Junk car buyers will buy a car that failed an emissions test. Emissions failure does not prevent you from selling to a junkyard, scrap yard, or junk car buyer.
Why emissions failure does not stop a sale:
Junk car buyers purchase vehicles for parts and scrap metal, not for resale as running cars. They do not need the vehicle to pass inspection or be roadworthy. A car that failed emissions can still have a valuable engine, transmission, catalytic converter, and body parts.
Options for a car that failed emissions:
- Repair and retest: If the repair cost is low compared to the car’s value, fixing the issue may be worthwhile.
- Sell as-is to a junk car buyer: Get cash for the vehicle without making repairs. Buyers do not require passing emissions.
- Sell to a junkyard or salvage yard: These buyers want parts and metal, not roadworthy vehicles.
- Sell to a scrap yard: Metal recyclers pay by weight regardless of emissions status.
Common emissions failure causes:
- Bad catalytic converter
- Faulty oxygen sensors
- Engine misfires
- Evaporative system leaks
- Old or malfunctioning engine components
If repair costs exceed what the car is worth, selling to a junk car buyer for cash makes more financial sense than paying for expensive emissions repairs.