What You Need to Do Before Actually Selling Your Old Car

A car is the only thing that loses value immediately after leaving the “store” or the lot. And over time, their value dips and dips, until sometimes all they’re worth is $500 to a recycling center.

We know that’s harsh, especially if you love your car – but it’s reality. If you’ve been dragging your feet on selling your old car, this article is for you.

We’ve got the no-excuses how-to guide that will help you get started, below.

1. Ask Yourself, “How Old is Old?”

There’s a difference between older cars and old cars. Older cars have high mileage and maybe a few dings and dents, while old cars may not even run. Which one are we talking about?

If it’s an older car, then pick an Autotrader website or Kelly Blue Book, put in your car details, and see what these websites say your car is worth. This should be your base number, plus or minus twenty percent depending on condition and driving history.

If it’s an old car, or it doesn’t run, or it’s not worth the cost of repairs to make it run, don’t leave it on your lawn. Not only do certain cities have ordinances about broken-down cars (even on private property), but it can leach chemicals into your soil as the pieces further degrade.

If it’s over fifteen years old or it doesn’t work at all, you may want to sell for 500 to a junkyard or junk cars buyer.

2. Clean Out Your Car

Even if you’re going to junk your car, it likely has some sort of personal effects in it. Like loose change, bobby pins, old shoes, Starbucks cups, and the list goes on.

This step is especially important if you’re trading in your car or selling it for a profit. Depending on the price you were quoted, it may even be worth it to get it semi-detailed. It will come at a cost, but they may offer you more money for it for bringing it in in such good condition.

Cleaning out your car is the right thing to do for the next person who comes along, even if that next person recycles it for scrap metal.

3. Gather Your Offers

Shopping around for car offers is an essential part of the process, even if you’re junking your car. The majority of junkyards will give you no more than $500 for a clunker, but if it’s still a relevant model, you may get up to $1000, depending on its parts.

The same is true for selling or trading in your car. Car dealerships are famously competitive with each other, so ask for each offer in writing and use that as a bargaining chip at other dealerships to get your best price.

Selling Your Old Car: Loss or Profit?

Cars don’t last forever. Sometimes we choose the time to move onward and upward to a newer model, and sometimes the car chooses that time for us.

Whichever it is for you, it’s worth trying to get top dollar when selling your old car.

We wish you luck on your car selling journey and hope you’ll come back for more content like this!