Have you ever found yourself stuck with a car that just won’t start? You turn the key, and the engine groans, but it simply doesn’t roar to life. You’re left with a hefty chunk of metal that doesn’t get you from point A to B. So, the question arises: will anyone buy a car that doesn’t run, especially in the Baltimore area?
Who Will Buy a Car That Doesn’t Run?
The good news is that there are indeed buyers for cars that no longer run. The even better news is that these buyers are probably more common than you think. They range from individual buyers looking for a project car to mechanics planning to use the vehicle for parts to scrap towing companies that buy cars primarily for their metal content, like ERC cars for cash.
In this blog, we’re going to explain some important factors that you should keep in mind depending on the situation you find yourself in.
Junk Car Buyers
Junk car buyers are probably your best bet if you’re looking to get rid of a non-running car quickly and easily. These companies, like ERC Cash for Junk Cars in Baltimore, specialize in buying cars in any condition, even if they’re not running.
Junk car buyers are interested in your car for its scrap metal value. They’ll typically give you cash for your car, then haul it away for free. The metal is then recycled and sold, making this a somewhat eco-friendly disposal option.
These types of buyers aren’t interested in selling the parts of your car or fixing it. They are only interested in the metal. This means that if your vehicle has valuable items but doesn’t work at all, you can remove everything of value from the car, and these buyers will give you cash for your junk vehicle.
On the other hand, keep in mind that there’s no point in negotiating a higher price than what they’re offering you, as they literally come for your vehicle and don’t charge you for the tow service. Moving a vehicle with a tow truck can be very expensive, and it’s not worth moving your junk vehicle unless you’re 100% sure you will sell it at a better price.
Trade-In at a Dealership
Some car dealerships may accept a non-running car as a trade-in, especially if they have onsite repair facilities. They might repair the car, sell it, or use it for parts. However, be aware that you’ll likely get significantly less for a non-running car than you would for a car in running condition.
Also, keep in mind that you have to cover the cost of the tow truck to take it to the dealer, and if the dealer decides not to take it at the last moment or renegotiate the price of your vehicle, you may end up losing more money than if you had sold it to a company like ERC cash for cars.
We’re going to tell you about a real case regarding selling your junk vehicle to a dealer:
When a car dealer offers to buy your junk car for a seemingly high price, they may require you to purchase a vehicle from them to get the offer. However, once you bring your junk car to them, they may inspect it and offer you less or no money than promised because they overestimated its value.
At this point, you’ve already paid for the tow truck and already have the vehicle at the dealer, which puts you in a very bad position because if you want to take the vehicle away, you have to pay for a tow truck again. If you don’t buy a vehicle from the dealer, they will ask you to take it away, or they may get you into trouble with the police. In conclusion, you’ve been left at the mercy of what the dealer offers you, and you’ve most likely received a much worse deal than you could have gotten if you hadn’t taken the vehicle in the first place.
The trade-in of a vehicle may work in a negotiation if your vehicle runs; if it doesn’t, you can get some very unpleasant surprises.
Tip: Remember that if you’re in the Baltimore area, call ERC Cash For Cars, and they will pick up your vehicle for free, and they could pay you up to $500 for your scrap car.
Mechanics and Repair Shops
Some mechanics and repair shops may buy non-running cars to repair, sell, or use for parts. This can be a good option if your car has a relatively minor issue that’s keeping it from running, and you just don’t want to deal with repairing it.
Note: Exercise caution! This scenario can be more unfavorable than trading in your vehicle at a dealership. At least with a trade-in, you’ll receive some money and a new vehicle. However, if a mechanic decides they don’t want your vehicle, you’ll be responsible for the cost of removing it. Unfortunately, owners of junk vehicles often find themselves compelled to leave their vehicles at the shop because removal costs exceed the vehicle’s worth.
Tip: If you’re in this situation in the Baltimore area, call ERC Cash For Cars, and they will pick up your vehicle for free, and they could pay you up to $500 for your scrap car.
How Much Can I Get for a Car That Doesn’t Run?
If your vehicle doesn’t work at all, you can expect anywhere from $100 to $500 from a junk car towing company.
The amount of money you can get for a non-running car will depend on several factors, including the car’s age, make and model, condition, and current scrap metal price. As we mentioned earlier, it will also depend on where you wish to sell your vehicle. If the vehicle works, selling it for more money will be easier, but if it doesn’t work, your options are very limited.
If you’re selling to a junk car buyer, they’ll typically use a formula to calculate the value of your car. This formula considers the car’s weight and the current price of scrap metal, nothing more. Remember, these companies aren’t interested in fixing or selling the vehicle for parts. They just want the metal.
If you’re looking for The easiest way to sell a truly non-functional car for the maximum amount is to a tow company like ERC Junk Car For Cash. They might pay $500.
Conclusion
Selling a non-running car may seem daunting at first, but several viable options exist. Whether you choose to sell to a junk car buyer, trade it in at a dealership, orsell to a mechanic. You can find a solution that works for you.
In this blog, we do not recommend selling a junk car online because the chances that someone is interested in seeing your vehicle are very few.
Remember that while you may not get as much for a non-running car as you would for a running one, you’re still getting some value out of it. Plus, you’re freeing up space. You can cancel your car’s insurance and remove a source of stress from your life.
If you’re in the Baltimore area and looking to sell your junk car, contact ERC Cash for Junk Cars. We’ll give you a fair quote for your vehicle, no matter its condition.
