You have five main options for what to do with a junk car. You can sell it for cash (fastest and easiest), part it out yourself (most money but most work), donate it for a tax deduction, repair and keep it, or scrap it properly.
That old car sitting in your driveway, the one that won't start or costs more to fix than it's worth, what do you actually do with it? You have more options than you might think.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Effort | Speed | Money | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sell to buyer | ⭐ Low | 1-2 days | $200-$1,000+ | Most people |
| Part it out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Weeks-months | $500-$3,000+ | Mechanically inclined |
| Donate | ⭐ Low | 1-2 weeks | Tax deduction | Charitable goals |
| Repair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | Days-weeks | Costs money | Fixable cars worth saving |
| Scrap yard | ⭐⭐ Low-Med | 1-3 days | $100-$400 | True scrap-only vehicles |
Option 1: Sell It for Cash
Best for: Most people. Effort: Minimal. Timeline: 1-2 days.
Selling your junk car for cash is the fastest and easiest way to get rid of it while putting money in your pocket. You don't need mechanical skills, you don't have to deal with flaky buyers on marketplace, and someone else handles all the heavy lifting.
Who Buys Junk Cars?
Online junk car buyers : Companies like Clunqr connect to nationwide networks. Instant quote, free towing, cash at pickup. Usually your best bet.
Local junkyards : Traditional option. Lower offers, limited to local market. Some can be rough to deal with.
Private buyers : More money potential via Marketplace/Craigslist, but more hassle with no shows and lowballers.
What to Watch Out For
- Bait-and-switch : Get offers in writing
- Hidden towing fees : Confirm "free" means no deductions
- Unlicensed buyers : Verify they're licensed
Option 2: Part It Out Yourself
Best for: Mechanically inclined with time and space. Effort: High. Timeline: Weeks to months.
Parting out can net $1,500-$3,000+ for a car that would sell whole for $500. But here's the reality check:
- It takes forever : Hours removing, listing, meeting buyers
- You need space : Car sits while you work on it
- Marketplace buyers are flaky : Endless "is this still available?" with no follow-up
- Some parts don't sell : Now you've got parts cluttering your garage
Option 3: Donate It to Charity
Best for: Supporting a cause you care about. Effort: Minimal. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
The Tax Deduction Reality
Your deduction is based on what the charity actually gets for the car—not what you think it's worth. And the deduction only helps if you itemize (most people take the standard deduction). For most junk cars, selling puts more money in your pocket.
Option 4: Repair and Keep It
Best for: Fixable cars worth saving. Effort: High (and expensive).
Before writing off your car as junk, ask: is it actually unfixable, or just expensive to fix right now?
The math: Is the repaired car worth more than repair cost + what you'd get selling as-is?
Option 5: Scrap It Properly
Best for: Truly end-of-life vehicles. Effort: Low. Timeline: 1-3 days.
Scrap yards pay by weight; roughly $150-$400 depending on the car and market. Only go straight to scrap if the car is truly stripped or destroyed beyond any parts value.
What NOT to Do: Abandon It
Whatever you decide, don't just abandon the car. It's:
- Illegal : Fines range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars
- Environmentally harmful : Fluids leak into ground and water
- Still your problem : You're legally liable until properly transferred
- Avoidable : Proper disposal takes an hour of your time
Ready to Sell Your Junk Car?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Selling to an online junk car buyer. Get a quote instantly, schedule same-day or next-day pickup, cash in hand within 24 hours.
Parting out yields the most potentially 2-3x what you'd get selling whole. But it requires mechanical skills, tools, space, time, and patience. For most people, the hassle isn't worth it.
Only if you itemize deductions (most people don't). Even then, your deduction is based on what the charity gets for the car. For most junk cars, selling for cash puts more money in your pocket.
Abandoning a vehicle is illegal and you remain liable. Fines, towing charges, storage fees, and potential lawsuits. It takes less time to dispose properly than deal with consequences.