In the most general of terms, a junk car is one that is very old, has been damaged beyond repair or has a problem that is quite expensive to repair. In many of these cases, the owner chooses to sell the vehicle and recoup some of their losses. Often, they end up in scrap yards where they are sold for parts or are put through the recycling process. Before making such a decision, however, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of getting cash for scrap cars.
Pros
There are a number of advantages to selling your old car for scrap, some of which we have outlined below:
- It is possible to get a fairly good deal for your car, regardless of whether it is running or not. This is especially true if your vehicle is not all that old, if the engine or body itself is still in good condition, or if it’s quite rare.
- You can rest assured that your old car will be put to good use, whether its parts are sold or its put through the recycling process. This is preferable to leaving the vehicle to rust in your driveway or garage.
- If you are ever in need of replacement parts for your new car down the track, you will know exactly where to go. Building a relationship with your local scrap yard can also lead to discounts and bonuses.
- You can rest assured that you’re doing your bit for the environment, as the metal used in all vehicles can be melted down and reused a million times over. Even the battery and radiator can be recycled.
Cons
There are also a number of disadvantages associated with getting cash for scrap cars, which we have outlined below:
- Some scrap yards will subtract from your payment for a variety of reasons, such as them having to go and pick the car up or it being filled with unrecyclable materials. Be wary of this when obtaining quotes.
- If purchasing parts, it can often be difficult to find the exact make and model you are after. The people working the yard are often of no assistance; they let you in and take your money when you leave.
- You cannot always be certain that your old car will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. The metal used in all vehicles is able to be melted down and reused, but this needs to be done correctly.
- Some scrap yards are unable to offer additional services, such as coming out to pick the car up. This can be problematic if the vehicle isn’t running, as you will have to hire a trailer (which is often costly).
At the end of the day, we cannot tell you what decision to make – it is completely up to you, the owner. We do, however, recommend that you weigh up the pros and cons of getting cash for scrap cars in regards to your own situation; this will help to ensure that you are making the right decision for your needs. If you are still unsure, it can be a good idea to speak with your local scrap yard. They should be able to answer any questions you may have.
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