One option for disposal of an old car or junk car is to sell the used components yourself. There are several things to consider when selling the vehicle’s used auto components:
1. The majority of auto collisions impact the front part of the car. As a result, front-end items like bumper units, bumper covers, headlight assemblies and hoods are often sought after. Perhaps the driver involved in the accident was operating the vehicle without insurance? Locating items in the used market is an option for them to save significantly. There are new aftermarket part options available that are affordable and may function fine; however, most exterior vehicle components must be painted in order to match the existing finish. If your car has an original factory paint (ie..GM XYZ Silver) and the front end is in good condition, you may be able to sell those items “as-is” for decent money. The damaged car owner is better off paying $300 for a used hood and bumper assembly that is already in the matching color versus buying “primed” new aftermarket components which likely still need to be painted to match. Selling used “as-is” auto part items is geared toward buyers that simply want the replacement part to be in “average to good” condition. If they wanted their vehicle’s exterior to appear perfect, they would have had full collision or comprehensive auto insurance coverage to protect their investment.
2. Post the items systematically based on where they would most likely sell. Perhaps separate the items into (2) categories: small enough to be shipped using UPS or FedEx (or not). For example, a headlight unit assembly will fit in a 14×20″ box and ship UPS anywhere in the country for a reasonable price ($16-$23). Theseitems are best posted on E-Bay or other NATIONAL platform. Big, heavy items such as a transmission or car door are expensive to ship in most cases and should be marketed to an audience within a 1 to 2 hour drive from your location.
3. Be patient, rather than scrapping good used items. As an example, any local scrap yard will pay you $5 for a car battery. Perhaps your battery is only 1 year old and will sell for $35 versus the $90 cost of purchasing new. Avoid temptation to scrap items that can sell within a week or so for considerably more.
4. Sell it as a “components car”. “DIY type” car owners often will keep a “components car” to save money over time, particularly in less common vehicles. Assume a car was wrecked but overall is still mechanically sound. In light weight cars where you may only receive $200 in scrap value, try selling it as a “components car” for at least $375-$450. If most of the car’s body is in good condition and particularly if it is in the original paint color as the owner’s, it may be worth $500 to that buyer.
5. Use the internet. The web is the best and only practical means for an individual to promote their car items. (newspapers are nearly obsolete). If you are not a “computer savvy” person, ask someone (your son or daughter, neighbor etc…) to sell the items online for you. Here is a simple example: