How To Sell Your Car With Mechanical Problems
Receive cash for your vehicle with problems. We pay top dollar for cars running or not. Selling a car with mechanical issues is no easy feat — it’s not impossible, though!
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Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
How Much Can I Sell a Car With Mechanical Problems For?
- Severity of Issues: Minor problems like a failing alternator may fetch a higher price than major issues like engine failure.
- Make and Model: In-demand or classic/luxury vehicles often retain higher resale values despite issues.
- Age and Mileage: Newer cars or those with lower mileage generally command higher prices.
- Overall Condition: The condition of the body, interior, and features significantly influences value.
- Market Demand: Popular models tend to sell for better prices due to higher demand.
Consider these factors when determining the best way to sell your car with mechanical issues.
Common Mechanical Problems with Cars: What to Know
Owning a vehicle brings freedom and convenience, but it also comes with its share of challenges. From the occasional check engine light to unexpected breakdowns, understanding common car problems can help you stay ahead of potential issues and maintain your vehicle’s reliability. Below, we outline some of the most frequent car troubles and their associated costs, providing you with valuable insights to keep your car running smoothly.
- Car Won’t Start: Usually due to a dead battery, which typically lasts about 5 years. Battery replacement ranges from $50 to $200.
- Brake Problems: Essential for safety. Common braking issues include worn pads and rotors, costing $300 to $800.
- Check Engine Light: Indicates issues detected by vehicle sensors. Use an OBDII scanner to diagnose. Costs vary for repairs.
- Rough Engine Idle: Can be caused by spark plugs, ignition, fuel, or mechanical issues. Repair costs range from $150 to thousands.
- Leaks Under the Car: Identify fluid leaks by color. Repair costs vary from tightening plugs to major seal replacements ($1,000).
- Overheating: Often due to low coolant, water pump failure, or blocked cooling systems. Repairs range from $20 for coolant to $10k for engine replacement.
- Paint/Finish Problems: Weather damage and scratches. Paint correction costs $500 to $2,500. Dents cost $75 to $150 per ding.
- Worn Shocks and Struts: Signs include instability and uneven tire wear. Replacement costs $450 to $900 per pair.
- Tire Wear: Replace when tread wear indicators appear. Costs $300 to $400 per axle.
- Slipping Transmission: Bad transmission symptoms include delayed acceleration and gear shifting issues. Repairs range from $1,100 to over $3,000.
- Broken Windshield: Chips and cracks can obstruct view. Repairs cost $100 to $400.
- Wheel Alignment: Misalignment causes the vehicle to pull to one side. Costs $100 to $200 for a four-wheel alignment.
Keeping your vehicle in top shape can be a challenge, especially when unexpected issues arise. If your car has become too costly to maintain or repair, consider selling it to DamagedCars.
How to Sell a Car with Engine Problems?
Selling a car with engine problems, such as overheating, knocking noises, or failure to start, can be challenging but manageable. Start by determining your car’s value using online tools, taking into account its make, model, age, mileage, and overall condition. Gather essential documents like the title, service records, and any engine repair estimates. When listing your car on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, be transparent about the specific engine issues. Alternatively, use specialized services like DamagedCars, which provide competitive offers, free towing, and fast payment within 24-48 hours, ensuring a hassle-free process even with severe engine problems.
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Can I Trade-In My Car if It Has Mechanical Problems?
Because it’s an easy way to get you out of your non-working or broken car and into a new vehicle, trading your car in with mechanical problems can seem like the route to take. However, even if your car, SUV, or van looks fantastic and still has the new car smell, a dealership won’t give you near what it’s worth if it has mechanical issues.
With dealerships, it’s normal for the trade-in value to be well below the price you’d get selling it privately. But when you have mechanical issues, that value is even lower. For example, to trade in a car with engine problems, you can immediately deduct the cost of a new engine from the trade-in appraisal. You’ll have to seriously consider if the convenience is worth the steep cut in profit.
Selling a Used Car with Mechanical Problems at Auction
In cities across the nation, automotive auctions sell cars in any condition. Again, it’s an easy way to sell your salvage car without having to do any repairs on it whatsoever. Depending on what’s wrong with your car, you might need to tow it to the auction (and there’s always the potential that it doesn’t sell and you have to drag it back home).
