If you have a truck or car that doesn’t start, stay running or drive for any reason, you aren’t stuck with it. People frequently sell vehicles that don’t run, and these sellers cater to people buying for restoration, parts and scrap. However, you should get a diagnostic report before deciding to sell, as some cars just need a quick repair before being able to run again.

Ways To Sell a Car That Doesn’t Run

When selling your junk or inoperable vehicle, choose the option that will get the most value. While many private buyers may offer top dollar for used vehicles, selling an inoperable car might mean accepting cash offers from car dealers or junk buyers. 

Sell To a Dealership or Junk Buyer Company

Many car dealerships and junk buyers specialize in making offers for cars and trucks that won’t run. These companies buy inoperable cars for parts, restoration and even scrap metal recycling. Online junk buyers can make offers on inoperable vehicles in seconds and typically provide vehicle pickup as part of their services.

Some junk buyers may make low offers for used vehicles. As a result, owners of older or severely damaged cars may be better off selling to a private buyer or selling for scrap.

Sell To a Private Buyer

In some situations, private buyers will pay more than a dealer or junk buying service for a car that doesn’t run. Many private buyers will buy older, luxury or classic car models to restore these vehicles as a hobby or for resale. Often, these buyers pay competitively against the fair market value. 

To see if your old car has potential buyers, look for your make and model on places like eBay Motors, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Some online services like Cars.com and Autotrader also offer private party sale options, though eligibility requirements may vary.

When browsing other online marketplaces, take note of the potential value of your car. Note the asking price for the same make and model in a similar condition, if possible. Private sale prices may vary widely, so take an average of a few as a solid baseline for what you may get from a private buyer.

Sell It for Parts

Depending on your vehicle’s make, model and age, you may get more value if you sell the car for parts. Even if one component of your engine doesn’t function, for example, you may be able to sell the transmission, catalytic converter or other parts either as is or as scrap. 

Check used part prices for your vehicle at local junkyards and through online parts marketplaces. Remember, selling your car for parts will take much longer than selling the whole vehicle to a private buyer or junkyard because you’ll need to wait for prospective buyers to find your listings.

Sell It as Scrap

If parting out your car or selling to a private buyer isn’t promising, you may need to sell your car for scrap. Prices offered for scrap vehicles vary based on location, the make, model and year of the vehicle, current scrap metal prices and other factors.

Get quotes from local scrapyards and online junk buyers to compare offers and ensure you’re getting a fair price before selling your inoperable vehicle.

Extra Tips for Selling a Car That Doesn’t Run

If you’re thinking of selling a car that doesn’t run, follow the tips below to streamline the process and get the most value for your vehicle:

• Know your vehicle’s value: Before selling, know how much your car is worth by checking guides like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or using online car valuation tools.
• Weigh the cost of the repairs: Sometimes, a minor repair can make a big difference in how much you can sell your car for, so get a diagnosis before selling your car as is.
• Compare offers: When selling your inoperable car, compare offers from local junk buyers, parts buyers and online junk buying services before committing to an offer. 
• Prepare your vehicle: Get your vehicle ready for sale by cleaning the interior and exterior and removing all personal items.