Quick Answer:
The best way to sell a car for parts is to sell it to Peddle, Wheelzy or CarBrain. These companies focus on buying cars of all types, regardless of their condition.
To sell a car for parts online, you simply need to provide your car’s details to receive a quote, arrange for pickup, and present the Certificate of Title.
The entire process is completed within 48 hours and involves no fees.
Other options for selling your car for parts include selling privately or selling to a junkyard. These methods may involve substantial time investment.
Key Takeaways:
- Online Selling Platforms: Selling a car for parts to Peddle, Wheelzy, or CarBrain simplifies the process, handles paperwork, and offers free towing, making them a convenient choice for sellers.
- Private Sale Considerations: Selling a car for parts privately involves determining the car’s value, listing it, screening buyers, and managing paperwork and payment.
- Junkyard Sales: Selling a car to a junkyard often results in lower prices and includes gathering necessary documents, comparing quotes from multiple junkyards, and arranging pick-up and ownership transfer.
- Parting Out the Car: Dismantling a car for individual components can be lucrative for those with mechanical expertise, but it’s generally not recommended for inexperienced sellers due to the time and effort required.
Best Places to Sell a Car for Parts
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
How to Sell Car for Parts
1. Sell Car for Parts Online
The best way to sell a car for parts is to sell it online to companies like Peddle, Wheelzy or CarBrain.
These companies specialize in buying a variety of cars, including those that are used, have been damaged in accidents or floods, or have missing or broken parts.
Advantages of selling a car for parts online:
- Quick turnaround time: typically, the time frame from accepting an offer to receiving payment is between 24 to 48 hours.
- Simple procedure: just provide details about your car and its condition.
- No paperwork: despite a list of required paperwork in your state, you only need to provide your car’s Title.
- Safe payment method: receive payment in cash or check, reducing the risk of fraud.
- No additional charges: you won’t encounter any listing or platform fees.
- Free towing service: the company organizes a free car tow from your chosen location.
Best companies to sell your car for parts online:
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
- Get free online quote – offer valid 7 days
- Instant quote available on (855) 925 4302
- No obligation to accept the offer
Peddle is one of the largest car-buying companies that buy damaged cars across the United States.
Peddle buys damaged cars in all conditions, including:
- Cars with water damage
- Non-running cars
- Accident-damaged cars
- Cars with missing parts
- High mileage cars
- Salvage or junk cars
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Service is completely free – no hidden fees
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
- Possible to negotiate the offer
- Available nationwide (50 states)
Wheelzy is another company that purchases a broad selection of used, damaged and scrap cars.
However, the company has some exceptions:
- Can only sell cars 1981 or newer
- No motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles
- No ATVs, campers or RVs
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
- Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200
- Get cash for your car in under 48 hours
- CarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditions
- Up to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
CarBrain provides a speedy method to receive a cash offer, with an online form that takes just a few minutes to complete and assures safe payment in cash.
CarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditions:
- Broken
- Parted cars
- Non-running cars
- Junk, salvage or scrap
- Car with mechanical problems
- Cars with falling objects
- and more
2. Sell a Car for Parts Privately
On average, selling a car privately takes about 52 days, and this duration can be considerably longer for damaged or non-functional vehicles.
When you sell a damaged car for parts privately, you need to:
- Find out the value of the car.
- Find out the cost of repairs.
- List a car ad online.
- Screen buyers.
- Agree on a secure payment method.
- Gather the required paperwork.
- Take care of Title transfer.
The best platforms to sell your car privately:
| Company | Listing price | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus | $4.99 | No fees |
| eBay Motors | $19 – $79 | Deposit processing fee of 2.8% |
| Autotrader | $49 | No fees |
| Craigslist | Free | No fees |
| Facebook Marketplace | Free | No fees |
3. Sell Car for Parts to Junkyard
Selling an old car for parts to a junkyard can be a fast and straightforward method of disposal.
However, junkyards often provide prices below market value, and the process may be more time-consuming compared to online sales.
How to sell car for parts to junkyard:
- Gather the necessary documents: you will likely need the car’s title, registration, and proof of insurance. These documents will be required to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the junkyard.
- Contact local junkyards and compare quotes: Contact several junkyards in your area to obtain quotes for your car so you can choose the best offer.
- Schedule pick up: Remove any personal belongings from the car and ensure it is accessible for towing. Schedule a time for them to pick up the car.
- Sign the Bill of Sale: the Bill of Sale will prove you sold the car and protect you from any legal issues in the future.
- Get paid: make sure you agree on a safe payment method such as cash, check or direct deposit.
- Transfer ownership: sign the Title and transfer ownership at the DMV office.
- Inform DMV about the sale: fill out the required forms to protect yourself from any liability.
Is Parting Out a Car Worth It?
Parting out a car for individual components demands significant time, effort, and expertise. For those with mechanical experience and access to a steady flow of damaged cars, this can become a lucrative side hustle.
Otherwise, financially, it may be more beneficial to sell the entire car for parts.
Which Parts Are In Highest Demand?
- Engines and Transmissions: the heart and backbone of a vehicle.
- Battery and Hybrid Components: these are especially relevant for electric and hybrid vehicles, including components like batteries and electric motors.
- Catalytic Converters: contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
- ECUs and Other Electronic Components: The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and vital electronic components manage many car functions.
- GPS and Infotainment Systems: advanced infotainment systems with navigation and other features.
- Airbags: critical safety components in vehicles.
- Wheels and Tires: premium brand wheels and tires in good condition.
- Bumpers and Fenders: play a significant role in a car’s aesthetics and protection.
How Much Can I Get By Selling My Car For Parts?
The value of your car is influenced by factors like:
- Your car’s year, make and model
- Any damage to your vehicle
- Your location
- Current scrap metal prices
When to Scrap a Car?
Consider scrapping your car only if it’s undrivable, and you cannot get an offer from Peddle, Wheelzy or CarBrain or a private seller.
Scrap car values are typically the lowest amount you’ll get for your vehicle, so treat the process as a last resort.
Can You Sell a Car for Part Without the Title?
No, you can’t sell your car without the Title. In every state, possessing a certificate of title is mandatory for selling your car, irrespective of its operational status.
If you lost your Title, contact DMV and request a Duplicate Title.
In certain states, for vehicles older than 15 years, a bill of sale can be used in place of a title, legally allowing the seller to sell the car.