With car auctions, you can’t guarantee the price you’ll get for it. You may win or you may lose badly on it. Auctioning off your car with its mechanical issues is a bit of a gamble in that regard.
Donate Your Car
If you’re feeling particularly generous, donating your car to a charity instead of selling or trading it in is an option. Charities typically accept donations regardless of the vehicle’s condition, ensuring you won’t face rejection. When you donate, you receive a receipt for its actual cash value, which can be used to lower your taxes or increase your tax refund. However, it’s important to note that you’ll only receive a fraction of the car’s market value, and the tax benefits are realized at tax time. While donating does good in the world, for those seeking immediate financial return or avoiding the complexities of private sales, exploring options like DamagedCars might offer a more straightforward solution for selling a car with mechanical issues.
How to Sell a Car With Mechanical Problems to DamagedCars
If you’re thinking about selling a car with transmission issues or other problems quickly for cash without any hassle, check out DamagedCars. It’s extremely easy and you’ll get a fair price for your vehicle in any condition, running or not.
Whether you have a junk car to sell, a vehicle damaged in an accident, or a car with mechanical issues that needs repairs, you can sell it fast with DamagedCars.
First, request an offer for your vehicle. Enter your vehicle’s details into the proprietary valuation tool and in about 90 seconds, you’ll have your offer. DamagedCars guarantees your offer for seven days.
Next, accept the offer. If the offer looks good to you, accept it. We’ll do the rest on your behalf.
Get paid. Once you’ve accepted the offer, you’ll receive a check within just one or two business days. Unlike other car buyers, we won’t suddenly change the price on you – your payment will be exactly what we’ve promised.
See your car disappear. Your car is picked up by someone in DamagedCars’ network, and at no charge to you at all.
Get Top Dollar For Your Car With Mechanical Problems
If you’re trying to sell a car with mechanical issues, avoid the headaches. Check out DamagedCars today to get a free, no-obligation quote for your car in as-is condition. Selling a car with mechanical problems doesn’t have to be a hassle. Get cash for your car quickly and easily with DamagedCars.
About Author
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Rudy brings 9 years of industry expertise to the table. From decoding salvage market nuances to steering CarBrain’s insights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Trade My Car If It Has Mechanical Problems?
Cars with mechanical issues can be traded in at dealerships for other new or used vehicles. However, you shouldn’t expect a big payout.
Dealerships are notorious for offering low quotes and they will offer even less for cars that need expensive repairs.
What Are Mechanical Issues In A Car?
Cars can have all sorts of issues including frame, electrical, and mechanical damage. Mechanical problems relate to the parts that make the car move and function. These include:
- Tires.
- The engine.
- Brakes.
- The transmission.
- The suspension.
All of the smaller parts that attach to and make up the larger parts can also cause mechanical issues.
How Do You Get Rid Of A Car With Mechanical Problems?
One of the easiest ways to get rid of your damaged car is at a local junkyard. All you have to do is get your car there, get it weighed for a quote, accept the offer, and get your check. Although you can complete this process in a day, the junkyard is not giving you a fair deal for your car. Also, you’re probably paying to tow there which could wind up costing as much as your car is worth.
But if you’re curious about how to sell a car with issues and get a great offer at the same time, you have to check out DamagedCars.com. We simplify and streamline the whole sales process for you. With us, there’s no need to worry about towing because we do that for you at no cost.
Moreover, you can get your fair-market quote in as little as 90 seconds. Then, we can get your check in your hand in 24 to 48 hours.
Who Buys Cars With Mechanical Problems?
Selling a used car with problems can be tricky if you don’t have a clue about who will take it. Actually, there are plenty of potential buyers including:
- Local auto shops.
- Used car dealerships.
- Neighbors.
- Online shoppers.
However, if you want to get the best quote for your damaged car, you’ll have to contact DamagedCars. We pay for all types of cars with many different issues. There’s no need to repair your car or even clean it to sell to us. We accept as-is.
How Much Can You Get For A Car With Mechanical Issues?
Depending on who you try to sell your car to, you can receive a wide array of estimates. For example, a scrap yard will offer you different prices for various parts if you’re selling a car with transmission issues or other mechanical problems. So, you might be able to make a good profit if your car is in demand.
