If you’ve come to the conclusion that your car is no longer usable for anything other than parts, either because it is in poor condition, or it is not worth selling to a dealer or attempting to sell privately, the next step is to figure out which is the best way for you to get rid of it.
Selling your car all in one piece is undeniably the easiest way to get rid of it. Most reputable salvage yards will be willing to purchase your old vehicle and then sell or properly recycle all of its pieces. It’s a simple and quick concept and favored by most.
But if you have the necessary expertise, there is another way to get rid of your old car. You can disassemble your car yourself and then sell the individual parts.
There is a possibility that you will make more money this way, but this shouldn’t be expected. You may not even be able to sell all of the components. It is critical to thoroughly assess whether you are capable of accomplishing this on your own.
It’s one thing to understand how to change your own oil or replace your brake pads. It’s quite another to walk in and begin dismantling an entire vehicle.
What to consider before you start…
Safety
Working on cars always comes with its own set of risks. You’re working with mechanical parts, sharp edges, gears, belts, and fluids, all of which must be handled correctly. A miscalculation could result in significant injury.
Before jumping straight in, you’ll need to take the time to understand how to conduct the job correctly and safely. If you merely guess how pieces should be removed and don’t have the necessary equipment, you’re likely to end up in a spot of trouble.
As well as an increased risk of physical injury, you also need to be mindful of causing environmental damage. When disassembling a car for parts, fluids such as oil and gas must be properly disposed of. Don’t do anything with your car until you’re certain it’s safe for both you and the environment.
Knowledge
Most folks can figure out how to place new tires on their vehicles. It’s not difficult, but even a simple task can go horribly wrong if you don’t know how to execute it. The owner’s manual can help with basic operations, but if you want to strip your automobile for parts, you’ll need more sophisticated knowledge.
You shouldn’t make guesses when it comes to mechanics, as you could easily damage a part that can render it worthless, costing you more money in the long run. Also, a lack of proper knowledge can lead to accidents and injuries, as mentioned above.
It’s also worth noting that once you start disassembling your car, it becomes much more difficult to sell as a whole. Even if you don’t get very far and realize you’re in way over your head, any parts you remove will ultimately lower the overall worth of the car.
Before you begin the endeavor, make sure you have the expertise required to disassemble an automobile for parts.
Time
Salvaging your car for parts will be time-consuming, there’s no doubt about that. But just how long? There is no way to be certain because everything is dependent on your specific situation. If you work on automobiles on a regular basis, you are likely to have the skills to do the job more rapidly.
It is vital that you understand how part A ties to component B and vice versa and how to separate the two.
You can expect it to take longer if you don’t have a lot of experience with autos. Even the simplest activities can become convoluted and necessitate additional research time. Taking apart a car, like any other building project, will most certainly take longer than you expect.
You’ll also need the correct tools for the job, which you’ll have to find if you don’t already have one. Make sure you’re honest with yourself about how long the job will take and whether you’ll be able to commit to that time period.
What each part of your car is worth:
You’ll be able to sell almost any portion of your car for components, although some pieces are simpler to sell than others. Ultimately, it all boils down to how much time you’re willing to devote to the procedure and how far your wrenching abilities will take you.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular can parts that can be sold for reuse or recycling.
Engine
It goes without saying that the engine is one of the most expensive elements of any vehicle. The value of your engine is determined by its specific model and mileage. High-performance engines, which are more expensive in the first place, command a higher price.
Some engines are also more valuable due to their popularity or scarcity. The right engine can fetch thousands of dollars. Don’t get too thrilled. A standard engine in good condition will cost $500 or more on average.
Seats
Depending on the condition and type of seats, your seats could be worth some money. If your seats are worn and discolored, their value will quickly depreciate. Luxury vehicles with leather seats and power adjustment, as well as performance seats, are more valuable.
There is a lot of variation here, but you can expect to pay roughly $80 for your seats unless they are something extraordinary.
Batteries
There are various types of automobile batteries, ranging from the basic under-the-hood battery to the larger batteries used in hybrid automobiles. This makes determining a price tricky, but a decent rule of thumb is to expect 50-70%of what it was worth when you first bought it.
Airbags
In modern vehicles, there are numerous airbags, each with a distinct value. They can be found in the steering wheel, dashboard, above the doors, and even certain back seat belts. It is critical to ensure that your airbags have not been recalled before selling them to anyone.
Never resell a recalled airbag or any other recalled component. Some airbags can sell for as much as $160, but this will depend on your specific type.
Scrap Metal
After you sell individual parts, you’ll still have scrap metal to sell thanks to your vehicle’s outer shell. Steel and aluminum are among the metals used in your vehicle. A scrap metal recycling yard can appraise your vehicle and tell you how much they’ll pay, which varies by location.
Remember that if you want to sell your car for scrap after stripping it for parts, you must find a way to transport it to the junkyard. This could end up costing money rather than making it.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
If you’ve considered the points raised above and how much work is involved with selling a car for parts, then you should already know the answer.
If you’re struggling to sell your old car for little more than a few hundred dollars, then taking it apart piece by piece to sell the components individually may be worthwhile and make you the most money.
