If you have an unwanted car sitting in your garage or driveway, you might be wondering how to make the most money from it. Whether it’s an old car, a vehicle that’s no longer running, or one that you simply don’t need anymore, there are several ways you can maximise its value. Many people assume that once a car is unwanted, its value is gone. However, with the right approach, you can turn your unwanted car into a decent sum of cash.
In this guide, we’ll show you seven practical ways to get more money from your unwanted car. From selling the car as-is to breaking it down for parts, there are plenty of options available to help you get the best price.
1. Sell Your Car to a Wrecker or Salvage Yard
One of the easiest ways to get rid of your unwanted car is to sell it to a wrecker or salvage yard. These businesses specialise in buying cars that are no longer roadworthy, whether they are damaged or simply not running. They will typically pay you based on the car’s weight and the value of any reusable parts, such as the engine, transmission, and tyres.
How to maximise the offer:
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Get multiple quotes: Call a few wreckers or salvage yards in your area to get quotes. Some may offer a better price depending on the make, model, and condition of your car.
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Check for free removal: Many wreckers offer free pick-up of your unwanted car, so you don’t have to worry about transport costs.
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Ensure you have all the necessary documents: Make sure you have the registration papers and proof of ownership ready when selling to a wrecker.
Selling your car to a wrecker is quick and convenient, but it may not give you the highest return. However, if your car is in poor condition or not worth repairing, this could be the best option.
2. Sell the Car for Parts
If your car is not running or is beyond repair, another way to get more money is by selling it for parts. Many car parts, such as the engine, transmission, tyres, and interior components, can still have significant value. You can sell these parts individually to people who need them to repair their own cars.
How to maximise the offer:
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Do a bit of research: Understand which parts are in high demand for your specific car model. Engines, transmissions, and other core components tend to fetch a higher price.
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List the parts online: Use platforms like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace to advertise your parts. Be clear about the condition of each part and provide photos to attract potential buyers.
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Consider professional help: If you’re not familiar with car parts, you might want to hire someone to help dismantle the vehicle. A professional mechanic or car dismantler can get the parts off your car and sell them for you.
Selling your car for parts can be time-consuming, but it can yield a better price than selling the car as a whole, especially if the vehicle is in poor condition.
3. Repair the Car and Sell It
If your car has minor issues, it might be worth investing a little money to repair it before selling. A car that is running and roadworthy will generally fetch a higher price than one that isn’t. Depending on the cost of the repairs, fixing the car can be a great way to maximise its value.
How to maximise the offer:
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Get a professional quote: Before repairing your car, get a quote from a mechanic to see if the repair cost is worth the investment. If the repair is cheap and will significantly increase the car’s value, it may be worth going ahead with it.
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Make small repairs: Even simple fixes like replacing the battery, changing the oil, or fixing a flat tyre can make a big difference in the price you get.
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Have the car professionally cleaned: A clean car, both inside and out, will always be more appealing to potential buyers.
Once repaired, you can sell the car privately, which will likely get you a higher price than selling it to a dealer or wrecker. Consider listing the car on online marketplaces like Carsales or Facebook Marketplace, where private buyers will be more likely to pay a fair price.
4. Sell to a Private Buyer
If you have the time and are willing to put in some effort, selling your unwanted car to a private buyer is often the best way to get the highest price. Many people are looking for affordable cars for their own projects or to repair and use. By selling privately, you can set a price that’s higher than what you’d get from a wrecker or dealer.
How to maximise the offer:
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Advertise your car well: Take clear, high-quality photos of your car from different angles. Highlight any positive aspects of the car, such as a well-maintained interior or recently replaced parts.
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Be honest about the condition: Buyers will appreciate honesty about the car’s history and condition. If it needs repairs, mention them upfront.
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Be prepared to negotiate: Private buyers will often try to negotiate the price down, so be prepared to haggle. Know the lowest price you are willing to accept before negotiating.
Selling privately may take longer, but it’s usually the best way to maximise your profit, especially if the car is in reasonable condition.
5. Use Online Car Buying Services
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to sell your unwanted car, you can use online car buying services. Websites like “Sell My Car,” “Car Removal,” and “Carsales” offer free car valuations and will buy your car directly from you, even if it’s not running. These services are convenient and usually pay you on the spot.
How to maximise the offer:
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Get multiple quotes: Some online car buying services may offer a better price than others. Be sure to get quotes from several services to see which one is willing to pay the most.
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Provide accurate details: Be honest about the car’s condition and provide all the necessary documentation to avoid delays or issues during the process.
Online car buying services are great if you want a hassle-free, quick sale. However, they may not offer the highest price, especially for cars that are in good condition.
6. Trade In the Car at a Dealership
If you’re planning to buy a new or used car, one option to consider is trading in your unwanted car at a dealership. Many dealerships will accept non-running or damaged vehicles in exchange for a discount on your next purchase. While you may not get the highest price for your car, this option is convenient and can save you time.
How to maximise the offer:
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Get quotes from multiple dealerships: Not all dealerships will offer the same trade-in value for your car. Get quotes from a few places to find the best deal.
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Negotiate: Just like when selling privately, be prepared to negotiate. Dealerships are often willing to offer a little more if you push for it.
Trading in your unwanted car is a quick and easy option, especially if you’re already planning to buy a car from the dealership. However, this route may not provide the highest return.
7. Consider Selling to a Car Auction
If you’re looking to reach a larger pool of buyers, you might want to consider selling your car at an auction. Online and physical car auctions are great places to sell unwanted cars, especially if your vehicle is in decent condition or has parts that could be valuable to the right buyer.
How to maximise the offer:
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Use a reputable auction platform: Ensure you choose an auction platform with a good reputation and a large audience.
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Research auction fees: Some auctions charge fees, so make sure you factor this into your expected selling price.
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Set a reserve price: If you’re concerned about the car selling for too little, set a reserve price to ensure you don’t get less than you’re willing to accept.
Selling your car at an auction can sometimes bring in a higher price, especially if there’s competition among buyers, but there’s also a bit more uncertainty compared to selling directly to a buyer or dealer.
Conclusion
Turning your unwanted car into cash doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By choosing the right method, whether it’s selling to a wrecker, trading it in, or selling parts individually, you can maximise the value of your vehicle. The key is to assess the condition of your car, get multiple quotes, and choose the option that best suits your needs and timeline.
Remember, whether you’re selling privately, using online services, or opting for a trade-in, being honest about the car’s condition and doing a bit of research will help you get the best price possible. With the right approach, you can turn your unwanted car into cash and move on to the next chapter with a little extra in your pocket.
