If you prefer to drive vehicles until they reach the end of their lifespan, you may think that their value goes up in smoke when they stop being serviceable. But that isn't necessarily the case. Automobiles that are wrecked or have stopped working due to mechanical problems often have value to junkyards that offer cash for salvage cars. However, you have to be savvy about selling an old vehicle. Otherwise, a disreputable seller may try to take advantage of you. If you don't have experience receiving cash for junk cars, be sure to check out the points below before selling your vehicle.

Receive Several Offers

Receiving offers from different yards is a good way to assess the value of the automobile. Because automobiles that have no value as a mode of transportation are hard to valuate, receiving three offers allows you to average the numbers and arrive at a ballpark value for your vehicle. A clunker typically sells for hundreds of dollars, but there are also instances where they sell for more. The best way to chart the value of your clunker is to receive several offers.

Opt For Free Towing

If the vehicle is not drivable, a yard that offers cash for salvage cars will retrieve it. This service, which could otherwise cost hundreds of dollars, should be rendered free of charge. The amount paid for the automobile plus the cost of towing is still less than what the buyer will receive from selling the vehicle's components. If a yard that offers cash for junk cars asks you to pay for towing, indicate that you know of plenty of yards that offer free towing.

Receive Payment Immediately

Before the tow truck takes your vehicle away, you will relinquish the title to the automobile to surrender ownership. When the tow truck operator takes the title, he should give you payment in return. Sometimes, disreputable yards promise payment on receipt of the title but then suggest sending you a check in the mail when they arrive to take the vehicle away. If a yard will not exchange payment for the title, cancel the transaction and call a different yard.

Conclusion

Junkyards that offer cash for junk cars may pay you hundreds of dollars or more for your old clunker. Before you sell your automobile to a yard that offers cash for salvage cars, be sure to receive several offers to assess the worth of the automobile, ask a yard whether it offers free towing, and receive payment when you surrender the title to the car.