That old car sitting in your driveway or backyard is not just an eyesore. It could be worth a few hundred dollars, and getting rid of it is easier than you might think. Here is a straightforward guide to selling or junking a vehicle in Virginia.
Determine Your Car's Value
Even a non-running vehicle has value. Junk car prices depend on the make, model, year, condition, and current scrap metal prices. Most junk cars in the Roanoke area sell for $100 to $500, though some newer models or trucks can bring more. Get quotes from multiple buyers to make sure you are getting a fair offer.
Gather Your Paperwork
In Virginia, you will need the vehicle title to sell or junk your car. The title proves you own the vehicle and allows the buyer to take legal possession. If you have lost your title, you can request a duplicate from the Virginia DMV. The fee for a duplicate title is currently $15.
When you sell the car, you will need to:
- Sign the back of the title and fill in the buyer's information
- Complete an odometer disclosure if the vehicle is less than 10 years old
- Remove your license plates (you can transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV)
- Notify your insurance company to cancel coverage on the vehicle
Where to Sell Your Junk Car
Junkyards and Salvage Yards
Local salvage yards in the Roanoke area will buy junk cars for their scrap metal value and usable parts. Some will pick up the vehicle for free, while others may charge a towing fee. Call a few yards to compare offers.
Online Buyers
Several national companies buy junk cars online. You enter your vehicle details, get an instant quote, and schedule a pickup. The convenience is nice, but local buyers often pay more because they save on logistics.
Junk Removal Services
Some junk removal haulers on Blue Valley Junk handle vehicle removal as part of their services. If you need a junk car towed from your property, post a job and specify that it is a vehicle removal. Haulers with towing capability will bid on the job.
Private Sale
Even cars that do not run can be sold privately to mechanics, hobbyists, or people looking for project cars. List it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist with clear photos and an honest description of the condition.
What If You Do Not Have a Title?
Selling a car without a title in Virginia is difficult. Most legitimate buyers require one. If you cannot locate your title, visit the DMV to get a replacement before trying to sell. In some cases, a bill of sale and a valid ID may be accepted, but this varies by buyer.
Do Not Let It Sit
An unused vehicle on your property loses value over time as parts corrode and scrap metal prices fluctuate. Some localities in Virginia also have ordinances about inoperable vehicles on private property. The sooner you deal with it, the better your outcome will be.
Ready to get rid of that junk car? Post a job on Blue Valley Junk and connect with local haulers who can tow it away quickly.