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Summary
  • If you think it’s time to get rid of your vehicle, consider selling it at an online marketplace, donating to a charity, dismantling it at a scrapyard, selling it to a mechanic or repair shop, or trading it in at a dealership.
  • Each way has its pros and cons. Some methods might be more appealing to you than others. You should also consider your vehicle’s value, age, and condition.
  • Maintaining a vehicle that you don’t drive can take up a lot of your time and money. By choosing to get rid of it, you won’t have to worry about damage caused by keeping it in storage for long periods.

If you think it’s time to get rid of your vehicle, consider the following options:

  • Selling at an online marketplace
  • Donating to a charity
  • Dismantling it at a scrapyard
  • Selling to a mechanic or repair shop
  • Trade-in at a dealership

How to Get Rid of Your Old Car

Getting rid of a car isn’t easy. There are many different methods to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Some methods might be more appealing to you than others.

man selling his car at a scrapyard
Getting rid of a car isn’t easy. There are many different methods to consider, each with its own pros and cons.

Here are five tried and tested ways to get rid of your car.

Sell Your Car at an Online Marketplace

Selling your car online is one of the best and most reliable ways to get rid of it. While some vehicles are higher in demand than others, there are dedicated online marketplaces for buying and selling cars.

All you have to do is post your vehicle, set a price, and reply to the people interested in buying. This way, you can get rid of your old vehicle and make money in the process.

While donating your car means you won’t get any money, you can make a lot of people happy. It’s one of the fastest and most hassle-free ways to get rid of a car you no longer want. You won’t need to find customers or drive your vehicle to dealerships since charities are more likely to pick your car up directly.

Donating guarantees that your former vehicle will be put to good use. You’ll be directly helping a charity whose cause you believe in, which is always a good thing.

Dismantle Your Vehicle at a Scrapyard

You might ask yourself, “Why would I want to junk my car?” Scrapping your vehicle over selling it might seem strange at first, but this comes with many benefits.

For starters, scrapping your car is better for the environment. One less car on the road means less emissions. You also don’t have to worry about finding someone to buy it at a fair price.

If you want to know how to junk a car, the best way is to bring it to a scrapyard that’s licensed to scrap vehicles. Though you may get less money from scrapping the vehicle, this is a great option if your car is extremely damaged and no longer roadworthy.

Sell Your Vehicle to a Mechanic

Many repair shops buy used cars to disassemble them. If you have no use for your vehicle, you could make some money by selling it to a mechanic. This way, you provide valuable parts to the shop that can be used to repair other cars.

Another added benefit is that you’re helping the environment by taking one vehicle off the road.

Trade in Your Vehicle at a Dealership

If you want to sell your vehicle but don’t want to vet potential buyers, you could always ask for a trade-in at a dealership. Most dealerships purchase used vehicles, either to resell or to disassemble for parts.

couple trading their old car at a dealership
Most dealerships purchase used vehicles, either to resell or to disassemble for parts.

Once your vehicle is appraised, the dealership can deduct this amount from the price of another unit you want to purchase.

Another advantage of trading in your vehicle is that most dealerships are willing to accept your car regardless of its condition. While some dealerships might reject your vehicle if it’s too old or too banged up, a lot of them are willing to take your car off your hands with no reservations. This means you don’t have to worry about getting your vehicle repaired before the sale.

Trading in a car that’s in good condition is more likely to get you a better deal. If your car is old and damaged, you might get a smaller discount.

The Bottomline

Maintaining a vehicle that you don’t drive frequently or at all can take up a lot of your time and money. By choosing to get rid of it, you won’t have to worry about damage caused by keeping it in storage for long periods. You also don’t have to spend money on getting it serviced or repaired.

About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : Lifestyle , Features
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