A car becomes unfixable when replacement parts are no longer available, when structural damage compromises safety, or when repair costs exceed the price of a replacement vehicle. Most cars reach this point due to severe frame damage, complete powertrain failure, or advanced corrosion.
Conditions that make a car unfixable:
- Frame damage that cannot be straightened safely
- Structural rust that has weakened the chassis
- Discontinued parts with no aftermarket alternatives
- Flood damage affecting all electrical systems
- Fire damage to the cabin or engine bay
A car can also be “economically unfixable.” The parts exist, but the labor and materials cost more than the car will ever be worth. A $1,500 car needing $5,000 in work falls into this category.
Mechanics sometimes call a car “totaled” when insurance writes it off, but totaled doesn’t always mean unfixable. It means repair costs exceed a percentage of the car’s value (usually 70% to 100%, depending on the state).
If your car has crossed into unfixable territory, here’s what to do next. Junk car buyers purchase vehicles in any condition, including those that can’t be repaired.
