subject: Tips to get the most for your junk car at a salvage yard [print this page] Tips to get the most for your junk car at a salvage yard
Whether you car is condemned by your insurance company or you just decide it's time to retire it, salvaging you car is always a good way to make some extra cash. If you choose not to dismantle the car and sell its parts on your own, you will need the services of a salvage yard (more commonly called a junk yard). Overall, knowledge is the most important tool in the process. Knowing how salvaging cars work is the easiest way to get the most out of the transaction.
Since most buyers (of anything) are likely to haggle or try to get the best deal while paying as little as possible, it is the seller's job to get the most out of each transaction.Therefore, when selling to a junkyard, you should know what you car is worth. As old and beat up as your car is, the individual parts may turn out to be far more valuable than you think.
Any junkyard owner who buys your car is going to pull it apart completely to maximize earnings so do the same (if only on paper). Try to get information on each part that can be sold and the price they're usually sold for to inform how much you can demand for your car. Simple internet searches can yield a wealth of information that can result in more money for you
Another way of informing your price decision is to liaise with several buyers where possible. By knowing how much each stands to make you can either a) determine a reasonable price or b) choose the buyer that best suits your need.
Things to remember:
1) Unfortunately, salvage yard owners tend to have the upper hand since there are often many people who are trying to get rid of old cars so charging too much may mean that you end up being stuck with the car a lot longer than you wish to. Depending on where or how it is being stored, this may cost you a lot in the long run.
2) Depending on the state of the car, the size, weight or resources, you may make more on your car by taking it to the salvage yard yourself instead on having them come to you. This may not work out for cars that cannot be driven or based on how much you are charged to have it towed so always keep this in mind.
