Lately, you’ve been having problems with your auto, and are wondering if it’s time to sell it? Sometimes the condition of an automobile makes this difficult. As a scrap used cars it may not even be worth holding onto. How can you tell when your vehicle is no longer a candidate for a junk car- meaning it’s only going to go for scrap?

Here are some points to look for that make it absolutely obvious that your automobile can only be sold in a scrapyard.

1. Monthly cost of repairs

Car repairs are expensive. A visit to a garage for check engine light can cost several hundred pounds. And the older the car, the higher the figure.

If you have to visit a mechanic regularly to restore your set of wheels to a roadworthy condition, add up the amount. Get an idea of how much you are spending in one month. If you are paying more than  £200 each month on car repairs, you should consider selling it. Utilize the same amount in a better way, that is, use it to pay monthly installments for another used car. That way you’re spending the same amount, but at least you’re getting something good in return.

2. It’s guzzling gas

With the increase in green technology, vehicles are more fuel efficient than ever. It may be that your old car is only functioning well because it’s consuming a lot of gas. Over time, this can become quite expensive. By calculating how much extra you’re paying for gas, you can decide whether it’s economical to continue using the same car or sell it. It may be wiser to upgrade by scrapping this automobile and switching to a model that is more fuel efficient.

3. Continuous expenses

If you end up at the mechanic once again after a major repair, such as transmission, then maybe it’s time to move on. If you’ve invested a large sum of money without getting positive results,  it’s an indication that the vehicle has reached the end of the line. You’ve already sunk too much cash in your used car. Consider selling it for scrap to cut your losses, even though you won’t be able to recover the amount you recently spent.

4. It’s totaled

If you’ve had a car accident and don’t know whether it’s a good idea to repair it or sell it as is, you need to figure out the car worth– or what’s left of it. The cost of repairs should not be more than the car’s value. Otherwise, you may need to sell it for scrap. However, if your automobile is insured, the company could either offer you a cash settlement or replace it with a comparable one in your area.

5. Future repairs

Is the car heading down a path where you will eventually have to do numerous repairs? A loyal mechanic may point out that your car isn’t performing optimally. He may also provide you with an estimate of the work that will have to be done soon. And since most repairs are expensive, financing them may play havoc on your budget. Would you be able to afford to keep repairing it then?

Your car may be giving off signals that it’s time to let it retire. If you heed the early warning signs, you may be able to sell it as a rundown used car. But if you wait too long, the scrapyard may be your only option. A mechanic can help you decide when it’s the right time to exchange vehicles. As professionals, they can understand when an automobile has reached its limits.

How do I scrap my car?

Your old car has finally taken its last breath, and it’s official that you will not spend any more in the hopes that it’ll run once again. So scrapping your automobile for cash now might be the best option, especially because it’s too expensive to keep it road-worthy. If you find yourself in this situation and are wondering how you’re supposed to go about doing this, don’t worry. The process is quite simple. Here are guidelines that you need to follow.

1. Go to the right place

When you want to get rid of your car, you can’t just abandon it. You need to take it to a  licensed scrapyard or Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) recognized by the Environment Agency. You must also inform the DVLA if you’ve scrapped your car. Otherwise, you might be fined £1,000.

2. Take along the right paperwork

Taking along the proper documents is important. Remember to keep:

• The vehicle logbook (V5C) – This proves that you are the legal owner of the car and it stops any unauthorized sales. You can’t scrap your automobile without it. Make sure to hold onto the yellow slip (V5C/3) as well as a receipt from the ATF.
• A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) – You should receive a notification by post or email, usually within a week. This is a DVLA certificate that proves that the car has been recycled and that you have no future responsibility for it.
• A valid photo ID

3. Remove the license plates

Some states require that you return the license plates, but others don’t. It’s a good idea to take the plates off when you scrap your car. If you leave them on, your vehicle could get involved in crimes you don’t want to get involved in.

4. Cancel insurance

Cancel all auto insurance policies you have on the car. You don’t want to be paying for something you’re not using. You might be able to get a refund on any unused coverage. You may get a refund on any remaining months’ tax also.

5. Use up the gas

If your automobile is still running, finish up all those pending errands. The scrapyard will drain all fluids from your car before scrapping it. But if it doesn’t run, consider siphoning off the gas for your other vehicle.

6. Remove your belongings

Empty out all the pockets and compartments. Everything that goes with the car will be scrap. Make sure to check under the seat.

How much can you get for selling a car for scrap?

Don’t expect to make a fortune. You may not get more than a few hundred bucks. There are a couple of options to consider.

1. Sell it for scrap value

Get online quotes from companies that deal with scrap cars. Find the best offer, but consider finding one that is closest to your home. The vehicle will be dismantled, and pieces will be separated depending upon material. The cash you get will be equivalent to the weight of the metal components.  The amount may be adjusted for how much distance the car needs to be towed and whether it’s complete.

Remember to ask these basic questions:

• Can I strip the vehicle of non-metal components?
• What’s the method of payment?
• Is pickup free if the car won’t move?

2. Selling car parts

Some prefer to sell the most valuable car parts individually before negotiating the price with the scrap car buyers. Remember, not all companies will entertain a car with missing pieces. It’s better to gather information before attempting to remove the parts. Even if you get the green signal, you should only undertake this project if you know your way around an automobile. The battery and stereo system are usually the easiest to remove and cash in.

3. Donate it to charity

Charitable organizations can help you to scrap your car. They’ll collect your car, complete the necessary paperwork, and donate the money to a charity of your choice.