Junk Car Buyers

Yes. Junk car buyers have equipment to remove vehicles that can’t roll, steer, or move at all. Flatbed tow trucks, winches, wheel dollies, and skates handle cars in any condition. Locked wheels, flat tires, seized brakes, and broken steering won’t stop an experienced tow operator. Equipment used for non-moving vehicles: Flatbed trucks with winches pull […]

Yes. Most junk car buyers purchase vehicles without keys. A missing key doesn’t prevent them from towing the car or selling it for parts and scrap. However, having keys sometimes increases your offer because it’s easier for the buyer to move and process the vehicle. How missing keys affect value: Most buyers: No price reduction,

Yes, in most cases. Someone with authority to sign the title and accept payment must be present at pickup. This is usually the vehicle’s registered owner. Some buyers allow authorized representatives with proper documentation, but you’ll need to arrange this in advance. Why presence is required: Title must be signed by the registered owner (or

Yes. You can cancel at any time before signing over the title and accepting payment. If a buyer tries to lower the price at pickup without valid reason, refuse the new offer and send them away. You are not obligated to sell, and the car remains yours until you complete the transaction. Your rights at

A junk car buyer can only lower the price if your car’s condition differs significantly from what you described. Missing major components, undisclosed damage, or incorrect vehicle information justify adjustments. If you described the car accurately, the buyer should honor the quoted price. Legitimate reasons for price changes: Catalytic converter is missing (not disclosed) Engine

Junk car buyers pay at the time of vehicle pickup. The driver or buyer representative arrives, inspects the car to confirm it matches your description, completes paperwork, and hands you payment before loading the vehicle. This happens in one visit, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes. The standard pickup process: Driver arrives at scheduled time

Most junk car buyers pay at the time of pickup. Cash payment is common, though some buyers pay by check or electronic transfer. You should receive payment before the tow truck leaves with your vehicle. Never hand over your title or keys without getting paid first. Common payment methods: Cash (most common for smaller transactions)

Yes, free towing is genuinely free with reputable junk car buyers. They build removal costs into their business model and make money on the vehicle’s scrap and parts value. You receive the quoted amount with no deductions for pickup. The tow truck arrives, loads your car, and you get paid the agreed price. How buyers

Reputable junk car buyers do not charge towing fees. Free pickup is standard practice in the industry. If a buyer wants to deduct towing costs from your payment or charge a separate fee, find a different buyer. This is a red flag for either a scam or a low-quality operation. What legitimate buyers provide: Free

Timing matters less for junk car sales than for traditional car sales. Unlike dealerships chasing monthly quotas, junk car buyers and salvage yards operate on steady demand. Scrap metal prices and your car’s condition affect your offer more than the calendar date. Factors that matter more than timing: Current scrap metal prices (fluctuate weekly) Your

Dealerships typically pay $100 to $500 for junk cars as straight purchases. Trade-in credits during promotions may reach $1,000 or more, but these amounts often get absorbed into the new car deal. Dedicated junk car buyers usually pay more than dealerships for vehicles in poor condition. Typical dealership offers: Cash purchase (no trade): $100 to

Some dealerships buy junk cars, but most offer minimal amounts. Dealerships prefer trade-ins they can resell or send to auction. Junk cars require disposal arrangements and don’t fit their business model. Expect lower offers from dealerships compared to dedicated junk car buyers. When dealerships might buy your junk car: You’re purchasing another vehicle from them

Both options can offer fair prices. Local buyers may pay slightly more because they have lower marketing costs and direct relationships. Nationwide buyers offer convenience, consistent service, and competitive pricing through large networks. The best choice depends on your priorities and what’s available in your area. Advantages of local junk car buyers: May negotiate more

Sell to a junk car buyer or salvage yard if your vehicle has usable parts. Sell to a scrap yard if the car is stripped, severely damaged, or has no salvageable components. Junk car buyers typically pay more because they recover value from parts, not just metal. Choose a junk car buyer when: The engine

A junkyard dismantles vehicles and sells usable parts. A scrap yard crushes vehicles and sells the raw metal. Junkyards pay more for cars with valuable components because they profit from parts resale. Scrap yards pay based on weight since they only recover metal value. Key differences: Junkyards: Remove and inventory parts, sell to consumers and

Salvage yards and junk car buying services that resell parts typically pay the most for junk cars. They recover more value from your vehicle than scrap-only operations. The highest-paying buyer for your specific car depends on its condition, make, model, and which components are still valuable. Buyer types ranked by typical payout: Salvage yards with

Junk car buyers offer different amounts because they have different business models, profit margins, and needs. A salvage yard selling parts can pay more than a scrap-only operation. A buyer who needs Honda parts this week might outbid competitors for your Honda. Their overhead, location, and current inventory all affect pricing. Reasons for price differences:

Yes. Telling a junk car buyer about a competing offer often results in a price increase. Buyers want your business and will sometimes match or beat a competitor’s quote, especially if the difference is small. This is standard practice and not considered rude or inappropriate. How to leverage competing quotes: Get at least 2 to

Some junk car buyers negotiate; others give firm quotes. Online buyers typically have less flexibility since they use standardized pricing formulas. Local junkyards and salvage yards often have more room to adjust offers, especially if you have competing quotes or a vehicle they particularly want. When negotiation works: You have documented quotes from other buyers

A junk car quote should include the total price you’ll receive, confirmation that towing is free, the payment method, pickup timing, and any conditions that could change the offer. Complete quotes leave no room for surprises or hidden deductions. Elements of a complete quote: Total purchase price for your vehicle Confirmation of free towing and