If your old car is no longer running, but is instead taking up space in your yard or garage, recycling it is a great option. Inside that non-working engine are used car parts that someone else is looking for. By selling your car to a junk yard or auto salvage yard, you can make a few dollars while putting those old parts into the market for someone else to use to fix their car.



How to Find a Junk Yard

The first step towards recycling your car is finding a junk yard that is interested in buying vehicles for used car parts. Not all junk yards will pay for old cars, and you might as well make some money out of the transaction.

Start searching for auto wreckers and junk yards in your area. Use the phone book and the Internet to locate them, and then give them a call to see if they are willing to accept your car. They will want to know some things about the car, such as the make, model, and year. They also will want to know what is wrong with it, if you know. If some junk yards are not interested, it may be because they have too many of that particular car. Keep calling, because someone will be willing to buy it.

Comparing Quotes

The amount you will be paid is going to vary significantly from yard to yard. Be sure to get quotes from several to ensure that you are getting a fair price. Keep in mind that you will not be given the same value for the car that you would get if you were selling it in drivable condition.

Preparing the Car

Once you have chosen a yard interested in the used auto parts in your car, go through your car and remove everything. The owner's manual, title, and keys are all that the auto salvage yard wants or needs for the car. Once you turn the car over to them, they are not going to let you go back through it for the personal items you forgot.

Get Your Title

You will have to have a clear title in your name to sell your car for parts. The junk yard does not want the hassle of dealing with a stolen car that has owners searching for it. Of course, you know the car belongs to you, but the junk yard owner does not and does not want to take the risk. If you cannot find the title, order a copy before you try to sell the car.

Take the Car to the Yard

Once you have the title in hand and the car is cleaned out, take it to the salvage yard. If it cannot drive, ask if they would be willing to tow it, or arrange for towing. When you arrive with the car, you will be offered a final sale price after the employees inspect it. Be prepared to negotiate, because this is expected. If you are happy with the price, accept it and sign the title over. You will then turn over the car and the keys and be on your way, no longer worrying about that old junker in your yard.

After you sell the car, the junk yard will take it apart and take any usable parts from it. These parts are then sold to consumers at a discount far below the price of a new part. Instead of gathering dust and rust in your yard, the car now is helping others who need its parts but do not want to pay the price for brand new parts for their older cars. As an added bonus, you will have a little extra money in your pocket.