Step 1: Check the Value of Your Car
It's smart to know what your car would be worth if it were in working order, so do your research first. If it's not over 10 years old, a broken-down car could be worth enough when repaired to make it worth someone's while. If you know what it would cost to make it drivable again, you can try to sell it to resellers who fix up junk cars and sell them.
Step 2: Get Your Paperwork Ready
In order to sell any vehicle, whether it runs or not, you'll need its title and registration. In many states, insurance may need to be in place. Find out what's involved with selling your junker and locate your paperwork. Most buyers won't be interested in a vehicle without a title since it might not belong to you.
Step 3: Get a Professional Opinion
There's an old saying: "Supposing is fine but finding out is better." You might think your vehicle will never run again, but a mechanic with some experience is a better judge of that. If your vehicle might have some value repaired, it's a good idea to get a professional opinion about it. You may be surprised to learn that it's salvageable, or your gut instinct may be correct. Either way, you'll have a good idea of how you should negotiate when you try to rid yourself of it.
Step 4: Find Your Buyer
After talking to a mechanic, you should have a good idea of who to sell your car, truck, van, or SUV. If it isn't repairable, then your next call will be to a salvage yard to see what it's worth to them. Some vehicles are in demand for used parts and fetch more money than others. Either way, call around to get the best offer. Some salvage yards will pay you on the spot and tow it for you.
If your vehicle is repairable, and it's worth enough money on the car market to make those repairs make sense to a fix-it-up shop, you can try selling to them first. Used car dealers will sometimes consider buying broken vehicles in Houston if the return on their investment is high enough.
Final Thoughts
If you follow these simple steps, you can find out the best way to get rid of that old vehicle that's been sitting under a tarp for too long. When you want to sell a non-running car in Houston, you've got plenty of options. Contact IBJV today!