If you are thinking of selling your junker for some quick cash, pump the brakes a bit before you let the tow truck simply tow it away. In many cases, your old car will have some valuable items inside. If you let the tow truck haul your car away, you’ll use out on some potential quick cash.
Remember that auto recycling companies will likely be interested in what is inside your car. After all, these auto recycling companies make money off one person’s perceived trash being another person’s treasure.
Check your junker for these 12 valuable items before you sell it
1. Car Doors, Windows, and Electrical Components
It is estimated that there are six million car accidents in the United States every year. This means that there is always a need for replacement parts in cars that are damaged in wrecks. In particular, your car doors, windows, and electrical components can bring you some nice cash when sold to the right buyer.
2. Bumpers
As already mentioned, there are a lot of car accidents each year and many of them are bumper crumplers and fender benders. This means that there can be quite the market for your bumper, especially if it is in good condition.
3. Fenders
That’s right, fender benders are pretty common, so if you have undamaged fenders, especially on a car that is a common make or model, chances are that you can make yourself some serious coin. Check with local junkyards to see what types of parts are in demand. You may be pleasantly surprised about what your junker has to offer.
4. Exhaust systems
Typical costs to replace an exhaust system can run well over $500, and even more if the vehicle has a catalytic converter (required for cars manufactured after 1975). Exhaust systems play the fundamental role of controlling engine noise and reducing the fumes and emissions released into the environment. If your exhaust system still works and is in decent shape, you may be able to sell it to for some quick cash.
5. Catalytic converters
These systems are responsible for breaking down the toxic exhaust from a vehicle into water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Any car manufactured after 1975 is required to have one of these systems. And today, car owners are unable to renew the tabs on their vehicles if their catalytic converters and exhaust systems are not in proper working order. So if your car has one, be sure to get it to an auto recycler as they will be happy to take it off your hands and compensate you for it.
6. Cooling system
Auto air conditioning repair can easily run a car owner $1,000 to $4,000. For this reason, many people elect not to repair their cooling systems. However, service shops that can access used cooling systems can save their customers quite a bit of money. A trusted mechanic can help you remove the cooling system so that you can sell it for some quick cash.
7. GPS system
In 1990, Mazda introduced the first GPS (global positioning system) device built into an automobile. Since that time, more and more car manufacturers have followed suit. If your car was built after 1990 and has a GPS device built in, you may be able to recoup one hundred dollars or more if the system is still intact and has all of the major components included.
8. Stereo system
If your car has an after-market stereo system and speakers, you will definitely want to take the time to remove these items to sell to a potential buyer. Even with the original stereo system, you will be able to sell the system online for some easy money. Most stereo systems can be easily removed with some tools that you likely have sitting in the toolbox in your garage.
9. Airbags
Airbags for passenger vehicles have been more and more prevalent since the 1970s as car manufacturers looked for innovative ways to keep passengers safe. Airbag installation can be quite pricy, sometimes exceeding $1000. Thus, many car owners who are in need of airbag replacement turn to junk dealers to find airbag systems that are still functional and can provide much-needed safety solutions, but at a fraction of the price of a new system. If you happen to have the right airbag system that someone else is searching for, chances are you could rake in a couple hundred dollars.
10. Tires and rims
If your tires are in decent condition and still have some tread left on them, you might be able to get some money for them. Tires can get quite expensive and many buyers will appreciate the opportunity to purchase used tires that still have some life left on them. Rims too can net you some money. Alloy, aluminum, and chrome rims are a hot commodity for street racers and car enthusiasts. The nicer the tires and rims, the more money you can make.
11. Windshield wiper arms
It may seem like we’re getting pretty granular in our list if we are suggesting the removal of windshield wiper arms, but these items too can make you some money with the right buyer. Though you won’t make all that much, the value of your windshield wiper arms won’t be included when you have that vehicle towed to the scrap yard. So you might as well make a few dollars if you can.
12. Personal belongings
We can’t stress enough the importance of removing your personal effects from the vehicle. Whether you are selling your used car to carbrain.com or having it towed to a junkyard, you likely won’t get these items back if you try to access the vehicle after it is gone.
Taking the time to assess the value of the items attached to your car may be well worth it. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you will get more out of your car if you sell it in pieces than if you sell it as one contained unit. A trusted mechanic can help you remove the previously mentioned items from your car so that you can take the items to the right buyers. You’ll be glad you did.
