Who Buys Junk Cars in Philadelphia?

If you live anywhere in Philadelphia, there is a high chance that you’d have come across someone or a website promising cash for junk cars. Many of these companies offer to pay instantly as long as you agree to sell to them. While this may sound too good to be true, it really is true. However, before doing business with these companies, you should know what junk cars are, why these companies want to buy them, and other information that’ll help you make the best decision for yourself.

This article saves you the stress of searching online for “who buys used cars near me.” It also sheds more light on what you should know about junk cars and junk car buyers.

What is a Junk Car?

A junk car is any old car, damaged, or defective car. Contrary to popular opinion, a junk car doesn’t have to be badly beaten up by accident, wear and tear, or vandalism. Junk cars can be perfectly operable but may be unsafe for use on the roads. This means that an old but fully functional car with several hundred thousand miles can sell as a junk car. Similarly, a badly beat-up accident car can also sell as a junk car.

The main difference between junk cars is the value they command. Many companies that come up when you search for ”cash for cars near me” in Philadelphia will likely offer more money for a fully functional but older car than a badly damaged newer model. Understanding that junk car buyers not only buy damaged cars can broaden your options, especially when selling your used cars.

What Makes a Car a Junk Car?

Having understood what a junk car is, you should also know the common factors that qualify most cars as junk. In a study conducted by the University of Michigan on cars, their average used car age, scrap age, etc., it was found that most cars above 11 years have reached their junk point. Although this study considers several factors, below are the commonest qualities that qualify a car as junk.

It has Reached its Useful Service Life

More than 26% of the cars in the United States are over 16 years old, five years more than the average automobile scrap age. Consider a junk car removal service if your car is 11 years (average scrap age), nearing it, or above. Junking your car at the right time increases your chances of selling for a good price. In addition, you get to save yourself from the recurrent cost associated with repairing older vehicle models.

It Qualifies for the Legal Definition of Junk Car

“A junk automobile is an inoperable automobile,” according to the 49 USCS § 30501. This code clearly explains what a junk car is. You should consider junking your car if it isn’t fit for use on public streets, highways, and roads. You can also junk cars that pose safety risks to users, passengers, and/or other road users. Your vehicle also qualifies as a junk car if it cannot be sold “as is” to a buyer except for its scrap value.

Totaled or Damaged Beyond Repair

Totaled cars are cars that are damaged beyond repair. They are also cars that require repair costs that exceed the vehicle’s original value. Many car owners would rather sell such vehicles as the cost of repair could buy them another car.

It may be wise to start looking for junk car removal near me if you’ve been in a ghastly accident that has damaged your vehicle beyond repair.

Requires Recurrent Repairs

Vehicles over a certain age are more likely to visit the repair mechanic or auto repair shop more frequently than newer models. Older vehicles are also more likely to cost more to fix compared to newer models. Reports indicate that a 2017-model car could cost about $83 to fix while a 2010-model could cost about $500 to repair. You may need to consider junking your car if it has made you best buds with your nearest auto repair shop or mechanic.

Selling a car that demands constant costly repairs can save you a lot of money. The car’s trade value can be used for a newer car model.

Affected by Flood

Flooded vehicles are expensive to fix. In most cases, owners sell them off as junk cars to avoid high repair costs. Most used car buyers also avoid flooded cars to save themselves from the associated repair cost. There is a high chance that you may still be able to get a reasonable price for it if you contact a junk car removal company.

Lemon Vehicles

Lemon vehicles have a warranty-covered defect that cannot be corrected. Most owners of these vehicles may return them to the manufacturer for a new one successfully. Different states have different laws regarding lemon vehicles. The consensus is that such cars must have specific recurrent defects covered by the manufacturer under warranty, and the owner must have made reasonable but failed attempts to repair the defect.

Dealing with lemon cars can be a hassle. Returning such a defective car for a new one may even be harder. You may be better off selling your lemon car if you have exceeded your warranty period or have voided your warranty agreement. Search for companies that “buy junk cars near me” for quotes.

Who Buys Junk Cars Near Me?

A simple internet search of “who buys junk cars near me” will return with several options to choose from. Many junk car buyers are out there ready to snatch your scrap metal off your hands. However, who you sell to can determine how much cash you get for your junk car.

One company we can recommend is cashforcars.io. They offer a quick and easy junk car sale process and can complete each sale in 24 hours. They also offer top dollar for junk cars and free towing services to customers.

How To Choose A Junk Car Buyer

To help you select the right choice from among the many companies offering cars for cash near me, below are some factors to consider;

Your Vehicle’s Condition

Your car’s condition will determine who you should sell it to. If your car falls under any of the qualifying conditions listed above, contact a junkyard nearby for quotes.

Search Online or Ask for Recommendations

Looking for a junk car buyer can be hectic. Start by looking online or asking friends and family for recommendations.

Check Reviews and Ask for Quotes

Check the online reviews of the recommended junk car buyers nearby. Look for companies with good reviews and discard those with too many negative reviews.

Compare Price Quotes

Contact as many junk car buyers that have passed your screening process asking for online estimates. Compare the prices and decide based on your vehicle’s average scrap car value.

Schedule Pickup, Get Paid in Cash

Once you’ve selected the most favorable price quote, schedule a pickup time, and ensure you get paid in cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a junk car and car removal?

Junk car and car removal may fall under the same category but are different entities. A junk car is an old, damaged, or inoperable car while car removal is the act of removing a junk car from a location. Most junkyards and junk car buyers offer car removal services.

What’s the difference between a junk title and a salvage title on a damaged automobile?

A junk title means a car or vehicle has been sold for scrap to a junkyard and can never be re-titled as a running or driving vehicle. On the other hand, a salvage title means an insurance company has written off a car. Such “written off” vehicles can be bought from the insurance company or sold during an auction to another person for rebuilding. Once rebuilt, a salvage title car can be inspected by the state and issued a ‘rebuilt’ or ‘reconstructed’ title provided it passes the established standards.

What is the difference between a vehicle and an automobile?

A vehicle is a medium of transportation between one point and another, for example, an airplane, train, car, van, boat, etc. On the other hand, an automobile is a car, van, or truck. Vehicles are a broader category of transportation mediums, while automobiles are a subset. All vehicles are not automobiles, but all automobiles are vehicles.