
Yes, Copart does buy junk cars. It's important to understand that they function as a business-to-business (B2B) online vehicle auction platform rather than a direct "buyer" in the traditional sense. You can sell your non-running, damaged, or otherwise unwanted vehicle to Copart by listing it for auction on their platform, where a global network of licensed dealers, dismantlers, and exporters will bid on it.
The process is straightforward. You start by getting a free online valuation. If you accept the offer, you'll need to provide the vehicle's title. Copart will then arrange for a free pickup of your car. Once the car is at one of their hundreds of yards across the U.S., it will be listed for auction. Your payment is sent after the car sells at auction. The key advantage is that you're tapping into a massive marketplace, which often leads to a better price than a single scrapyard might offer, even for a car that doesn't run.
Here’s a look at the types of vehicles Copart commonly handles and their typical conditions:
| Vehicle Type | Common Conditions | Typical Buyer Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Salvage Title Cars | Collision damage, flood damage, theft recovery | Dismantlers for parts, rebuilders, exporters |
| Clear Title Junk Cars | Mechanical failure, high mileage, old age | Used car dealers (if repairable), dismantlers |
| Non-Running Vehicles | Engine failure, transmission failure, no keys | Dismantlers for core components and scrap metal |
| Insurance Total Loss | Deemed uneconomical to repair by insurance companies | Rebuilders, exporters, salvage buyers |
| Clean Used Cars | Minor cosmetic issues, lease returns, fleet vehicles | General public (in some states), used car dealers |
Before you decide, consider that the final sale price is not guaranteed and depends on the auction's outcome. There are also fees involved; sellers typically pay a fee based on the final sale price. For a guaranteed, immediate cash offer without auction uncertainties, you might compare Copart's valuation with quotes from dedicated junk car buyers like Peddle or local scrapyards.

Yeah, they take junk cars, but it's not like selling to a scrapyard. You're basically putting it up for auction. You get a quote online, they tow it for free, and then it goes to their lot. Buyers from all over bid on it. You get paid what it sells for, minus their fee. It can be worth more than a scrap price, but it's not instant cash. You have to wait for the auction to end.

From my experience, selling a junk car to Copart is a trade-off. The upside is potential value; even a non-runner might have valuable parts that international bidders want. The downside is the lack of a guaranteed price and the time it takes. You need a clear title, which can be a hurdle if it's lost. It's a great option if your goal is to maximize return and you're not in a rush for cash. Just be ready for the paperwork.


