4 Steps To Prepare Your Unwanted Car For Sale
Contacting a buyer specializing in unwanted (or "junk") cars is the quickest way to get rid of an old vehicle, but that doesn't mean it's a completely automatic process. Getting the most for your old car and ensuring a smooth sales process requires a little care and planning, but the good news is that these four critical steps don't require too much work.
Step 1: Handle the Technicalities
The first and most important thing you'll need to do before contacting a buyer is to confirm that you can legally sell a car. While it might seem silly to worry about the legality of selling a car in your own driveway, it's a surprisingly common issue. Unwanted car buyers need to follow the same rules involved in any other automotive transaction, which means you'll typically need proof of ownership.
In most cases, you'll have to have a title in hand. You can usually request a duplicate title from your state DMV if you don't have one. However, if the car is old enough, you may be able to sell it without a title. Still, it's important to check your state laws and ask before making any assumptions based on the age of your vehicle.
Step 2: Dig for Hidden Treasure
You're unlikely to find any pirate maps or treasure chests in your old car, but you might be surprised by the items that get left behind in people's unwanted vehicles. Loading your car onto a tow truck means saying goodbye to it (and everything inside it) for good, so it's a good idea to spend a little time digging under the seat cushions for anything you might have left behind.
Common places to leave items include the glove box, door side pockets, and the areas above the sun visors. If you don't want to do a thorough search, at least check these locations for anything you might have left behind.
Step 3: Make Some Calls
Unwanted car buyers often make their offers primarily based on scrap value, but there's no harm in calling around. Don't expect much wiggle room for negotiation, but you may find that offers vary a bit between different buyers. Shopping for different offers isn't a bad way to spend some time if you want to maximize your profit.
Bonus Tip: Always provide accurate information about the car's condition. Thorough and accurate information is the best way to ensure you receive the full offer for the vehicle.
Step 4: Wave Goodbye
The last step is the easiest. Once you're ready, you need to choose a date and time to have your buyer send a truck for your vehicle. You'll typically need to be present for the handoff, so plan for a time when you're available. However, some buyers may be willing to arrange no-contact handoffs if that suits your needs.
And that's all there is to it! Once the truck arrives, there's nothing left to do except wave goodbye to your unwanted clunker or wrecked car. Reach out to car buyers to learn more.