On the other hand, if you sell to a private buyer you might be able to make more by selling your vehicle as a unit rather than in pieces. However, buyers usually haggle and you might have to meet with many of them before getting the best deal.
If you’re looking for the best deal possible, sell to DamagedCars.com. Our pricing calculator offers up-to-date, fair-market quotes to drivers with old, broken, and junk cars. Your quote is guaranteed and you don’t have to worry about haggling.
Sell a Car with Mechanical Problems: Tips and Strategies
Selling a car with mechanical problems can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Whether the issue is a faulty transmission or engine trouble, there are still ways to find a buyer. The key is knowing how to price it and where to sell it. In this article, I’ll discuss the current market for used cars, how to assess the value of your current car, and the general guidelines for how to sell a car with mechanical problems and get the most money out of it.
What’s the used car market like right now? (2024)
In 2024, the market for selling a car with mechanical problems is relatively stable, but it comes with challenges due to both market shifts and the nature of damaged vehicles. However, several factors may still work in your favor.
Lower Used Car Supply: More used cars are available than during the pandemic, but there’s still a shortage of used cars, partly due to pandemic-era disruptions in production and a decrease in lease returns. As a result, older cars with more miles and mechanical problems are still in demand, especially among buyers looking for affordable options or project vehicles, according to Cars.com.
Increased Competition in the Buyer’s Market: Some dealerships and online platforms like CarMax, CashForCars, and DamagedCars have made it easier to sell a car with mechanical issues. These services offer quick evaluations and even free towing, making them convenient options for sellers looking to offload their cars without investing in repairs
Lower Trade-In Values: Trade-in values are generally lower in 2024 due to modest market normalization and depreciation trends. If you choose to trade in a car with mechanical problems, expect the trade-in value to be significantly reduced—potentially up to 50% of its estimated worth in working condition.
Private Sales Can Still Work: If you are patient, a private sale can fetch a higher price, especially if you target DIY mechanics or car enthusiasts who may want to repair or use the car for parts. Honesty about the mechanical issues and detailed records of the vehicle’s history will be crucial in attracting the right buyers.
Assess Whether Your Car Is Saleable At All
Here’s where it pays to know what you’ve got. For example, if you own a Nissan with a bad transmission or a Hyundai or Kia with known engine and theft problems, you’ll have a tough time selling your car to anybody at any price. That’s because a replacement Nissan transmission usually costs more than your car is worth, so nobody will buy it. If you have Hyundai and Kia vehicles with bad engines and you’re not eligible for extended warranty protection, you’re in trouble. Getting your hands on a new engine is almost impossible due to the backlog, and you’ll overpay for a used engine due to the high demand. For vehicles with high engine and transmission failure rates, your best bet may be to sell it to the junk dealer offering the highest price.
Determine if your used car is saleable
We know it has a serious mechanical problem, but what’s the condition of the rest of the vehicle?
• Engine is bad, but how’s the transmission, and vice versa?— If the other major components are in good shape, somebody who’s car-savvy might be interested
• How’s the body and interior—There’s always a buyer if the body and interior are in good condition. When it comes time to sell, play up the clean exterior and interior.
• Have you invested in recent repairs?— If the vehicle has new brakes, tires, shocks, struts, steering rack, control arm, radiator, of computers, they all add value to the vehicle. Spotlight them in your ad.
If your vehicle has a decent body, minimal frame rust, decent brakes, and tires, and the other major components are in good working order, you can probably sell it and make more than a junkyard will offer you.
Find out its current value based on its condition
1) Get the current KBB.com or Edmunds.com value based on its body and interior condition but with no mechanical issues.
2) Take the KBB/Edmunds price and subtract the cost of the repair/replacement of the failed major component.
3) Then deduct 25%-30% as a fear-factor penalty discount. No buyer wants to buy a vehicle they can’t test drive, so they’ll need extra incentive to cover the risk that there might be other problems you haven’t disclosed (or are even aware of).
Find Potential Customers Where They Work And Play
Professional mechanics are always looking for a decent vehicle and aren’t afraid to replace an engine or transmission. The same applies to serious DIYers. Either they can handle a major repair or they have a relationship with a shop that can do the work for them.
1) Print flyers with color pictures of the exterior and interior, a list of the major problems, and a list of all the recent repairs.
