Knowing what type of profit one can expect from the sale of their scrap car is probably one of the biggest questions a potential seller will ask themselves. Although the answer to that question may seem more complicated than solving the national debt, it’s way simpler than most people may think. When selling scrap cars, these are the top 5 variables to consider: 1) the vehicle’s operational status, 2) the vehicle’s condition, 3) the vehicle’s age, 4) the make and model of the vehicle, and 5) the size and weight of the vehicle. Knowing the values of these 5 variables will allow you to estimate what your car is worth and what you can expect in terms of an offer from a scrapyard like Kenny U-Pull.
Scrap Cars: Top 5 Variables to Consider
1 – Operational Status
A scrap car can be sold in one of two operational formats: functional or non-functional.
If it is non-functional, scrap yards like Kenny U-Pull will still pay handsomely for cars.
If the car is still operational and road-worthy, it is worth more to a scrapyard
2 – Condition
It may seem counterintuitive to mention the condition of a scrap car as a factor in its sales price, but it does stand to reason. Consider: if your car is non-functional but the body is in pristine condition and other parts and systems are viable, wouldn’t it be worth more than a car that is a complete and total wreck and whose only worth is in the value of its raw materials?
The answer is an obvious and resounding, “YES!” A scrap car in good condition will command a higher price!
3 – Age
Unless you’re driving a classic car or a collector’s item, most scrap yards will place a higher value on cars not much older than 10-12 years. Again, this stands to reason when one considers that scrapyards need to provide used parts for cars that are currently being driven. So unless you’re driving a ‘57 Ford Fairlane or a ‘73 Mustang Convertible, the newer your car, the better offer you can expect.
4 – Make and Model
Perhaps the most important of the top 5 variables to consider with a scrap car is its make and model. If the make and model is for a popular car that many motorists drive (such as a Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla) expect a higher offer than for a lesser-driven car like the PT Cruiser. This only makes sense, as scrap yards are looking to buy cars whose spare parts will service the most customers.
5 – Size and Weight
Once your car is stripped of reusable and sellable parts, the remaining raw materials – metals, plastics, and glass – will be sold to recycling plants. Since this is usually done by pound/kilogram, the bigger and heavier your car is, the better price you can expect
For more information on scrap cars and the the top 5 variables to consider, to make an appointment, or to sell your car, contact Kenny U-Pull today!
