Selling your car to a junkyard is an easy way to dispose of the vehicle and get cash in return, but unfortunately, some establishments may employ deceptive tactics to get more for less. They may communicate vaguely, pressure you into selling your car, or change their offer in an attempt to dupe you.
If you want to ensure that you’re getting your car’s worth, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when selling your car to a junkyard:
Mistake #1: Trusting an Unlicensed Business
One of the most essential but often-overlooked aspects of a disreputable junkyard is the lack of a business license. Always ask for an establishment’s license and check that it’s not expired. If they don’t want to provide this information, it’s best to keep looking. However, just because a junkyard has a license does not mean that they’re trustworthy. It’s best to look out for other red flags before closing a deal.
Mistake #2: Failing to Clarify Vague Terms
When selling your car, never be too shy to clarify everything. Make sure you’re on the same page as them and ask them everything you need to know before closing the deal. For example, the definition of a “ton” is vague. A net ton is equivalent to 2,000 pounds, while a long or metric ton equals 2,240 pounds. It’s best to ask the establishment what definition they’re using to avoid any vagueness. They might be trying to dupe you by paying out in metric tons in their quote.
Mistake #3: Falling for False Incentives and Offers
Selling your car for cash is typically the best way to go, but some junk yards try to offer you less money in exchange for some non-cash incentives. For example, they might decrease their payment and offer you a coupon instead. Although these coupons may seem like a sweet deal, they’re usually subject to tight restrictions or are only redeemable for an extremely limited time. They’re generally not worth the cash you’re losing, so it’s always best to accept the agreed-upon amount in cash.
Some junkyards may also offer to pay in installments or checks. Although many businesses will stay honest, some will not pay you at all. It’s always best to discuss how you will get paid before your transaction and only close the deal if they pay cash on delivery.
Mistake #4: Not Cancelling Your Car’s Registration
It’s crucial to cancel your vehicle’s registration and remove its license plates before you hand it to the junkyard. Don’t leave the work up to them because if they fail to do so, your car may end up in sketchy situations which will be traced back to you. Moreover, disreputable junkyards can charge you for storing your vehicle on their property. If you want to avoid any legal or financial troubles, cancel your car’s registration and dispose of its license plate.
Sell Your Car to a Reputable Establishment
Scams are all around us, so it’s always best to be on the lookout for attempts to dupe you out of your money. Learning about these common mistakes can help you decide who to trust and avoid falling for the tricks of dishonest junkyards. It never hurts to trust your gut, of course. If you feel that a junkyard is trying to deceive you, it’s best to walk away and look for another. There are many reputable businesses out there that are willing to help.
If you’re looking for junk car removal for cash in the US, Best Price Cash For Cars is the place to go. We buy cars and parts in any condition, and we offer a free towing service 24/7. Get paid on the spot for your vehicle—get a free quote today!