If you have an old, damaged, or non-running car sitting around in your driveway in Atlanta you are probably wondering: “How much is my junk car actually worth?” It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t necessarily simple. The value of a junk car in today’s market isn’t all about that scrap metal weight, it’s a combination of things that will turn your eyesore into a surprising source of cash.
Gone are the days where a junk car was seen as virtually having no value. Today’s recycling market, with global demand for raw materials and re-usable parts means there is even value in the most dilapidated vehicle. At Atlanta Auto Recycle, we assist hundred of customers through this process on a monthly basis. Let’s break down what determines the cash value of your car.
The Most Important Considerations That Determine How Much You Will Get For Your Junk Car
The Identifying Core Details of a Vehicle: Year, Make and Model
This is your starting point. Older and common models could be valued more for their raw materials. However, a newer car, even if not running, could have a large value in salvageable parts such as engines, transmission, electronics, and air bags. Luxury brands or popular models such as Hondas, Toyotas, and Ford trucks tend to have a strong parts market which makes them more valuable.
Current Scrap Metal Prices: The Basis
The main component of your car is steel but it also includes aluminum, copper (in wiring), and platinum (in catalytic converter). The price of these commodities fluctuates on the global market on a day-to-day basis. When the price of steel and other metals are high, the normal value of your junk car increases. We monitor these markets closely in order to ensure that our offers are competitive.
The “Hidden Treasure”: The Catalytic Converter
This often is the most valuable single piece on a junk car. Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium that can be worth hundreds of dollars alone, regardless of the condition of the car it is in. Hybrid vehicles and some trucks are generally the ones with the most valuable converters.
Condition – Overall Condition, Missing Parts
While “junk” connotes damage of some kind, it is the degree that matters. A car with an engine that has blown up but whose interior and body panels are in good condition is worth more than a car that has been stripped down or is in a fair state of decay. We evaluate what has remained to be reused. On the other hand, items that cannot appear, such as alternator, starter, or wheels, will reduce the offer.
Local Demand and Geography
Value is hyper-local. In Atlanta, demand for certain parts for popular cars for this region (such as trucks and SUVs) can raise your car’s worth. Additionally, your location has an impact on the cost to have the vehicle towed and processed by the recycler which is taken into account to provide the final offer.
Weight and Size
At it’s most basic though, a car is a hunk of metal. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, vans, and trucks simply have more recyclable steel and aluminum so they usually have a higher minimum price than compact cars.
Why the Financial Difference of the Right Recycler
You can’t control the prices of scrap metal but you can control who you sell it to. The highest offer is often from a professional and licensed recycler such as Atlanta Auto Recycle rather than from a far-away online scrap quote generator. Here’s why:
Accurate, On-Site Assessment Generic online forms guess. We make genuine and firm offers based upon a detailed description or, better still, a quick photo. We know the Atlanta market, and can find value you may not find.
Maximizing Part-Out Value We don’t just smash every car right now. We know and intelligently stock and resell the most in-demand parts, a percentage of which we share as an increased purchase price with you.
No Hidden Fees: The price that we quote is the price that you get paid. We have all the paperwork including the title transfer and release of liability for you, at no additional charge.
The Atlanta Auto Recyle Advantage
When you choose us you’re choosing a seamless, profitable and responsible process.
Get Your Instant, No-Obligation Offer: Contact us over the phone or via our online form with the basic detail of your car. We’ll make you a fair transparent offer right away. Get your quick and free quote from Atlanta Auto Recycle today!
Schedule Free, Convenient Towing: We own our tow fleet and schedule for pick-up at your home, work place or repair shop – usually by the next 24 hours. Our drivers are professional and the tow is free always.
Get Paid on the Spot: No waiting for checks to clear. When our driver arrives, he or she will do a quick check, give you cash or a check, and load up the car. The entire transaction only takes minutes.
Enjoy Peace of Mind: We provide you with all the necessary documentation to the Georgia Department of Revenue so that you will no longer be held liable for the vehicle.
While all cars are different, in today’s market most junk cars in the Atlanta area are worth anywhere from $250 to $1,500 with some vehicles containing valuable parts and converters. Even a car that doesn’t start, car that have been in an accident, or have major mechanical failure, it has value.
Don’t have a private sale happen because you’re not sure how to do it or because it’s just a hassle, don’t let that prevent you from turning your clutter into cash. The process is not hard and the reward is immediate.
Ready to know what exactly your junk car is worth? The quickest route to a firm competitive offer is to speak direct to our local experts.
Contact Atlanta Auto Recycle to get your instant no hassle quote & free towing now. Call us or complete our simple online form. Let us teach you why we’re Atlanta’s go to guy for making honest money out of your junk cars.