Selling a Car to a Junkyard: Process, Prices, Business Practices

What is a Junkyard?

A junkyard is a business that buys old, damaged, or unwanted vehicles. Some strip them for parts. Others crush them for scrap metal. Many do both. Junkyards help keep cars out of landfills and put usable parts back into circulation.

Do Junkyards Buy Cars?

Yes. Junkyards buy cars in almost any condition. Some want vehicles for parts. Others care about scrap metal. Some resell cars that still run. The value depends on weight, part demand, and scrap prices.

"We buy junk cars every day. Wrecked, totaled, old, or just sitting in your driveway—we’ll make an offer." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

What Types of Cars Do Junkyards Buy?

• Totaled cars – Insurance declared them a loss. Repairs cost more than the car is worth.
• Old, high-mileage vehicles – Too expensive to maintain.
• Non-running cars – Bad engine, bad transmission, or other major failures.
• Running but unwanted cars – Some junkyards resell these or pay extra for working parts.

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How to Sell Your Car to a Junkyard

Selling a car to a junkyard is simple. Get a quote, prepare the car, provide paperwork, and arrange pickup. Many junkyards offer free towing and pay in cash or check.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Get Quotes

Call multiple junkyards or use online quote tools. Provide the year, make, model, and condition. Some junkyards ask for photos or VINs. More quotes mean a better chance at the highest offer.

"Junkyards price cars differently. One might offer $300, another $600. Always compare offers." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

2. Prepare Your Car

• Remove personal belongings.
• Check for valuables (e.g., aftermarket stereo, toll tags).
• Some sellers remove the battery or tires if the junkyard doesn’t pay extra for them.

3. Gather Documents

Most junkyards require proof of ownership. Some states have additional rules.

• Title – Most junkyards won’t buy a car without one.
• Registration – Some junkyards accept this instead of a title.
• Bill of Sale – Some states require this for legal transfer.
• Lien Release – If the car had a loan, you need proof it’s paid off.

4. Arrange Pickup

• Many junkyards offer free towing. Some deduct towing costs from your offer.
• Confirm pickup details. Some offer same-day or next-day service.

5. Get Paid

• Junkyards pay in cash or check. Some pay on the spot, others after pickup.
• Confirm payment method before selling.

What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell to a Junkyard?

Most states require a title. Some allow other documents.

• Title – Proves ownership.
• Registration – Some junkyards accept this as proof of ownership.
• Bill of Sale – Required in some states for legal transfer.

Do Junkyards Buy Cars Without a Title?

Some do. Some don’t. Rules vary by state.

• Junkyards in some states accept registration or a bill of sale instead.
• If the title is lost, apply for a duplicate before selling.
• If a junkyard buys cars without a title, expect a lower offer.

What if You Are Missing The Title?

Before selling your car with no title, try these:

• Apply for a duplicate title – Most state DMVs allow you to request a replacement title.
• Sell for parts – Some junkyards buy parts separately if they won’t take the whole car.
• Look for title-exempt junkyards – Some junkyards specialize in buying cars without a title, especially older vehicles.

"A title makes the sale easier, but some junkyards will still buy without one. Just expect a lower price and extra paperwork." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

Do Junkyards Buy Cars Without Registration?

Yes, many junkyards buy cars without registration. Registration proves legal use but isn’t always required for sale.

• If you don’t have a title, some junkyards ask for registration as proof of ownership.
• Some states require both a title and registration for legal transfer.

What if You Lost Your Registration?

If you lost your registration you should:

• Most DMVs allow registration lookups or replacements online.
• Junkyards can sometimes verify ownership using a VIN check.

If your car is abandoned or unregistered for years, check your state laws. Some junkyards won’t accept unregistered vehicles due to legal risks.

"A missing registration isn’t usually a dealbreaker. It’s ownership that matters. Title, VIN check, or other proof can work." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

Do Junkyards Check for Liens?

Yes. A junkyard won’t buy a car with an active lien.

• A lien means a loan is still owed. You must pay it off first.
• How to check for a lien – Look at the title or check with your state’s DMV.

If there’s a lien, get a lien release letter before selling.

How Much Do Junkyards Pay For Cars?

Junkyards pay based on scrap metal prices, part demand, and vehicle condition. Heavier cars are worth more. Newer models with in-demand parts can fetch a higher price. Running cars usually bring the most money.

What Affects Junk Car Value?

• Weight & scrap metal prices – More weight means more scrap value. Prices change with the market.
• Car make & model – Some brands have valuable parts. Others don’t.
• Vehicle condition – Running cars and complete vehicles are worth more. Stripped or severely damaged cars get scrap value.
• Title status – Junkyards pay more for cars with a title. Some buy cars without one, but the offer is lower.

