How to Buy Wrecked & Salvaged Cars

Salvaged vehicles

Salvage automobiles can be found virtually anywhere, and can be purchased in whole or by the part. Buying wrecked cars can become a great source of revenue, as some parts from rare or popular cars can sell for many times the cost if done correctly. The average car buyer can purchase salvaged or wrecked vehicles for profit.

Instructions

1. Decide on a type of car or specific kinds of auto parts to specialize in. The intent of buying the car is paramount, and will determine the collection process. Purchasing with the intent of creating a running automobile out of several wrecked ones will work much better if they are all of the same make and model. Buying them to resell online works better if many various types are bought for a variety of inventory.

2. Find a storage area. In many locales, storing cars that do not run is illegal and could generate fines. Store the vehicles in a private area, away from animals and thieves.

3. Locate local junkyards and visit their auto collection areas. Calling them on the phone will not provide any usable information (other than if they sell their cars or not) and cars must be inspected in person. (The exception to this rule is using an online auction site to purchase salvage vehicles, but this is for advanced buyers who have purchased a few elsewhere first.)

   Locate a car that is mostly complete, and inspect it for parts and operational condition. Many times a great car will end up in the "yard" simply because the engine or transmission has quit, and the cost of replacement would not equal the total value of the car. This can be overcome through personal repair, as most of the repair cost for shops is labor, or by selling the parts individually. Check all parts for working condition, such as seats, doors, windows, rear hatch and interior accessories. Check the wheels for damage. If the car is heavily wrecked, check other yards for a compatible donor for a merge.

4. Haggle the price with in-person buys. Bring cash and state that you are paying cash at some point during the negotiations, but do not show the bills. While it is common for parts junkyards to deal with credit cards and checks, most sellers will accept less for cash than having to run a card that may charge fees. Point out several missing parts on the car, or buy several cars at once. Yards can run through several hundred cars in a month, so visit the same yard often for the best deals.

5. Purchase a car online. Salvage and wrecked cars will go for far less than relative value, especially on popular sites such as eBay. Many times a "runner" can be had for a couple of hundred dollars that can drive back from the seller's town. Older family cars are common, as are fleet vehicles and vans. The cost of picking up the car, and any relative auction or payment fees must enter the equation to be profitable, and a deep knowledge of cars in general will be required.

Tips & Warnings

• Cars with massive impact damage may have deeper issues, so inspect carefully. If in doubt, do not buy.

• Use caution around wrecking yards or metal shops.

References

• How to Recycle a Junk Car
• Disposing Of Your Junker

Resources

• eBay