How to Get Cash for Junk Cars in Columbus
Get cash for your junk car in Columbus at auto salvage yards like Fast Cash for My Junk Cars, Columbus Scrap Cars, and more.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you have an old, broken, or unused car taking up a spot in your driveway, selling it to a junkyard is an excellent way to make some extra cash—and free up a parking space. Several salvage yards in Columbus will take your junk car, including Fast Cash for My Junk Cars, Columbus Scrap Cars, Junk Car Boys, and Cash for Cars Columbus.
Whether it’s missing wheels, an engine, or its front end, fixing up a junk car can be pricey. If you’re willing to part with your beloved junk wagon, selling it to a salvage yard is the way to go. Regardless of its condition, auto recyclers will buy it from you, so you’re getting top dollar for a beater, and they’re getting recyclable parts—it’s a win-win situation.
If you’re tired of your junk car taking up space, and you’re ready to say goodbye, the
car insurance
comparison app, Jerry
, is here with the scoop on how to sell your junk car in Columbus and get top dollar for it.Even better, if you're interested in saving money on
Columbus car insurance costs
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What qualifies as a junk car?
While it may be running, the rust that’s eaten through the bumper and the black cloud coming from the exhaust aren’t exactly signs of a well-kept or properly running car. And if it’s missing an engine or the body is completely broken, you may be dealing with a junk car.
There’s no exact definition as to what constitutes a “junk car,” but generally speaking, there are a few things that may categorize your ride as one:
- It doesn’t run
- It’s worth less than $500
- The cost to repair it is more than its book value
- It’s too old or too unsafe to drive
What classifies as a junk car varies between vehicles, but if your car needs a lot of TLC to get it back up and running (or looking half-decent), selling it to a junkyard for cash may be the best option.
MORE: How to sell a junk car for cash
How to sell a junk car
Selling a junk car isn’t as straightforward as selling one that operates, and if you’re not sure where to start, here are the basics steps to follow to maximize your return on investment (ROI):
1. Gather the proper documents. While having a
certificate of title
for your vehicle isn’t mandatory to sell to a salvage yard, some will require it, and you may get a better price if you have it. If you’ve lost your title, go to your local DMV (or equivalent agency) and apply to replace a lost title
.2. List all malfunctions. Most auto salvage yards will buy your junk car regardless of its condition, but if you’re selling privately, make sure the buyer knows what they’re taking. Make a list of malfunctions, and if you know the vehicle's mileage, make sure that’s included, too.
3. Determine the car’s value. If you want maximum value for your junk car, it’s a good idea to know the current value of your vehicle—if you’re not sure where to start, check out
Kelley Blue Book
. If you can repair the car, determine the cost to fix it and subtract that from the book value for the same car in good condition—that gives you an estimate of your car’s current value. 4. Find a reputable junkyard. If you’re unsure of where to start, search for auto salvage yards in your area on Google. That said, make sure they’re reputable—they should hold a license and certified scale to weigh your car. If you’re selling privately, check out sites like Craigslist.
5. Clean your vehicle. Although it may seem silly to clean your car if you’re selling it to a junkyard, make sure all your belongings are out. If you’re selling to an individual, wipe down all surfaces and give the interior a vacuum before you sell.
6. Remove the license plates. In Ohio, drivers must return their license plates to the DMV unless otherwise stated. Some salvage yards will only accept metal parts, which means you’ll also need to remove all non-metal parts like upholstery or leather.
7. Remove any working car parts. If you have any parts that still work, remove them. Listing them on a used auto part website is a great way to make additional cash.
8. Sign over the title.
Transferring over the title
is quite possibly the most crucial step, as it finalizes the transaction legally. You’ll have to do this whether you’re selling to an individual or a salvage yard.9. Cancel your insurance. If you were driving your junk car and had an insurance policy, cancel it. And if you’re purchasing a new vehicle and need an affordable policy,
Jerry
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Where to sell a junk car in Columbus
Finding a reputable salvage yard in Columbus can be tricky, and the best thing to do is Google search for “where to sell my junk car in Columbus” and check out the top spots.
Here are four to try.
Fast Cash for My Junk Cars
Address: 2250 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone number: (614) 477-1166
BBB rating: N/A
As one of the best junkyards in Columbus,
Fast Cash for My Junk Cars
will buy your used vehicle at top dollar. Request a quote online or by phone, whether your car is junk, broken, or scrap. They take the hassle out of selling your junk car and bring cash to your doorstep.Columbus Scrap Cars
Address: 11 W. Weber Rd. Columbus OH 43202
Phone number: (614) 715-5005
BBB rating: N/A
If you’ve been wondering who will buy your junk car,
Columbus Scrap Cars
will. They’re Columbus’ premier junk car buyer, open six days a week with free towing. All you have to do is call (614) 715-5005, request a junk car quote, and get rid of your vehicle the same day. And make sure you have your vehicle title! Junk Car Boys
Address: 1440 Linwood Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Phone number: (614) 636-4533
BBB rating: N/A
Whether you have a broken car or a piece of junk, don’t sweat it—
Junk Car Boys
will buy it! Started in 2008 by two brothers, Junk Car Boys makes selling your car quick and easy. Call or request a quote online, get your cash, and say goodbye to your junk car. Cash for Cars Columbus
Address: 1680 Williams Rd Suite B, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone number: (614) 963-9226
BBB rating: N/A
Say goodbye to listing your junk car in the classifieds. Cash for Cars Columbus is the fastest way to sell your junk car. With over 35 years in the automotive industry, Cash For Cars Columbus offers you top dollar for your junk car and recycles it in an environmentally-friendly way. Call or request a quote online to get started.
How to find affordable car insurance in Columbus
Getting rid of your junk car is one of the best ways to make extra cash, but did you know you can also save money on
car insurance
if you shop with Jerry
? As the #1-rated insurance app in the App Store, Jerry searches through over 50 top insurers to find you the coverage you need at the lowest price.Just download the app, answer a few questions about your driving history, and start comparing competitive quotes. Once you select the policy you want, Jerry will walk you through the sign-up process and help you cancel your existing policy.
By shopping with Jerry, you could be saving over $800 a year on car insurance!
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