There comes a time when every vehicle owner must decide whether to junk their aged, worn-down car or take another shot at repairing it. While repairing the old car could mean being able to drive it for a while longer, sometimes repairing the car simply isn’t an economically reliable decision.
Sometimes, junking your old car and purchasing a new car is a more affordable option. But how do you decide which route you should take?
Read on to learn how to determine whether you should fix or junk an old automobile.
Is There Still Value in Your Old Vehicle?
How do you know if your old car or truck is actually worth fixing? First off, take note of its mileage. Is there still a considerable amount of life left in the engine? Does it need several replacement parts?/p>
Then ask yourself if it may be possible to find affordable replacement auto parts at a salvage yard. If you have a reputable yard in your area, it may make sense to invest in repairs and continue driving your automobile.
That’s especially true if you’re not financially prepared to buy a new ride!
While repairs can be expensive, the cost of fixing a vehicle can be substantially reduced by utilizing used auto parts. Used parts taken from old cars are safe, cost-effective, and often have very little wear and tear on them.
Using a trusted auto parts shop, such as Ace Auto Parts, is a great way to find the perfect replacement part at an affordable price.
Curious about buying used parts? Then check out our top tips for finding the best parts at a salvage yard, so you know what to expect before you go!
Does Your Problematic Vehicle Have Valuable Parts?
If your car has multiple problems, even if it doesn't run anymore, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth anything. Rather, there still may be value in your old car in the form of valuable parts that someone else could purchase and use.
If you choose to sell your car for parts, you can make some cash on it, which can help offset the cost of buying a new ride.
But you shouldn’t sell your car for parts to just anyone. Often, car dealerships or auctions will barely give you any money for an old car because the car will be impossible to sell as-is. Auto part shops, on the other hand (such as Ace Auto Parts) can offer you money to take a junker off your hands.
Not only will we pay you cash for your used vehicle, but we’ll also come to your house and happily tow the car away.
As far as we’re concerned, there’s even value in an old car that is no longer running!
Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Sell or Fix an Old Junk Car
When deciding whether you should junk or repair your car, consider the following factors to determine which option makes the most financial sense for you.
Availability of Needed Parts
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to fix or junk a car is the availability and cost of the parts your car needs.
While some common car parts are easier to find and replace, other parts can be obsolete. Take the time to search for the parts you need and assess whether they are all within your budget.
Cost of the Repairs Versus the Value of the Car
Another factor to consider when deciding what to do with your car is the cost of the repair compared to the value of the car.
While you may be able to have your car professionally repaired for an affordable price, you should keep in mind the remaining value of your car or truck. There is no sense in making a $1500 repair on a car that is only worth $1250.
You’ll end up losing money if you take that route!
If you find yourself constantly fixing your car and spending more on repairs than it’s actually worth (as in, more than you could sell it for), it may be time to consider junking the car.
The Amount of Money You’ve Already Spent on Repairs
How much money have you recently sunk into fixing your vehicle? If you’ve only paid for a few minor repairs up until now, performing a bigger fix is likely worth the investment.
However, if you’ve been paying for repair after repair (even if they’ve been relatively small fixes), all of those repairs will quickly add up. If your car has become unreliable and has started to malfunction more often, consider taking the car to a junk buyer.
Rather than investing even more money into a car you predict will break down again, sell your car and use the money to buy a new and more reliable vehicle.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs vs. Cost of a New Vehicle
How much money did you invest in vehicle maintenance over the last year? And perhaps more importantly, how much more money do you anticipate spending this year if you keep your current ride?
Don’t just think about parts replacements and repairs; think about all the money you’ve spent taking care of your vehicle in the last 12 months.
Don’t forget to consider:
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Oil changes
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Tuneups
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Belt changes
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Fluid flushes
The older your current vehicle gets, the more frequently it’ll need service, so if you keep it, be ready to sink more and more money into it as it ages.
