You have several reliable options to sell a broken car, with online car buyers, junkyards (salvage yards), and private sales being the most common. The best choice depends on your priority: speed and convenience or maximizing your profit. For a quick, hassle-free sale, online car buyers like Carvana or Copart often provide free towing and instant cash offers, even for non-running vehicles. If getting the highest possible price is your goal and you have the time, a private sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace can yield more money, but requires more effort on your part.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Buyer:
- Your Car's Condition: Is it a total loss from an accident, or just has a major mechanical failure (like a seized engine or blown transmission)? This affects its value to different buyers.
- Timeframe: How quickly do you need it gone? Online buyers and junkyards are fastest.
- Paperwork: Have your car's title ready. Selling a car without a title is significantly more complicated.
- Towing: Almost all buyers for broken cars will arrange and cover the cost of towing.
The table below provides a quick comparison of average offers for a typical non-running sedan, though your actual offer will vary based on the car's make, model, year, and specific damage.
| Buyer Type | Average Offer Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Online Car Buyer (e.g., Peddle, CarBrain) | $500 - $1,500 | Fastest method; free towing; handles paperwork. | Offers are usually non-negotiable. |
| Local Junkyard / Salvage Yard | $300 - $1,000 | Immediate payment; often pick up the same day. | You need to call around for the best price. |
| Private Sale (e.g., Facebook Marketplace) | $800 - $2,500+ | Potential for highest payout; sell for parts. | Time-consuming; requires writing an ad and meeting with strangers. |
| Donation | Potential tax deduction | Supports a charity; free pickup. | No immediate cash payout; paperwork for taxes. |
Before you sell, remove all personal belongings from the car. It's also wise to get quotes from at least two or three different sources to ensure you're getting a fair deal for your vehicle's specific situation.
