How to Buy Scrap Cars

One person's junk can be another person's treasure.

So you're looking to start buying scrap cars. Now what? Most people have bought a new or used car sometime in their life, but buying a scrap car is a slightly different undertaking. Kicking the tires --- if it even has any --- and looking under the hood aren't going to reveal much of a scrap car's value. The inherent value of a scrap car is in the usable parts and recyclable metals that it contains. Recycling these components is also good for the environment.

Instructions

1. Locate a scrap car. It's relatively easy locating these vehicles; no doubt you've seen scrap cars in your city or perhaps even your neighborhood. And with the price of steel, copper and other recyclable metals trending upward over the past few decades, people have become more aware of the value of their broken-down and abandoned vehicles. The most direct way to purchase these vehicles is simply to approach the owner when a potential scrap car is identified. Other methods include posting online ads, placing want ads in local newspapers, or targeting other social media sites.

2. Determine the value of the usable parts of cars you are considering buying. You don't need to be an auto expert to do this; with the help of the Internet, it can be done relatively easy. Web sites such as www.car-part.com and www.carpartshotline.com can give you an estimate instantly on almost any car part. Simply enter the year and make of the vehicle and the part type for a basic idea of the part's value.

3. Find the value of cars' recyclable metals. With base metals such as aluminum, copper, nickel and steel all in great demand, there is value in many of the unusable parts and components of any salvaged car. In order to determine the worth of the wiring, battery, rims and other items that can be sold as scrap metal, contact a local scrap metal recycling business.

4. Pick up or arrange transport for the scrap vehicle you've bought. This can be relatively easy or slightly more complicated depending on the condition of the car. If it's in good working order and has proper documentation, it can simply be driven to the desired location. However, scrap cars often are not roadworthy or do not operate properly. In such cases, a local towing service should be contacted.

5. Sell any parts and recyclable metals of value. With the recent advances in technology the virtual marketplace has increasingly become the easiest avenue to sell and market your products. Sites such as www.ebay.com, www.amazon.com and other online auction sites can be a great way to reach a large target market and maximize the return on your scrap car investment.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to approach people about purchasing scrap cars. Oftentimes people may have valuable scrap cars sitting on their lots with no idea of their value; in some cases they may even be willing to give the cars away.

• Make sure to do your homework and familiarize yourself with the relative values of usable parts and recyclable metals before purchasing scrap cars.

References

• "The Ecologist"; Recycle Your Car Don't Scrap It; Eifion Rees: Dec 2010