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The Ultimate Guide for Selling A Car That Doesn’t Run

The Ultimate Guide for Selling A Car That Doesn't Run

If you're looking to sell a car that doesn't run, you need to check whether you can repair it first to get a good deal. Otherwise, your best options are scrapyards or cash for cars programs. 

⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️


If you're looking forselling a car that doesn't run, you will have very limited options compared to selling any used vehicle in good condition.

While the process might be a little challenging, there are still plenty of options that might get you a decent amount of money. You can then use this money towards your better new vehicle or to pay off some of your amounts or probably to get some extra cash.

Let's take a look at what you need to understand when selling a car that doesn't run. We will highlight the main options you have to sell your non-running cars.

Can you fix your car first?


Look set back and check with your vehicle is nonrepairable. Check whether there is a chance for fixing this car this way; you'll have more options and more potential buyers who will pay you what you're looking for.

However, you need to be wise about what is considered OK to repair versus what is considered too much. For example, if you notice that repair costs will be more than 75% or more from your vehicle's value, it is never recommended to appear in this car, and it better sell it as is. 

Therefore, the first step for you to decide whether it's worth fixing the car or not is to get a rough estimate of the total repair costs. For example, check with your local professional mechanic and see how much each problem will cost your car.

For example, replacing your vehicle's transmission might cost you about $6400. If he decided to replace her vehicle's engine, you might need to pay around $5500. Lastly, sometimes replacing a hybrid battery in your vehicle while doing all the reprogramming work might cost you about $4140.

Imagine all these repairs, and if you add them up together, will it add value to your car? If not, skip repairing your vehicle in one with selling it.

How much is my nonrunning car worth?

Once you confirm that your vehicle is not repairable, it is now time to understand “how much is a running car worth?”

To do so, you have a couple of options, including:

  • Kelley Blue Book instant cash offer 

Kelley Blue Book has an online tool that allows you to input your vehicle type Inc condition to provide you with the minimum and maximum values your vehicle could ever make.

That tool does not consider any major damage is in your car. Therefore, you need to subtract whatever repair costs you're thinking of from the KBB value. Otherwise, you will be just overestimating your vehicle, and you will be surprised by the offers that people will give you. 

  • Prepurchase inspection 

If you found it a little challenging to understand how the math works when it comes to identifying your nonrunning vehicle's worth using Kelley Blue Book, your best second option would be to try to have a preselling or prepurchase inspection.

To do so, you can visit your local professional mechanic and have him take a look at your car here; the mechanic will understand your vehicle's current value. He will be able to subtract any major repairs necessary for this car.

A preselling inspection is a great option. However, some people might be a little pricey, especially if their vehicles are not worth a lot.  Therefore, you need to be wise before determining whether you want to go this route or not. 

  • Cash Cars Buyer instant offer 

Cash Cars Buyer has an online tool that allows you to import your vehicle's information and get an instant offer representing the maximum dollars your vehicle can make around your area. This offer is close in a real number to what your vehicle is worth now considering all major damage you have. 

The best way for selling a car that doesn't run

Now you have a rough estimate number in the back of your head; it is time to look for “who buys cars that don't want near me?”

Luckily, there are many options and a lot of potential buyers who will accept your car even if it doesn't run. Thus, it shouldn't be rocket science to “sell a nonrunning car.”

  • Placing an ad on classified websites

You've probably heard about “Craigslist sell my car” and “eBay Motors sell my car,” right? Those are some of the biggest online classified websites that can connect with thousands of potential customers or interested in buying used vehicles.

The most challenging thing about these classified websites is that it takes a lot of time to find the potential buyer, and if you found one, they will most likely be looking for vehicles that can run immediately after purchase.

Therefore, finding the perfect buyer through classified websites to pick up your nonrunning car is very challenging but, it is considered the best way to get you the most money out of your car. 

  • Consider scrap yards

Another good option for you to sell your car that doesn't run is through scrap yards. Scrapyards will accept your vehicle no matter what; however, they're most likely interested in the metal part in your car.

The more metal your car has, the higher offer. But in general, don't expect to get paid as much as the used car market value from scrap yards.

The other thing to consider is shopping for multiple offers from different scrap yards and never fall into the common scrap yards scams.

