Sell it to a junk car buyer for cash. They purchase vehicles in any condition, including non-running, damaged, old, and broken-down cars. You’ll get paid for the scrap metal, salvageable parts, and recyclable materials. Most buyers offer free towing and same-day payment, so you can turn your junk car into cash quickly. Steps to take […]
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Yes, but you need legal authority to sell the vehicle. The car belongs to the deceased person’s estate until properly transferred. An executor, administrator, or heir with proper documentation can sell the vehicle. The process depends on whether the estate went through probate and your state’s specific requirements. Who can sell a deceased person’s car:
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Cancel your insurance after you junk your car, not before. Keep coverage active until the vehicle leaves your property. Once the tow truck drives away with your car, call your insurance company to cancel the policy. This protects you during the final period of ownership and avoids coverage gaps. Why to wait until after: You’re
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Requirements vary by state. Some states require you to remove plates and return them to the DMV. Others let you keep, transfer, or destroy them. A few states leave plates with the vehicle. Check your state’s specific rules before the junk car buyer picks up your vehicle. Common state requirements: Return to DMV: California, New
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Most states require DMV notification within 5 to 30 days after selling a vehicle. California requires notice within 5 days. Texas allows 30 days. Other states fall somewhere in between. Check your specific state’s deadline and file as soon as possible after the sale. State deadline examples: California: 5 days Florida: Within 30 days (handled
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File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state’s DMV. Most states allow online submission through their DMV website. You’ll need the vehicle’s VIN, license plate number, sale date, and buyer information. This notification removes your legal responsibility for the vehicle. Common ways to notify the DMV: Online through your state’s DMV
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Yes. Reputable junk car buyers provide a receipt or bill of sale documenting the transaction. This paperwork shows the sale date, vehicle information, sale price, and both parties’ details. Keep this receipt as proof you no longer own the vehicle. You may need it for DMV notification, insurance cancellation, or liability protection. What your receipt
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Yes. Junk car buyers purchase hybrid and electric vehicles, though the process differs slightly from conventional cars. These vehicles have high-voltage battery packs that require special handling. Many buyers pay premium prices for hybrids and EVs because their batteries, motors, and components have significant resale value. What makes hybrid and EV junking different: High-voltage batteries
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The Ford F-150 is the most common vehicle in American junkyards. As the best-selling vehicle in the United States for over four decades, more F-150s exist than any other model. Other top entries include the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Honda Civic. Why certain vehicles dominate junkyards: High original sales volume means more
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Best-selling vehicles from 10 to 20 years ago dominate junkyard inventory. Ford F-150s, Chevrolet Silverados, Toyota Camrys, and Honda Accords are the most commonly junked cars because millions were sold and many have now reached end-of-life. Most frequently junked vehicles: Ford F-Series (F-150, F-250) Chevrolet Silverado Toyota Camry Honda Accord Honda Civic Toyota Corolla Nissan
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Get quotes from at least 3 to 5 different buyers, including junkyards, scrap yards, and online junk car services. Prices vary widely between buyers based on their business model and current inventory needs. The best offer often comes from a buyer who specifically wants your type of vehicle. Steps to maximize your scrap car payout:
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Use this formula: (Vehicle curb weight × scrap price per pound) + catalytic converter value + aluminum value − processing costs = approximate scrap value. Most cars yield $150 to $500 using this calculation, depending on size and current metal prices. Information you need: Curb weight: Found on door jamb sticker, owner’s manual, or online
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Multiply your car’s curb weight by the current scrap metal price per pound. This gives you a rough baseline. Then add estimated value for aluminum components and the catalytic converter. Finally, subtract 40% to 50% for buyer processing costs and profit margin. Step-by-step calculation: Find your car’s curb weight (check the door jamb sticker or
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A stripped car body (shell only, no engine, transmission, or valuable parts) is worth $50 to $200 in scrap metal. The body consists mainly of steel panels, frame components, and structural supports. Without the heavier drivetrain and aluminum components, scrap value drops significantly. What remains in a car body shell: Steel body panels (doors, hood,
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A car’s scrap metal value ranges from $150 to $400 depending on weight and current steel prices. The average vehicle contains about 2,400 pounds of steel, 300 pounds of aluminum, and smaller amounts of copper and other metals. Combined, these materials form the baseline value of any junk car. Metal composition of a typical car:
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Scrap yards pay $100 to $500 for most junk cars, with the amount determined by vehicle weight and daily scrap metal prices. Larger, heavier vehicles bring more money. A compact car might yield $150, while a full-size truck could bring $400 or more at the same scrap rate. Typical scrap yard payouts by vehicle size:
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Scrap yards typically pay $150 to $500 for complete junk cars, based primarily on weight and current metal prices. Pure scrap yards focus on metal value rather than parts, so they often pay less than salvage yards or junk car buyers who resell components. Scrap yard pricing factors: Vehicle weight (primary factor, typically $0.05 to
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New tires add minimal value to most junk car offers. Buyers typically factor in $20 to $50 for a decent set of tires, regardless of how new they are. If you recently purchased tires, you’re better off removing and selling them separately than expecting a junk car buyer to pay retail value. Why tires don’t
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Trucks, SUVs, and late-model vehicles (2010 and newer) are in highest demand from junk car buyers. Parts for these vehicles sell quickly, so salvage yards pay premiums to acquire them. Popular models like Ford F-150s, Toyota Camrys, and Honda CR-Vs consistently bring strong offers. Currently in-demand vehicles: Full-size trucks: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500,
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Small, lightweight cars with limited parts demand bring the lowest junk prices. Compact vehicles, older imports with discontinued parts, and heavily stripped cars often sell for $100 to $250. If the catalytic converter is missing, values drop further. Lowest-value junk cars typically include: Subcompact cars (Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage) Older European models with
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