2) Contact the shop manager at all local and dealer shops and ask if you can post the flyer in their lunchroom.
3) Stop at all the professional auto parts stores and ask if you can post your flyers in the employee lunchroom and on their community bulletin board.
4) If your vehicle is driveable, park it near local auto repair shops and dealers. Post For Sale signs on it.
Patience or a Quick Buck?
If you’re trying to sell a car with mechanical issues, you’re selling a unique product to a limited audience. So it’s going to take time to find the right buyer. Be patient! If you need the money now and have given the sales thing your best shop, call the junkyard people
How To Sell Your Car That Needs Repairs
Selling a car with mechanical issues? Need to get rid of your car that needs repairs? At CarBrain, we’ll buy your car for cash.
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Can You Sell A Car With Mechanical Problems?
If you have a car that needs repairs, you are allowed to sell it. There are no laws preventing individuals from selling damaged cars or cars with mechanical problems. In fact, there are many industries that specialize in buying cars that don’t work. However, you should always be honest about the condition of your car and never attempt to misrepresent any vehicle issues. Disclosing your car’s mileage, accident history, sustained damaged, and any repairs needed can help you avoid potential legal headaches while finding the best place to sell your car.
Is It Better To Fix My Car Before Trade-In?
You might think that you can get a better offer on your car that needs repairs by fixing it first before putting it up for sale. However, you may end up losing money by trying to pay for vehicle damage repairs. If your car only has minor problems that can easily be fixed for under $300, it might be worthwhile to complete the job with a reliable mechanic. This can improve the perceived condition of your car and you might get a return on your investment. However, if you are selling a car that needs substantial amounts of repair, chances are the cost of performing the repairs will exceed the amount you’ll get back in the sale. For instance, if you have to perform a $3,000 repair job, that won’t necessarily raise the value of your car by an additional $3,000. In that case, you are spending money on the car that you will not get back. If your car needs a lot of work done, skip it and sell your car for cash to a reputable company that buys cars with issues.
How To Get Rid Of A Car That Needs Repairs
- Sell it to a dealership – Quick, but understand that dealers may not be willing to pay fair market price for your damaged car.
- Sell it to a private buyer – Selling it yourself remains an option. Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace exist, as well as posting a good old fashioned ad in the paper. Be prepared to deal with wishy-washy buyers and haggling galore, though.
- Trade it in – Trading in your car might give you a little extra cash to put towards a new car. Your trade in offer, however, will be negatively impacted by any mechanical issues.
- Donate it – The feel-good option of giving your car to a non-profit is also available. Do your due diligence about what kind of tax breaks you get (if any).
- Junk it – If your car needs that many repairs, junking your car for cash might just be the way to go. Find the best company to sell your car with issues by researching their reputation, how long it will take to get paid, and if they tow your car for free.
Let’s explore what you need to do in order to prepare your damaged vehicle for sale and what some of those selling options might look like further.
How To Sell An Old Car That Needs Work
Selling an old car follows a similar path as selling a car that needs repairs. The same group of buyers on the list above will purchase an old car, but how quickly and how much they buy them for will vary drastically.
When figuring out how to sell a car with problems, it’s in your best interest to weigh all of your options and figure out which one is the best fit for your situation.
Best Ways To Sell A Car That Doesn’t Run
Deciding how to sell a car that needs repairs shouldn’t be rocket science. To close a sale on a damaged car effectively, you should take the following steps:
- Remove all personal belongings left in the vehicle.
- Get a quote from a mechanic for how much it would take to repair your vehicle.
- Find the title to your vehicle. If necessary, order a copy from your state DMV.
- Clean up your car for showing, if you will be selling the vehicle privately.
- Look for estimates by tracking damaged car sales in your area.
The steps above will help speed up the sales process and arm you with the information required to get the best possible quote for your vehicle.
Who Buys Used Cars That Need Work?
- Junkyards — When looking for places that buy old cars that don’t work, junkyards are a common option. They will accept vehicles in virtually any condition. They purchase them quickly, but they make their profit by buying low and reselling the usable parts.
- Dealerships — Any dealership that accepts cars “as is” will purchase your junk car. However, dealerships usually won’t trade junk cars for cash. The money offered is likely credit to be applied to buying another vehicle from them. Additionally, they specialize in roadworthy cars, so a junk car that can’t run is likely to get lowballed.
