I Need To Sell My Car That Doesn’t Run! What Can I Do? Who Will Buy It?

Selling a damaged or non-working car can feel like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether your car has been sitting for months with a blown engine or was recently in an accident, there are still plenty of ways to get value out of it without spending a fortune on repairs. In most cases, selling the entire vehicle, rather than parting it out, is faster, easier, and ultimately more profitable when you factor in time and labor.

While most feel that one of the most straightforward ways to offload a non-running car is by selling it to a junkyard or salvage yard. These businesses typically offer quick cash based on the scrap metal value and basic parts, and many will even arrange for towing. While the payout may be lower compared to a private sale, the process is simple and fast, especially for vehicles with extensive damage.

Car Buyer USA and its sister company, DamageMAX, specialize in purchasing damaged, wrecked, and non-operational vehicles from owners who don’t want to deal with repairs or the hassle of parting out. DamageMAX, in particular, focuses on buying vehicles with major collision or mechanical damage. We make the process stress free by offering instant quotes and free vehicle pickup. For people who want to avoid the back and forth of negotiating or the logistics of transporting a car that doesn’t run, we offer a convenient alternative.

For sellers who are mechanically inclined, selling a car for parts might seem like a good idea in the right situation. However, dismantling a car takes time, tools, and space. You’ll need to find buyers for each individual part, manage shipping or local pickups, and safely dispose of the remaining shell. In most cases, the return on investment isn’t as great as it may seem, especially when factoring in your time and effort. Selling the whole vehicle to someone who wants it for a project car or who plans to part it out themselves can often net you a similar amount of money, without all the work.

Some sellers opt to donate their vehicles for a tax write-off, which can be worthwhile if you don’t want to sell it yourself. Others consider trading in their non-working vehicle when buying a new car, as some dealerships will take damaged cars in exchange for credit. We covered why donating your car is NOT the way to go, here.

Whatever your approach, the key is to be honest about the vehicle’s condition, have the title in hand, and take clear photos. Selling your damaged or non-working car may not make you rich, but it can put cash in your pocket quickly and save you time compared to dismantling it piece by piece.