With a car that no longer runs, you can sell it to a junk car buyer, junkyard, scrap yard, or salvage yard. These buyers purchase non-running vehicles and provide free towing.
Options for a non-running vehicle:
| Option | Best For | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Sell to junk car buyer | Fast cash, minimal effort | $150 to $500+ |
| Sell to junkyard or salvage yard | Vehicles with valuable parts | $200 to $800+ |
| Sell to scrap yard | Cars with no parts value | $100 to $400 |
| Part it out yourself | Maximizing value (requires time and tools) | $500 to $2,000+ |
| Donate | Tax deduction (if you itemize) | No cash, tax receipt only |
| Repair and sell | Minor issues, low repair cost | Varies by vehicle |
Before deciding, determine why the car does not run. Minor issues (dead battery, bad starter, fuel pump) may be worth fixing. Major failures (seized engine, blown transmission) usually mean selling as-is is the better choice.
Non-running cars have value in their metal, working parts, and catalytic converter. Junk car buyers specialize in purchasing vehicles that do not run and include free pickup.