Scrapping a junk car may seem like an easy job; getting a quotation from the junkyard, and simply selling it if the price pleases you. However, there are ways to scrap your car properly, which can earn you more money and give you more value for your vehicle. It’s pretty easy to get cash for junk cars, but it’s not as easy to get the right amount of cash for it. If you’re looking to sell junk cars, then reading this blog before you do will prove valuable for you. We’ll help you understand which parts of your junk car are the most valuable ones to scrap. These parts sell separately for higher prices and you’re in luck if your car model was popular. Let’s list down these parts:
- Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are an in-demand item, so much that they get stolen from standing vehicles outside people’s homes. However, these converters are hardly wanted for their functionality. Catalytic converters are made up of precious metals such platinum, rhodium and palladium. These metals are very valuable and sell separately for high cash value.
- Bumpers
Bumpers are the body parts most commonly damaged around the world. Their main purpose is to actually protect the rest of the body and the frame. This is why they are most commonly damaged in accidents, road rashes, hit and runs. Bumper repairs are usually uncommon, because people prefer to get them replaced from an old car that may have an undamaged piece. Getting a new bumper from the dealership also doesn’t seem like a good idea because the price is too high. People will happily pay a few hundred bucks for a used piece.
- Rims
If your junk car is finally being sold, consider checking out rims. If the model has a rim set that is popular, or whether you got aftermarket rims, consider checking them out first. If the rims are undamaged and in good condition, consider selling them separately.
- Tires
The tires on your wheels can be sold separately as well. Before seeking cash for junk cars, check out the tires and if the tread left on them is good. If the tread is good, the tires could sell for a good price. And if your junk car is an SUV or a truck, these tires could go for quite a high price.
- GPS System
If your junk car has a pre-installed GPS System that still works fine, it may easily sell for a few hundred dollars. GPS Systems are a constant in-demand item and a lot of people may prefer getting a used system than a new one. This will be your chance to sell yours for a good price.
- Battery
Batteries aren’t very valuable at the junkyard or at your own place. However, at the junkyard, they will just rip out the batteries and throw it away, leaving the harmful chemicals to seep into the ground. However, at your own home, you can try refreshing the battery by using distilled water and Epsom salt, giving it a few more years.
- Bonnet or Tailgate
Bonnets and tailgates are also very commonly damaged in accidents. Most accidents happen from the front or the back, which means the bonnet and tailgate is probably going to be damaged. This means that if your junk car has one that is in perfect shape, it could actually fetch a few hundred dollars in the market. Customized tailgates and bonnets are also pretty in demand; people who love playing with the looks on their cars, are always on the lookout for such parts.
- Windshield Wiper Arms
The wiper arms aren’t a very valuable asset. One wiper arm could be worth as much as $70 depending on the model of your car. However, that’s $70 that will be of zero value once your car is sold wholly to the junkyard.
- Doors
A late entry in our list but a very valuable piece. Doors of cars are expensive items. A new door at the dealership could be worth over a thousand dollars. However, if you’re selling a 4-door car at the junkyard, you can actually make a pretty solid profit if you sell the 4 doors separately. You may never make even close to it when you sell the car at the junkyard without scrapping the doors separately.
- Headlights and Taillights
These 2 items are probably some of the most sought-after items on the second-hand spare part market. If your car is a sought-after model, but got totaled in an accident, check for the lights. Since the model was popular, there is always a buyer on the market looking to score headlights and taillights for cheap prices. Cheaper than the dealership of course. This could make you a few extra hundred dollars. Who wouldn’t like that?
Now that you know of the few valuable pieces that you may salvage before scrapping your car completely, go take a good look at the car you’re looking forward to sending to the junkyard. There’s a high chance that you may make a few extra hundred dollars than what simply scrapping the car would bring.
