junk Car

1. Sell It to a Junk Car Buyer (Best for Fast Cash)

Selling your junk car to a licensed junk car buyer is the quickest and most profitable option in most cases.

• Buy cars in any condition — running or not
• Offer instant quotes online or by phone
• Tow the vehicle for free from your location
• Pay you cash on the spot
• Handle the title transfer and paperwork

Best if: You want to get rid of the car fast and get paid within 24–48 hours.

Value potential: $300–$1,500+ depending on weight, condition, and parts.

Want to learn more about the process? Check out: How to sell a junk car for cash.

2. Scrap It for Metal (If It’s Stripped or Incomplete)

Scrapping your vehicle at a local scrapyard earns you money based on weight and current metal prices.

• Requires towing or hauling the vehicle yourself (unless arranged)
• May need to remove non-metal parts beforehand
• Proof of ownership or title usually required

Best if: The vehicle has no usable parts left and is just metal at this point.

Value potential: $100–$500 depending on weight and current scrap car prices.

3. Donate It to Charity (If You Want a Tax Deduction)

Donating your junk car lets you claim a tax write-off instead of cash — and helps a nonprofit organization.

• Charities often accept non-running vehicles
• Towing is usually included at no charge
• You receive a donation receipt for taxes

Best if: You want a tax benefit or to support a cause.

Value potential: Based on fair market value or auction price — check IRS rules.

4. Sell It for Parts (If You Have Time and Tools)

Parting out your junk car yourself can generate more money — but takes effort, space, and knowledge.

Valuable parts include:

• Catalytic converter
• Engine and transmission
• Battery, tires, wheels
• Airbags, alternator, stereo systems

Best if: You’re mechanically skilled, not in a rush, and want to maximize value.

Value potential: $500–$2,000+ in parts, depending on make/model and condition.

5. Try Selling It to a Dealership (Rarely Worth It)

Most dealerships will not buy a true junk car — but if it still drives, you may be able to trade it in.

• Only works if vehicle starts and has minimal damage
• Trade-in value usually lower than scrap or private sale
• Dealers may deduct towing or reconditioning costs

Best if: The car still drives and you’re buying a new one.

Value potential: Usually low — $100 to $500 trade-in value for junk cars.

6. Leave It in Storage or Let It Sit (Not Recommended)

Abandoned junk cars can create problems over time — fines, environmental hazards, and HOA complaints.

• Leaking fluids can damage your property
• HOA or city violations may lead to fines
• Rodents, rust, and weather degrade value further

Best if: Never. Don’t wait — the car only loses value over time.

7. Sell It to a Private Buyer (Takes Time and Effort)

Selling your junk car privately may get you more money — but it’s also the most time-consuming and uncertain option.

• You’ll need to advertise the car on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
• Expect to deal with lowball offers, no-shows, and negotiation
• You may be responsible for title transfer, bill of sale, and liability
• Buyers typically want cars that still run or can be repaired

Best if: Your car still starts, has some cosmetic appeal, and you’re willing to wait for the right buyer.

Value potential: Varies widely — from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on the vehicle’s repair potential and demand.

Best Option by Situation

Ready to Get Rid of Your Junk Car?

We’ve helped over 200,000 people get rid of junk cars the easy way.

• Get an instant offer online or by phone
• Free towing — even if it doesn’t start
• Paid on the spot in cash or check
• We handle paperwork and title transfer
• No hidden fees or delays

We pay cash for junk cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans — even without a title (in some states).