Can You Sell A Car That Doesn’t Run?

Selling a car that doesn’t run may seem like an impossible task. But it’s not only possible, it's easier than you may think. Whether your vehicle has just recently stopped running or if it’s been sitting in your garage for years, there are ample opportunities to sell it. Here are some important things you should know about selling that old car in your yard that stopped running. 

1. Yes, You Can Sell That Car That Doesn’t Run

Sure, a running vehicle is more valuable and easier to sell, but that doesn’t mean your car that doesn’t run isn’t worth anything. Non-running cars have potential buyers, including companies like Cash for Cars who are in the business of purchasing junk cars. The process is different from selling a running car, but you can still make a profit. 

2. Know Your Options for Selling that Non-Running Car

There are several ways you can sell a car that doesn’t run. Here are the most common. 

Private Sale 

You can put an ad out and try to sell that non-running car yourself, but to be honest, this is likely the most difficult way to sell a non-running car. Plus, you will eat into your profits before you get them, in both time and money. Running an ad costs money, and then you need to make an appointment to show the car, which takes time. 

Sell to a Junkyard

There are junkyards everywhere, and they’re happy to buy non-running cars. This is a bit easier than placing an ad and trying to find a buyer. But, you are going to be responsible for getting the car to the junkyard, which will cost you towing money since the car doesn’t run. While junkyards are a viable option, we wouldn’t say they’re the best. 

Car Buying Services

Services like ours, Cash for Cars, will buy your non-running car and we’ll pick it up for you free of charge. We’ll also stick to the quote we give you over the phone. You’ll find that some car-buying services will give you a quote on the telephone and then try to haggle with you when they get there. Cash for Cars always sticks by the quote we give the seller over the phone. 

3. What to Expect If You Don’t Use a Car Buying Service

If you decide on another route besides the car-buying service, there are some things you should expect. 

• Lower Offers: If you go with trying to sell it yourself, you likely won’t get the full amount because people like to haggle. And junkyards are going to do their best to keep their costs down. 

• Towing Costs: Junkyards will expect you to tow the car to their yard, which will cost you money. If you put out an ad, a buyer will be responsible for getting the car, not you. But they will likely deduct the towing cost in their offer. 

4. How to Get Your Car Ready for Sale

Even if your car doesn’t run, there are some steps you need to take when selling it to a car-buying service, or anyone. 

• Gather Documentation: Make sure to have the title of the car and any maintenance records on hand for the buyer. A clean title makes the selling process smoother, but if you don’t have the title, a car-buying service can work with you. Maintenance records will show the car’s history, which could increase its value. 

• Clean the Car: Even though it doesn’t run, the car should be clean of any items and debris. While it may seem like a futile effort, cleaning the car out could improve the vehicle’s appeal. 

Do You Own a Non-Running Car in Chicago, Chicagoland, or Northwest Indiana?

If you live in or around Chicago, Hammond, Cicero, or Blue Island, contact us at Cash for Cars. We provide free pickup and pay you cash for your non-running car on the same day. And we won’t haggle when we get to your place. We always stand by the quote we give sellers on the phone. Contact us and get cash for your car that doesn’t run today!