How to Get Rid of a Car

Sometimes knowing you should get rid of your car is a gut feeling. Other times, you should ask yourself the following questions: 

• Do you still need a car?
• Is your old car unsafe to drive? 
• Do you need a smaller/bigger vehicle? 
• Do you want more modern features?
• Will selling your old car help you afford a new one?
• Do you want to avoid costly maintenance?
• Are you just ready for a change?

You may find that renting or leasing a car fits your needs more than your old car. A car lease allows you to drive a car for a few years to see if you like it. While car rental rates are higher, even driving one for 24 to 48 hours can help you decide if it’s the right car.  

Your car is only worth as much as someone will pay for it. Many third-party websites can help you determine a value range, including:  

• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) My Car’s Value
• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
• Edmunds

No matter what you decide to do with your old car, you can use these third-party websites to your advantage. You can use it to claim a donation on your taxes, negotiate with a dealership, or even sell your car privately. 

You can get rid of your car in several ways. The following assumes your vehicle runs under its own power and meets standard road safety requirements. Read on to find out how to get rid of a car that isn’t running.  

1. Trade the car in

Trading in your vehicle is one of the most convenient ways to get rid of it. However, knowing how to trade in a car can be difficult if you’ve never done it. The trick is recognizing that your trade can act as a bargaining chip. Dealerships may not give you top dollar for your trade, but you can get a large sum for your vehicle. You can also use your trade-in to reduce the cost of a new vehicle if you plan on purchasing one. 

2. Sell private party  

Paying cash for a car is the name of the game with private-party selling. Getting rid of your old car on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay Motors can fetch you more money than if you were to trade it in. Be sure you account for any listing fees as well. 

However, it can take longer to sell your car, which may not work out with your timeline. You can price your car to sell, but you’re likely to get less for your car if you do so. Some cars may also require an investment to renovate and resell, which can further cut into your profits. Like any options on our list, you should weigh the costs versus the benefits. 

3. Sell to an online buyer

Consumers have often found that online buyers like Carvana and Vroom can be the best way to sell a used car. These companies purchase cars that you own outright or are still paying for. Simply enter the VIN and condition of your vehicle and take it to a partner site for verification. Carvana offers to pick up your vehicle to make selling your car as effortless as possible. 

4. Auction the car

Selling your car at auction can seem scary, but it’s a regular occurrence in the automotive world. The auction house requires you to set a reserve or choose no reserve if you like. Many will also take pictures and advertise your car for some profit. 

If you set your reserve price too high, you may not sell the car but still owe the auction house fees. Set your reserve too low, and you could suffer a significant loss on your vehicle. 

5. Donate the Car to Charity

Giving your car to charity can be a great way to give back. You can also claim the fair market value of your vehicle on your taxes for that year. 

Here are a few charities that accept car donations: 

• Wheels for Wishes
• Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE)
• Habitat for Humanity  
• Special Olympics Vehicle Donation Program 
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
• American Cancer Society

It takes some research to find charities that will take your vehicle. However, you can impact someone’s life for the better if you donate your old car.  

Getting rid of a car that’s not running is often more challenging than selling one that does. A non-running car could be worth trailering away depending on the year, make, and model. That’s often the case with collectible cars. 

However, more modern cars that don’t run are often destined for parts, scrap, or the junkyard. You can still recoup some profit from these options, but they’re not as lucrative as if they could move under their own power. 

Part the car out

Generally speaking, cars are worth more in one piece than in several pieces. However, you can sell your old car for parts to recoup some of the cost. Many people who part cars remove the most desirable parts first. These include things like:

• Car seats
• Wheels and tires
• Engine and transmission 
• Body panels

Most of the time, local pick-up is the easiest and costs less. You can also advertise the car as “for parts” on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. If you can find multiple smaller components, you can sell them through eBay. 

Sell to a mechanic or repair shop

Mechanics often make a side hustle by purchasing cars that don’t run and fixing them to resell. Since they know how to do the work and sometimes get the replacement parts cheaply, it can be a win-win if you find a mechanic to purchase your vehicle. 

You can ask your favorite mechanic if they want to purchase your car. If they have worked on it in the past, they might be more willing to seal the deal. However, they may not offer you as much since they already know the car isn’t running.  

Sell to a junkyard or scrap yard

Scrapping or junking your old car is often one of the last resorts. Junk yards often require that you bring the car to them and remove fluids before doing so. Do your research and get everything in writing if you choose to bring your old car to a junkyard. 

Scrapping is similar because you’ll need to know how much the scrap yard offers for various metals. Again, you must tow the car there and sign paperwork agreeing to scrap your car for a specific price. You’ll get significantly less if you junk or scrap your car, but it’s still something. 

You can also donate your car to charity if it doesn’t run. However, you must check the specific charity’s requirements. Some won’t accept cars that don’t run because they cost more to refurbish and liquidate for the charity’s purposes. 

One of the first questions to ask when buying a used car is if the seller has the title. No title can make selling the vehicle harder if you’re on the other end of the deal without a title. However, there are several ways to remedy this situation. 

For example, if you don’t have the title because you lost or misplaced it, you can request another one from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many DVMS require an application and may charge you for this service. 

You can also sell the car private party without a title. Express this fact clearly and in the first few sentences of your ad. Many people seek out untitled cars for parts, projects, or other purposes. You won’t get as much if the car did have a title, but you’ll still come away from the deal with some compensation. 

Carvana does not take cars that don’t run. Part of their trade-in requirements include vehicles that are: 

• 1992 model year or newer
• Possess a working odometer
• Meet safety requirements to drive the vehicle

Carvana does not advertise mechanical services. While some vehicles purchased by Carvana are towed away on a flatbed, many are driven away under their own power. 

Per Carvana, your vehicle’s registration can expire unless you live in California. Carvana also requires the physical title or a 10-day payoff statement from your lender if you are still paying for the car.  You may also need a certified check for any negative equity if you still owe money on your vehicle. 

A FINN car subscription can be a welcome alternative if you’ve gotten rid of your old car but don’t want to purchase a new one yet. Give yourself time to recuperate and determine what you want with short-term subscriptions that let you test-drive before buying.