So, you’ve probably contacted a cash for cars business to offer your non-working car. It’s common to start wondering how much you’ll get for it. Such businesses don’t have a fixed amount they offer everyone. The amount you’ll get would depend on a few factors.
Here’s how cash for cars put a price on your old car:
1. They Determine The Production Year/Model
Some car buyers, like AtlasAuto, will put value on the model and the year a vehicle was made. It’s the same with cash for car companies. The market value of the car and the built-in parts are identified through the make, model, and when it was manufactured. Still, if the vehicle has problems, it could be worth a fraction of its used value, up to 40%.
But, what factors do cash for cars consider to place a high value on a vehicle? These include the following:
- The car must be driven commonly
- If the parts are in high demand
- The car model is rare
The materials used by manufacturers also tend to change year after year. It concerns the economy and environmental factors that demand more sustainable solutions, such as eco-friendly plastic parts. It’s also resulted in vehicles with less aluminum and steel content.
2. They Assess The Current Scrap Metal Value
Before scrapping your car to make money, it’s essential to first research the current price of scrap metal if you want to get an estimate on how much you’ll probably get paid for your car. Cash for cars will also use other factors aside from the price.
The car wreckers determine the going rate of your junk car through the price of these scrap metals. If you worry about your junk car not being sold, know that even cars that don’t run can still be salvageable in terms of the scrap metal they can take. But, realize that scrap metal value changes every year and that it’ll depend on the condition of the aluminum, as well as steel supply and demand.
3. They Determine How Long The Car Hasn’t Moved
The longer you have the car on your property, the more it can affect the car’s value. Neglect is another factor in the wear and tear of the vehicle. While it’s not driven, the weather and the elements can affect the car components and the surface of the scrap metal, which car wreckers are stripping off the old vehicles.
The heat and the rain can make leather seats crack, and gaskets and hoses can become brittle over time. If they become unusable, the cash for cars won’t be able to give you a higher price for the vehicle because there’s nothing to retrieve from it anymore. So, if you intend to sell it, don’t wait too long.
You can try to negotiate for a higher price if your non-running car only has a few issues and if there’s a high demand for the car model you have.
4. They Consider The Condition Of The Economy
The economic condition of the market for parts and scrap metal will also affect the price you can get for your car. When the country enters an economic recession, people, sometimes, try to sell off their vehicles for additional income. The rising prices for secondhand cars could also be a factor, but depending on whether or not people are still buying them will come into play since they can be significantly less costly than brand new vehicles. The vehicle’s valuation will be affected, and you’re likely to get something lower than what you might’ve hoped for.
5. They Take The Vehicle’s Mileage Into Account
In general, buyers would check the wear and tear of the vehicle to estimate its value. But, those with experience would say that the best way to see the wear and tear of a motor vehicle is to check its mileage.
The mileage is indicated in numbers, making it an effective indicator of how much the vehicle has been throughout its lifetime. Many might also be unaware that the mileage affects mechanical components, such as the transmission or the engine.
Keep in mind, however, that mileage is merely a primary factor. Many vehicles are in fantastic condition despite having high mileage.
6. They Facto In The Vehicle’s Weight
Some cash for car businesses will also consider the vehicle’s weight. It’s because a considerable fraction of the vehicle’s weight comes from the steel parts, which are always on the market. The more steel a car has, the more likely it’ll fetch a good price offer from buyers. That means if you have a larger vehicle than a car with more steel components, you can expect reasonable pricing or, at least, negotiate for one.
Remember, however, that the current price of the metal will also play a part. Due to skip meal rates, vehicles with the same weight will also likely differ in price.
7. They Determine The Demand For Components
Now you have a pretty good idea that cash for cars people buy vehicles to resell reusable car components. The ones in good condition are resalable, but note that it’ll also depend on the demand for specific parts of specific models. If the pieces are in high demand, you’ll get a reasonable price on them.
The demand is influenced by how many car owners with the same vehicle model and brand need reparations. That would mean many will also need a particular component for their car. And, if your junk car has those rare parts, the demand is likely high, which fetches you a reasonable price.
Other factors will also affect the market for spare components, such as the age of the car and fuel prices.
In Conclusion
Several factors affect your junk car’s value, which is why it’s best to stay realistic once you decide to sell it to a cash for car business. But, there are some benefits besides the monetary reward that comes with giving up your vehicle for recycling, such as freeing up space on your property. And, it’s easy money on your part as well because you don’t have to put effort into contacting them to get your car.
