where can i sell a broke down car

[DelAbigail]

The fastest and most straightforward way to sell a non-running car is to contact a scrap yard or a junkyard. These businesses are equipped to handle vehicles that are no longer operational. They will typically offer you a price based on the car's weight and the current value of scrap metal. For a more competitive offer, consider using an online car buying service that specifically purchases vehicles in any condition; they often provide free towing and handle all the paperwork.

The value of your broken-down car is primarily determined by its scrap value, which fluctuates with metal markets, and the potential value of any usable parts. A car with a damaged engine but a pristine interior, for example, might be worth more to a parts reseller. To get the best price, you should obtain multiple quotes.

Factor	Low Estimate	High Estimate	Notes
Average Scrap Value (Sedan)	$150	$500	Based on weight & current scrap metal prices.
Value with Functional Parts	$400	$1,500	If transmission, catalytic converter, or alloys are valuable.
Online Car Buyer Offer	$200	$1,000	Convenience factor; often includes free towing.
Private Party Sale (As-Is)	$300	$2,000+	Highest potential return but requires time & effort.
Junk Car Towing Cost (If you arrange)	$75	$150	Many buyers include this for free.

Before you sell, have your car's title ready, as it's essential for completing the transaction. If you've lost the title, you'll need to contact your local DMV for a duplicate, which can add time to the process. Be prepared to accurately describe the car's condition to get realistic quotes. Selling "as-is" to a private party on a platform like Facebook Marketplace can yield a higher return if the car is desirable for parts, but it involves more hassle, including meeting with potential buyers and handling the bill of sale yourself.

[OLayla]

I’d just go online. There are websites that buy cars in any condition. You type in your car’s info, they give you an instant quote. If you like it, they schedule a pickup, hand you a check, and tow it away for free. It’s zero hassle, which is exactly what you want with a car that doesn’t run. I’ve done it before and it was surprisingly simple.

[LydiaLynn]

Don't overlook selling it yourself to a DIY mechanic or someone looking for parts. List it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Be clear that it's a "non-running project car" or "for parts." Take good photos. You might be surprised who's looking for a specific part or a restoration project. You'll almost always get more money than from a scrapyard, but you have to be patient and deal with messages and people coming to look at it.

[McRyder]

If you're a bit handy, you could part it out yourself. That means selling the individual components—wheels, alternator, stereo, even seats—online. The catalytic converter alone can be worth a few hundred dollars. This method maximizes your return but requires space, time, and some mechanical knowledge to remove parts. It's a project, but for the right car, it can be very profitable compared to a single scrap price.

[DePreston]

My old SUV gave up the ghost last winter. I called a few local scrap yards, but their offers were low. Then I found a service online that specializes in junk cars. The guy asked me a few questions over the phone, gave me a firm offer right then, and scheduled a tow truck for the next day. They handled all the paperwork on the spot. It was such a relief not to worry about it anymore. For a car that's just sitting there, that convenience is worth a lot.