Selling a car to a scrapyard is a common and practical way to get rid of a vehicle that is no longer roadworthy or economically repairable. Whether your car has been in an accident, is old and worn out, or simply doesn’t function anymore, scrapyards like WA Auto Parts are a great option for selling. In addition to freeing up space on your property, you can also earn some cash for your vehicle.
This guide will take you through the process of selling your car to a scrapyard, from initial preparation to the final transaction, ensuring that you get the best deal possible. Let’s walk through each of the essential steps to selling your car to a scrapyard.
1. Understand the Benefits of Selling to a Scrapyard
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the advantages of selling your car to a scrapyard like WA Auto Parts:
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Quick and Easy: Scrapyards make the process of selling your car simple and hassle-free. WA Auto Parts usually offers free towing, and you can receive payment on the spot.
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Earn Cash: Even if your car is not running or is severely damaged, WA Auto Parts will pay you for the metal and parts, typically based on weight and condition.
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Eco-Friendly Disposal: WA Auto Parts recycles parts and materials from cars, ensuring that your vehicle is disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. Metals are melted down, parts are reused, and toxic fluids are disposed of properly.
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No Need for Repairs: Unlike selling to a private buyer, you don’t have to fix or clean your car before selling it to WA Auto Parts.
2. Assess Your Car’s Condition
The first step in the process is to assess the condition of your car. Scrapyards will generally accept cars in any condition, but the amount they will pay you depends largely on the car’s condition. Here are some aspects to consider:
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Running or Non-Running: A car that is running might get you a higher price, but even if the car isn’t functional, scrapyards will still buy it for its parts and metal.
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Body Condition: Scrapyards will look at the body’s condition, such as rust, dents, and overall integrity. If the car’s body is mostly intact, it might increase the value.
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Engine and Transmission: A working engine and transmission will increase the car’s value, but if these are not functioning, scrapyards like WA Auto Parts will still buy the car for scrap metal.
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Parts Value: Some parts may be worth more than others. For example, the catalytic converter, battery, tires, or wheels might have additional value.
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Weight: Most scrapyards base their offer on the weight of the car, so a heavier vehicle typically results in a higher payout.
3. Gather Necessary Documents
Before selling your car to a scrapyard, ensure you have the necessary documents to prove ownership. This is crucial for the scrapyard to legally accept the car and for you to receive payment.
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Title of Ownership: In many places, you’ll need to present the title of the vehicle. If you no longer have the title, check with your local motor vehicle department to get a duplicate.
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Registration: While not always necessary, it’s helpful to have the car’s registration handy.
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Identification: A valid driver’s license or government-issued ID may be required to complete the sale.
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Any Additional Paperwork: If your car was involved in an insurance claim or has been written off, you might need to provide additional paperwork or a salvage title.
If the car was loaned or leased, you may need to clear the lien or settle the lease agreement before selling it.
4. Get an Estimate for Your Car’s Value
Once you’ve gathered your paperwork and assessed your car’s condition, the next step is to get an estimate for its value. Different scrapyards may offer different prices, so it’s a good idea to shop around. WA Auto Parts provides free estimates based on your car’s condition.
Here’s how to estimate your car’s worth:
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Weight-Based Pricing: Scrapyards often pay based on the weight of the car. A general estimate for scrapping a car can range from $100 to $500, depending on the weight and current scrap metal prices. Larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs will likely fetch more than smaller cars.
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Parts Value: If your car has valuable parts, such as a working catalytic converter or a new battery, WA Auto Parts may offer more for those components.
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Online Tools: Some websites offer online tools where you can get an estimate of your car’s scrap value. While these are general estimates, they can give you a ballpark figure.
Once you’ve assessed the value, contact WA Auto Parts to get a more accurate quote.
5. Choose a Reputable Scrapyard: WA Auto Parts
Not all scrapyards are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that is trustworthy and reputable. WA Auto Parts is known for its fair pricing and excellent customer service. Here are some reasons why WA Auto Parts is a reliable choice for selling your car:
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Licensed and Insured: WA Auto Parts is fully licensed and follows all legal procedures for buying and disposing of cars.
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Customer Reviews: Check out customer reviews and ratings to ensure they are known for fair offers, prompt service, and transparency in their pricing.
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Free Towing: WA Auto Parts offers free towing services, so you don’t need to worry about getting the car to their yard yourself, especially if it’s not running.
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Instant Cash: They offer instant cash for your vehicle, ensuring you get paid quickly and without hassle.
6. Contact WA Auto Parts and Schedule Pickup
Once you’ve chosen WA Auto Parts, contact them and schedule a time for pickup. Here’s what to expect:
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Provide Details: When you call or fill out an online form, be prepared to provide the car’s make, model, year, condition, and location. This will help WA Auto Parts give you an accurate quote.
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Arrange for Towing: WA Auto Parts offers free towing services for cars that are no longer drivable. If your car is not in a drivable condition, they will arrange for a tow truck to pick it up from your location.
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Set a Convenient Time: WA Auto Parts will typically schedule pickup at a time that works best for you. In many cases, you can arrange for same-day or next-day towing.
7. Prepare Your Car for Pickup
Before the scrapyard arrives to pick up your car, you’ll need to make a few preparations:
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Remove Personal Belongings: Check the car thoroughly to ensure you’ve removed all personal belongings, including anything from the trunk, glove compartment, and under the seats.
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Remove License Plates: In some areas, you’re required to remove your license plates before selling your car to a scrapyard. Be sure to check local regulations regarding this.
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Turn off the Fuel: If your car still has some gas in the tank, turning off the fuel valve (if possible) may be necessary, especially if it’s being transported on a flatbed truck.
Make sure the car is accessible and in a location where the towing truck can easily reach it.
8. Finalize the Sale and Get Paid
When WA Auto Parts arrives to pick up your car, they will usually inspect it briefly to confirm its condition. After inspection, they’ll provide you with the final payment. The payment can be made in various forms, including:
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Cash: WA Auto Parts offers cash on the spot, which is the fastest and most straightforward way to get paid.
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Check: If you prefer, WA Auto Parts will issue a check for the agreed-upon amount.
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Bank Transfer: For larger amounts, WA Auto Parts may offer direct bank transfers.
Once payment is made, you’ll sign over the car’s title and any relevant documents. WA Auto Parts will then take the car and dispose of it through recycling or dismantling.
9. Follow Up with Local Authorities
Once your car is sold and picked up, remember to notify your local motor vehicle department. Depending on the location, you may need to:
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Cancel the Registration: Notify the local department of motor vehicles (DMV) or relevant authority that the car has been sold to a scrapyard. This prevents future liability for the vehicle.
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Remove Your Name from the Title: Be sure the transfer of ownership is completed correctly to avoid legal complications later.
Conclusion
Selling your car to a scrapyard like WA Auto Parts is a fast, easy, and eco-friendly way to get rid of a car that’s no longer in good condition. By following these steps—assessing your car’s condition, gathering the necessary paperwork, getting estimates, and choosing a reputable scrapyard like WA Auto Parts—you can ensure a smooth transaction and receive a fair price for your vehicle.
Remember to compare offers, prepare your car for pickup, and follow through with the required paperwork to finalize the sale. Contact WA Auto Parts today to get cash for your old vehicle and enjoy a quick, hassle-free experience!