"A heavier car with a clean title and working parts gets more money. A stripped, wrecked car gets scrap value. That’s how we price junk cars." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

How Much Will a Junkyard Pay for a Running Car?

Junkyards usually pay $500 to $1,500 for a running car. Scrap value is lower. Some junkyards resell running cars or part them out instead of crushing them.

If a car runs and has reusable parts, it's worth more. A junkyard that sells used parts will pay more for a car with a working engine or transmission. If the car is in good shape, it might be worth selling to a private buyer instead.

How Do Junkyards Quote Cars?

Junkyards give quotes based on weight, parts, and title status. You can get a quote online, over the phone, or in person.

Getting a Quote

• Online or phone quotes – Provide the year, make, model, and condition. Some junkyards ask for photos.
• In-person inspections – Some junkyards inspect the car before finalizing the price. They check weight, parts, and damage.

Want to see what your car is worth? Get an instant offer now.

Can You Sell Parts to a Junkyard?

Yes, but not all junkyards buy individual parts. Some only take whole cars. Others buy high-value parts.

Parts Junkyards Commonly Buy:

• Catalytic converters – High scrap value due to precious metals.
• Engines & transmissions – Some junkyards rebuild or resell these.
• Rims & wheels – Alloy and aluminum rims have scrap value.
• Batteries – Some junkyards buy used car batteries for recycling.

Before selling parts, call the junkyard to check what they accept.

Do Junkyards Buy Catalytic Converters?

Yes, but regulations vary. Many states require proof of ownership due to theft concerns.

• Why they’re valuable – Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
• State laws – Some states require sellers to show ID and proof of ownership.

"Catalytic converter theft is a huge issue. Junkyards have strict rules about buying them legally." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

Junkyard vs Salvage Yard – What's the Difference?

• Junkyard – Buys old, wrecked, and unwanted cars for parts or scrap.
• Salvage yard – Sometimes repairs and resells vehicles. Some specialize in certain brands or types of vehicles.

If a car is beyond repair, a junkyard is the better option. If it still has value, a salvage yard might offer more money.

Do Junkyards Sell Cars & Parts?

Yes, many junkyards sell used parts. Some also sell whole cars that can be fixed or used for projects.

Can You Buy a Car from a Junkyard?

Some junkyards sell repairable vehicles. Prices are much lower than retail, but these cars often need work.

• Where to find them – Some junkyards list vehicles online. Others require in-person visits.
• Pricing – Prices are based on condition and salvage value.

What Car Parts Do Junkyards Sell?

Junkyards sell parts from scrapped vehicles. Some remove and test parts before selling. Others let buyers pull parts themselves.

Common parts sold at junkyards:

• Engines & transmissions – Often the most valuable used parts.
• Tires & wheels – Used tires and rims at a fraction of the cost.
• Doors, hoods, fenders – Good for body repairs.
• Headlights & taillights – Cheap replacement for broken lights.
• Alternators, starters, radiators – Popular mechanical components.

To find parts, check a junkyard’s inventory or visit in person. Some allow online searches by vehicle make and model.

Junkyard Hours & Availability

Most junkyards operate Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Hours vary by location. Some close early on weekends.

Are Junkyards Open on Sundays?

Some are, but many are closed. Junkyards that sell parts may have limited Sunday hours. Those focused on scrapping usually close.

To find out, call ahead or check the junkyard’s website.

Junkyard Alternatives

Junkyards offer fast cash, but other options might pay more.

Online Car Buyers

Companies like Junk Car Medics buy junk cars online. They offer instant quotes, free towing, and hassle-free transactions.

"We make selling a junk car easy. Get a quote, schedule pickup, and get paid—all without leaving home." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

Private Sale

Selling to a private buyer takes longer but can bring more money. Good for running cars with minor issues. Not ideal for true junk cars.

Trade-In at a Dealership

Dealerships offer trade-ins for working cars. They pay less than private buyers but more than junkyards in some cases.

Environmental Benefits of Junkyards

Junkyards do more than scrap cars. They help reduce waste, recycle materials, and keep hazardous fluids out of landfills.

How Junkyards Help the Environment:

• Recycling Metal – Cars are made mostly of steel and aluminum. Junkyards recycle these materials instead of letting them rust in landfills.
• Reusing Auto Parts – Engines, transmissions, tires, and batteries get reused, reducing demand for new manufacturing.
• Proper Fluid Disposal – Junkyards drain and safely dispose of oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other chemicals.
• Lower Carbon Footprint – Recycling metal takes less energy than mining and refining new materials.

"Every junk car has value, not just in cash but in recycling. Junkyards keep tons of material out of landfills every year." – Todd Bialaszewski, Junk Car Medics

Get the Best Offer for Your Junk Car Today!

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