There are plenty of reasons to sell an old car to a cash buyer. This process is often faster and more convenient than any other way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle. Selling a vehicle on the private market can often be incredibly time-consuming, and trading an old car to a dealer doesn't make much sense if you don't plan on purchasing a new one at the same time.
Of course, you'll still want to get as much money for your old beater as possible, no matter its condition. The good news is that maximizing your earnings from a cash buyer sale is much easier than preparing your car for any other sale method. Follow these three tips, and you'll be able to extract the maximum possible value from your old car.
1. Don't Strip Low-Value Parts
Cash buyers often want to purchase old cars for their scrap value and the value of any used (but still useful) components. If you're handy around vehicles, you might be thinking about stripping a few parts to sell. Many cash buyers will take cars in any condition, so removing a few parts here and there won't prevent you from selling your vehicle.
However, this approach may not be worth your time. You'll likely receive a lower offer if you strip many parts from your old car. Meanwhile, you'll need to store and market those parts, adding extra time and frustration to an otherwise quick and easy process. Unless you know you can quickly sell those parts, it's often better to leave them alone.
2. Ask About Towing Costs
Most cash buyers will offer to pick up your car for free, especially if it's in non-running condition. Still, you shouldn't assume this is the case. Some buyers may make a higher offer because they expect you to cover transportation costs. While these offers may be worthwhile, it's important to know whether your buyer will deduct a towing fee from your payment.
Fortunately, it's easy to account for these costs. When calling around to scrapyards that buy cars, always ask about transportation fees and note down the costs. You can then use these notes to make an apples-to-apples comparison between buyers, allowing you to choose the one that will give you the best value for your car.
3. Don't Leave Anything Behind
The best part about selling your car to a cash buyer is that you'll be able to accept payment and wave goodbye to your car forever, with no additional complications or strings attached. Unless, of course, you leave something behind in your vehicle. To minimize frustration and avoid any extra potential costs, make sure you go through your car with a fine-toothed comb to remove anything you want to keep.
Most importantly, make sure you remove any license plates or registration information. Many states require you to turn in your license plates to avoid property taxes or other fees, so leaving these behind can be a great way to damage your bottom line.
To learn more, contact a cash for cars buyer in your area.