Compare those potential costs (both maintenance and repairs combined) with the cost of purchasing a new car. Then determine which option makes more financial sense.
5 Best Ways to Sell Your Old Car
Whether you have an old vehicle that’s still in drivable condition or a total junker that’s just wasting space on your property, you have several options for offloading your dated ride.
1. Sell to a Salvage Yard
If you have a really old or totaled vehicle you no longer want, you can sell it to a salvage yard (like Ace Auto Parts in St. Paul) for cash.
You can have the vehicle picked up and towed away from wherever it’s sitting, so you don’t ever have to lift a finger or get your hands dirty.
If you’re considering selling your old vehicle this way, read up on how to prepare to sell your car to a salvage yard first.
2. Sell to a Car Enthusiast
Some people prefer to buy old junkers for cheap to try and fix them or to remove and resell the car’s parts. This can be a quick and easy way to get rid of your car and still get some money for it.
You can find interested buyers by placing an ad in your local newspaper or on an online marketplace like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, eBay Motors, and others.
3. Get an Instant Cash Offer Online
Did you know you can get a cash offer for your used car from Kelley Blue Book?
If not, here’s how you can go about doing that:
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Go to kbb.com and click on “Get My Car’s Value.”
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On the “My Car’s Value” page, click on “Get Instant Cash Offer.”
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Enter your vehicle’s VIN number and mileage.
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Input all other details about your vehicle and its features.
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Get your instant cash offer.
4. Sell or Trade to a Dealership
Most dealerships purchase used vehicles, and if you’re looking to get into a new car or truck, you can trade your old ride in to discount the price of your new one.
Keep in mind, though, that your vehicle’s trade-in value will be lower than its private sale value. And, if you choose to sell to a dealership rather than trade, you’ll probably get a lower offer price than if you sold to a private buyer.
Dealerships are ultimately looking to profit from the vehicle, after all.
5. Donate the Car to Charity
Although this option isn’t exactly selling, it is one to get rid of an old car you no longer want. And there are several ways you can give your old car up for charity.
Generally, donating a car to charity is a simple process, and most charitable programs will pick your car up after you’ve agreed to various regulations.
All you have to do is schedule a time to hand over the keys so someone who is in need of a vehicle can use your old car.
The Secret to Keeping OEM Parts in Old Cars
Not ready to sell your old vehicle? Would you rather invest in repairs and continue driving it, so you’re not forced to buy a new car and make payments for months or years on end?
If so, and you’re looking to fix your ride as affordably as possible, a salvage yard might become your new best friend. At a salvage yard, you should be able to find quality, OEM parts for your ride for a fraction of the cost of buying those parts brand new.
But purchasing used auto parts isn't just for those who want to save money. A salvage yard can also be a treasure trove for anyone who wants OEM parts for a car that is no longer supported by its manufacturer.
The first thing to remember is that when a car is sent to a junkyard, most of its parts are typically still good. It may have a rusted body or a transmission that went out, but the rest of it is often just fine.
Even better for OEM-part seekers, these cars are usually right about at the age at which it becomes hard to find brand-new parts for them. Whether you’re hunting for mechanical or electrical parts, paneling, fenders, bumpers, lights, mirrors, or auto glass, chances are you can find what you need at a quality salvage yard.
And if you don’t find what you need locally, there’s also a good chance the yard can get you in touch with another location that has the part you’re looking for.
Need to Sell a Junker in St. Paul? Contact Ace Auto Parts!
If you’re interested in making money by junking your car, contact Ace Auto Parts today. We can help you take your broken vehicle off your hands.
We also stock an extensive selection of car parts for our customers to choose from. For reliable car parts that have been tested by our team of experts, take a look through our inventory. We provide parts that are capable of repairing another vehicle’s malfunction and offer limited 90-day warranties on all of the parts we sell.
Ready to sell your junker or find quality used auto parts for your ride? Then give us a call today at 651-717-4299 or use our parts search app to start looking for the part you need!