Also, consider selling any valuable part in your car separately because you're not going to get paid for those selling them to a scrapyard. 

  • Try donating your car

If money is not your top priority here, you can always donate your non running car to your favorite charity. This is considered good support to them, and they can take advantage of it somehow.

You will also get some benefits in your tax for the next year, but you will not get paid by donating a vehicle directly. 

  • Post your vehicle on online retailers 

Do you know that there are many online retailers that can finalize the process completely online?

Yes, some websites like Carvana and Vroom can help you sell your non running car completely online without needing to visit any physical lot.

Some other online retailers who might have the process are done half online and a half on the spot. For example, CarMax can provide you with all necessary details online while you need to visit their lock to finalize the deal at the end of the day.

The great thing about these online retailers is that you don't have to worry about looking for potential buyers because they will evaluate your car and buy it directly from you or connect you to some potential buyer without any hassle you find in the classified websites.

However, you need to keep in mind that some of these websites about three, and they will charge you a certain fee. Thus, it is your job to evaluate whether it's worth being on his feet or not. A smart decision would be to use their new users' options to get a discount for using the platform for the first month or so. 

  • Check out local dealerships

Did you know that dealerships also accept non running cars? Yes, if you have a high demanded car in your area, dealerships would be more than happy to buy it.

However, even with good running vehicles, dealerships are not the best option for someone looking for the top dollars because they usually underestimate vehicles and pay under the used car market's value. 

  • Connect with Cash for Cars companies

In this situation, the best option is to sell your car to any cash for cars company. These companies are usually connected with private junk car removal companies who will get in touch with you and guarantee to buy your car.

For example, Cash Cars Buyer is one of the top-rated carnival companies in the nation, and they guarantee to buy your car no matter what. Whether you don't have a title or not and whether your car runs or not.

The great thing about cash cars fire is that they provide free towing for all customers despite their living location, and they can remove your car within one to three days if not the same day if you're interested. 

How to sell a car with no engine? 

If you know that your car has missing major components like the engine or the transmission, your best option would be to sell it to a scrap yard or a junk car removal company like Cash Cars Buyer.

Scrapyards can sometimes underestimate your car and might not provide the best dollars unless you do your research for the right buyer.

On the other hand, Cash Cars Buyer provides you with the top dollars based on an in-depth evaluation for your car and comparing it to the most recent transactions around your area. 

How to get the most money for selling your car that doesn't run to Cash Cars Buyer?

Since we've been in the market for decades now, we understand how frustrating the car selling process can be, and imagine selling a car that doesn't run; the process can be much more complicated.

That's why we decided to create a process that works for every car seller, including the following three simple steps:

  • Provide basic information about your car

The first step in our process includes providing information about your car's type and condition. You could do so by giving us a call at 866-924-4608. Or you can visit our home page and click on the free instant online offer.

The basic information includes your vehicle's make, model, and year. We are also interested to know whether your vehicle has a title or not because we're not going to buy it but because this goes directly to the evaluation process. 

  • Review and accept or instant offer 

Once we receive the basic information about your car, we will generate an offer that usually pops up in 30 seconds. At this point, you can review the offer and accept it if it makes sense to you.

Our offers are based on an in-depth evaluation of your car and comparing it to the most recent transactions around your area while considering the price of scrap metal.

Once you're happy with the offer, we work with you and get you connected to one of our local car removal specialists who will come to your house or office for the pickup.

  • Get your vehicle removed and get paid

At the pickup time, one of our greatest car removal specialists will meet with you and perform a quick inspection to make sure that he's picking up the right vehicle.  

Once the inspection is completed, he will hand you the cash payment immediately on the spot!

Keep in mind that if you don't have a title, we will ask you to provide some paperwork to prove ownership, like your photo ID and valid car registration.

We decided to go with cash payments to reduce the hassle in the car selling process that has to do with checks bouncing back your bank account or long waiting phone-call payments. 

The bottom line

Selling a car that doesn't run is not as easy as selling any used car. You will have very limited options, including a dealership, a potential private buyer, scrap yards, or junk car buyers like Cash Cars Buyer.

If you would like to get started with our process, please give us a call at 866-924-4608 or visit our home page and click on the free instant online offer. 

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