Junk cars, otherwise known as vehicles that are no longer operable or too expensive to repair, may not be good for transportation, but that doesn’t make them worthless. In fact, many parts on junk cars have quite a bit of value, even when the car itself is broken down and doesn’t run. If you’re thinking of selling or scrapping your old car, make sure you know what the vehicle — and its parts — are really worth.
Why Scrap an Old Car?
When a car is no longer safe to drive on the road or it constantly needs costly repairs, it’s time to consider the best next steps. You could keep driving the car, but doing so is likely to cost you more in maintenance and repairs than the vehicle is worth. When you consider the fact that old cars, even ones that don’t run, retain value in their parts, the decision to not scrap your car could be costly.
In addition, old cars that are left to rot and corrode in driveways or garages are not only eyesores, but also represent environmental and health hazards. By scrapping your car and selling its parts, you maximize the value of the old vehicle in a responsible way.
Which Scrap Car Parts Are Most Valuable?
When it is time to scrap your junk car, you have a couple of options. You can sell the car to an auto recycling business, or you can dismantle the parts or sell your junk car intact yourself. In the case of the former, understanding the most valuable parts of a junk car is essential, as it ensures that you will get the most value out of selling those junk car parts.
Engine and Transmission
The engine and transmission on your car are often the most valuable parts to scrap. The value of a scrap engine and transmission, however, is highly dependent on whether those parts work or if they need additional repairs to function.
Catalytic Converter
A car’s catalytic converter works to reduce its emissions. It has a lot of value because it is often made of precious metals. However, because their function is so important and precise, resale of used catalytic converters is illegal according to the EPA. Instead, you can scrap the metal used to make the converter.
GPS System
If your car is old enough to have a separate GPS system — one that is not programmed into the car’s onboard computer — this is one of the easiest pieces to disconnect and sell.
Airbags
In a situation where your car is junk but new enough to have airbags, you may be able to sell the airbags if they have never been deployed. Generally, the steering wheel and front passenger airbags are the most valuable, but it’s important to proceed with caution. Removing airbags incorrectly may cause an explosion.
Doors, Windows, and Mirrors
Car doors are made of several parts, including the door panel, locks, side mirrors, and windows. Each of these pieces is removable and may have value for those who only experienced minor accidents and need to replace just one part of their car’s door.
Audio Systems
A vehicle’s audio system, including its speakers, radio, CD player, presents another opportunity to cash in on the value of components. For example, someone may need to replace one car speaker and is willing to pay handsomely for it.
Wheels and Tires
Selling the wheels and tires of a junk car is one of the easiest ways to get value from its parts. Wheels and tires are easy to remove safely, and tires are often regularly replaced, so they may be in much better shape than the car itself.
Battery
Similar to tires, most owners replace their car’s battery every few years. Therefore, if the battery on your junk car is still relatively new, it is easy to remove it and sell it.
Seats and Interior Parts
Seats are also easy parts to sell, but only if they are in good condition. People who want to replace their seats can simply swap them out one-for-one.
Metal Body Parts
The metal used to make the component parts of your junk car may be one of the most valuable “parts” that you can sell. Whether you plan to piece out the metal yourself or sell the car whole to a junk car recycler, old metal body parts can carry a high value.
The Benefits of Scrapping a Car vs. Parting It Out
Although it may be possible to find value in the individual parts of your old car, the process of scrapping each part, finding a buyer, and ensuring that everyone is satisfied with the sale can be exhausting. Scrapping your car with a respected and reliable auto recycler like Cash 4 Junk Cars Albany offers both convenience and the guarantee of a clean and reliable sale of your junk car.
At Junk Cars Albany, we offer a simple, one-stop experience. We take your whole car, whether or not the parts are valuable, and we offer free quotes for your junk car. You always know how much money you can expect to receive. Contact us today to learn more.