- Private Buyers — Private buyers aren’t restricted by pricing or any condition constraints. If your model is popular and in demand, someone will want it. Finding that person, however, can be a massive hassle; vetting serious candidates and haggling being chief amongst the most annoying portions of the process.
How To Sell A Truck That Needs Work?
Whether you want to know how to sell a car that needs engine work or a truck that has frame damage or mechanical issues, the processes all follow a similar roadmap. To close a sale on a damaged truck effectively, you will take the same steps as selling your car with repairs:
- Remove all personal belongings left in the vehicle.
- Get a quote from a mechanic for how much it would take to repair your vehicle.
- Find the title to your vehicle. If necessary, order a copy from your state DMV.
- Clean up your truck for showing, if you will be selling the vehicle privately.
- Look for estimates by tracking damaged sales in your area.
The steps above will help speed up the sales process and arm you with the information required to get the best possible quote for your vehicle.
Where Can I Sell My Car With Mechanical Problems?
Selling a car with mechanical problems is dependent on how quickly you want to sell it and how much you’re looking to get from its sale.
| Junk Car Buyers | |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Pros & Cons |
| Junkyards / Scrapyards | Selling your damaged car quickly can be done with a junkyard or scrap yard. They typically offer a flat price for vehicles, but many may pay your car’s weight in scrap metal. |
| Dealerships | If you’re looking to purchase a new car, dealerships will assign a trade in value to your vehicle and apply that to the new car’s price. However, dealerships do not specialize in cars with mechanical problems, so you can expect to be lowballed. |
| Private Buyers | Private buyers are likely to give you the price for your car that you’re looking for. Unfortunately, it may take much longer than the previous options. Scheduling viewing and finding a buyer are all time consuming endeavors. |
| CarBrain | If you want to sell it fast and for a fair price, sell your car online – to CarBrain. Learn more about the benefits of selling to CarBrain below. |
The Best Place To Sell Your Car That Needs Repairs
The best place to sell your car in need of repairs depends on how quickly you want to complete the sale, how much you want to get for your car and what your immediate goals are.
If you want to sell your faulty car quickly and just be done with it, a junkyard or scrap yard may be the best choice. Oftentimes, these yards offer a flat fee for your vehicle or will pay you for its scrap metal value only. However, this can be a quick sale since they are not concerned about the condition of the car.
If you want to get a new car fast, trading it in to a dealership may be the right choice. Dealerships will take your car, assign it a trade-in value and put it towards the purchase of a new car. However, you may get a lower price for your car at a dealership since they do not specialize in damaged cars.
If you want to try to get a good price, selling it privately could be the way to go. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, selling it privately may get you a better price than trying to sell it elsewhere. However, it may take time to schedule viewings and find a buyer.
If you want to sell it fast and for a fair price, sell your car online – to CarBrain. Learn more about the benefits of selling to CarBrain below.
Why You Should Sell Your Car To CarBrain
CarBrain has over a decade of experience buying less-than-perfect cars. Rather than spending time trying to figure out how to sell a car that needs major repairs, you can visit our website and get a quote in just 90 seconds. Our quotes have no obligations, and they’re guaranteed for seven days so you have time to think it over.
Additionally, CarBrain offers FREE towing and FREE title transfer. There are no hidden fees for using our service. There’s no haggling, no fuss and no delay. We can help you schedule a pickup in under 48 business hours.
With CarBrain, you can complete the entire process online. You don’t even have to leave your home!
How To Sell a Car That Needs Work To CarBrain
Selling your damaged car to CarBrain is simple. All you have to do is:
- Click “get an offer.”
- Fill out the form.
- Get your quote!
Upload photos of your vehicle and its VIN to get a guaranteed offer. If you like our price, we can help you schedule a pickup at a time convenient to you.
The tow truck driver will arrive with a check in hand. You hand over the keys, sign the title and get paid on the spot. It’s that easy! Why wait? Contact CarBrain and get started now.
About Author
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Rudy brings 9 years of industry expertise to the table. From decoding salvage market nuances to steering CarBrain’s insights.
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https://carbrain.com/Blog/things-to-do-before-selling-a-car-that-needs-repairs
