Sell a junk car to a local yard

A yard pays for a junk car based on what it can get out of it: resellable parts if the car is in demand, and otherwise the weight of the steel at the day's scrap price. That is why a complete car that doesn't run usually brings a few hundred dollars, a running car brings more, and the same car can get different offers from yards a few miles apart. Many yards pick the car up; the ones that advertise free towing are marked on each city page.

Before you call

1. Find the title. Yards want it in your name; if it's lost, ask the yard what it accepts and get a duplicate from the DMV if needed.
2. Note the year, make, model, mileage, and whether it starts and drives. Every quote starts with those.
3. Call two or three yards and compare offers. Ask whether the price includes towing and whether it can change on pickup.
4. Take your plates off, clear out your belongings, and cancel the insurance once the car is gone.
5. Bring a photo ID when the yard comes, and get a receipt or bill of sale showing the sale date and the yard's name.

Title rules differ by state. If you don't have the title, ask the yard what it accepts and check with your DMV before you agree to a price.