If you’re driving a car that’s at least 16 years old, you’re not alone; one in four vehicles you see on US roads is as old as yours. Overall, the average age of vehicles in operation reached 11.9 years in 2020.
While that may seem like great news, aging automobiles pose a road risk, as they’re prone to breakdowns. So, if the same applies to yours, it’s time you learn how to dispose of an old car.
We ranked five of the best ways to do that, starting with the quickest, so be sure to read on.
1. Sell It to a Junk Car Buyer
Junking is the fastest way to get rid of an old car that no longer runs or is reaching the end of its service life. With this method, you don’t have to make any repairs or even clean it up. You only have to remove your personal belongings still inside the vehicle.
After that, search online for at least three junk car buying companies and ask for a valuation. Go with the buyer offering the most for your car, and ask if they will pick it up and tow it for free. Be sure you’re home on the day of the pick-up, as the buyer will pay you on the spot.
2. Take It to a Dealership
If your old car still has some life in it, a dealership may be willing to take it off your hands. However, you shouldn’t expect them to pay you top dollar, as they also have to account for the costs to fix your ride. Moreover, they need to factor in the labor costs of repairing and polishing your ride for its next owner.
3. Trade It In
This 2021, the average sticker price of new light vehicles exceeds $40,000. That’s more than a 4% increase from the price back in 2020.
If that exorbitant price isn’t enough to stop you from buying a new ride, though, then at least trade in your old ride. This way, you can reduce the cost of the new vehicle you want, and at the same time, dispose of the old one.
4. Sell It Online
If you’d rather avoid a dealership’s markup, then you can sell your old car online. This could get you more money for your ride, as you’d have more control over who’ll fix it and the repairs you’d do on it. The main drawback is that it could take you longer to find a private buyer.
5. Part It Out
Keep in mind that up to 90% of a vehicle’s structure and parts are recoverable or recyclable. As such, you can also consider scrapping an old car to sell its parts to scrap yards or private buyers. However, if you choose this method to get rid of your old car for cash, be sure you have the skills, tools, and time (a lot of it).
Start with the infotainment system, lights, wheels, rims, and tires. These are some of the easiest to remove and sell in the used vehicle parts market.
If you’re still up to it, you can also dismantle and sell the engine, seats, and climate system. Then, once your car is down to its frame, you can take the scrap parts to a junk or scrap yard.
Consider These Top Tips on How to Dispose of an Old Car
Even if Old Betsy still runs, it’s likely consuming more gas. Unfortunately, US gas prices are rising, with August 2021 seeing a 40% price hike from January 2021.
For that reason, it may be time for a new ride. However, be sure to follow our tips on how to dispose of an old car first, as your clunker may still be worth something.
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