When consumers decide to part ways with their vehicles, it’s typically as a trade-in for the purchase of a new car or truck that will replace it, or as an outright sale of the vehicle to a dealer or individual private buyer.
And of course, in the cases where a car or truck is truly on its last legs due to age, multiple mechanical issues, or both, it may be in the form of a “junking” of the car to buyers of distressed vehicles.
However, there is yet another avenue for disposing of an old or unwanted vehicle for a profit – breaking it down to its parts and putting those up for sale to either salvage yards or private buyers. It may require a tow truck near you to have the vehicle picked if it’s broken down on the side of the road.
Why To Consider “Parting” As a Form of Parting With Your Vehicle
Selling your car’s viable parts as opposed to disposing of the vehicle as a whole may seem counterintuitive and more trouble than it’s worth at first glance.
And frankly, for those who may not be mechanically inclined or simply need to dispose of the vehicle quickly, it may well not be the most prudent path to take.
However, there may be cases where there is a distinct advantage to selling one’s car for parts, such as:
- When a vehicle has certain significant mechanical breakdowns too expensive to repair and which significantly strip it of overall value, but enough parts are still in good working condition.
- When a seller is mechanically proficient and/or has access to an experienced mechanic that can help them assess, remove and prepare parts for sale.
- When the individual has enough time at his or her disposal to undertake all the steps involved in preparing and placing the parts for sale, as well as to carry out the fulfillment process for each order.
Preparing To Sell Your Vehicle For Parts
Making the decision to sell your vehicle’s parts off individually is only step one. Once you’ve decided that’s the route you’d like to take, there are a series of subsequent steps that will be necessary in order to maximize the potential benefits of the process.
- Unless you are a mechanic yourself or otherwise reasonably proficient with cars ,car parts and car repair, have your vehicle professionally assessed to determine if there will be enough parts that are both in viable condition and carry solid resale value to make the endeavor worthwhile.
- Taking the additional step of getting some concrete pricing ranges on what parts in comparable condition to yours are currently reselling for. This will likely be accomplished by reviewing the websites of several salvage yards or calling them directly, as well as reviewing some typical e-commerce platforms.
- Make sure you take careful, detailed inventory of each part that you are considering selling. You will be responsible for preparing an accurate description of each part in its present condition, irrespective of what platforms/methods you plan to sell your vehicle through.
- The same holds true for taking some high-quality, clear photographs of the parts you plan to sell.
- Ensure you have the know-how and/or assistance to strip the individual parts from your vehicle when it becomes necessary.
- Be prepared to carry out the fulfillment process for any non-local buyers of your parts if and when those types of sales come to pass. This will primarily consist of procuring all necessary shipping supplies. For larger parts, you may naturally consider marking up the total purchase price to cover your shipping expenses.
