Selling a car is not an easy process, especially if you are emotionally connected with your old vehicle. Whether it was the first car you bought yourself, or it was a gift from your parents, there comes a time when you will have to get rid of it.
The harsh truth is vehicles age over time. Some of their parts begin to work inefficiently or break down altogether, and maintenance costs get really expensive. So, the next best option is to sell the car and get some cash for it in return.
In general, the money you will likely get from the sale depends on various factors, mainly the year, make, model, and condition of the car. However, you can do some other things to maximize the value and get a better offer for your junk car.
In this post, we share four ways to increase the value of your old vehicle.
1 Pick the right place to sell
When it comes to selling a junk car, there are several options you can consider to do it. Some popular ways include taking the vehicle to a junkyard, selling it to a car dealer, or selling it privately.
For example, junkyards are an excellent option for old, inoperable, and irreparable vehicles where they will be dismantled for their valuable parts, and you will receive money for them in return. However, in order to get the most from your junk car, you need to take it to a reputable scrap car service.
So, for instance, if you live in the Philly area, search for the nearest scrap car service where you can sell your junk car for cash in Philadelphia fast and easily, without the hassle that comes with selling a car any other way.
2 Don’t remove any car parts
Although you may be tempted to remove the valuable parts from your old car to get some money for them, it is not recommended to do it. Doing so will certainly lower the value of your vehicle, and you will most likely end up with a financial loss instead of a gain. Even if you take your vehicle to the mechanic to disassemble it properly, you will also decrease the potential profit you’d otherwise make.
So, make sure you keep all car parts intact so you can maximize the value of your ride when selling it. The buyer may want to examine each component to determine the overall condition of the vehicle and decide which parts can be saved, repaired, or discarded.
3 Don’t wait too long to sell
Another thing you should do to maximize the value of your vehicle is to sell it fast and soon. The longer you wait to get rid of your junk car, the lower the amount you will get from it when selling it. This is especially true if your ride is completely inoperable or irreparable as it’s still valuable, and reusable parts can start to deteriorate after a while.
For example, if your old car is taking up space in the garage, the rust will begin to cover the vehicle, causing its rubber parts to become brittle. Things can get even worse if your clunker is sitting in the backyard, where it will be exposed to environmental factors which can also cause corrosion, cracks, and other damages due to sun, rain, or snow.
4 Highlight certain features
A method that can also help increase the value of your junk car is to highlight its best features. In fact, you’d be surprised to learn how many people actually love old vehicles and are willing to pay a reasonable sum for them, especially if they have interesting features. They may be collectors of old, classic cars, so they may be interested in buying yours, doing a few upgrades, and enriching their collections.
For instance, if your vehicle has a specific feature that is unique for a certain period, make sure you highlight that feature. Some of these can include:
- Fender-mounted mirrors;
- Manual hand-crank windows;
- In-built car phone;
- Vent glass windows;
- Front bench seats.
Final thoughts
Although there are many factors that are taken into consideration when selling a junk car, there are also some measures you can take to increase its value. From keeping its valuable parts intact to highlighting the vehicle’s best features, you have many options at your disposal to get the most from your ride.
For more information, be sure to refer to our post and learn how to maximize the value of your old vehicle fast and easily.
