How to Maximize Your Profit When Selling a Scrap Car in Canada

A Complete Guide to Selling a Scrap Car in Canada for Top Dollar

There is no point in keeping your wrecked car parked in the garage. You must think it is useless, but you can make good cash out of it. The main thing is how to get the best deal. If you live in Canada, you have multiple options, but not all of them will give you the best price for your old car.

Scrapyards, private buyers, and online platforms all give different deals. There will be some buyers who will offer a low price; on the other hand, others will offer top dollar. So how will you check that you are getting the best price? In this blog, we will choose all the steps to help you increase your earnings from your scrap car.

1. Know Your Car’s Value

Before you sell your car, you need to understand how much you should get for it. If the car is not running, other parts still have value. Go through the factors that can influence your scrap car value.

• • Make and model – Some car models have good value and demand.
  • Year of manufacture – Older models might not give good value unless they are rare classic or vintage cars.
  • Condition – A car with functional parts will give a better price than one that’s completely damaged.
  • Current scrap metal prices – The price of the metals keeps fluctuating so checking current rates can help you to understand things better.

2. Remove Valuable Parts

Scrap yards give value based on weight and metal content, not always for the parts that are working. However, sometimes you can make more money by selling particular parts separately before scrapping the rest. Go through some of the components that can give good prices.

• • Battery – Many auto shops buy used batteries for recycling.
  • Catalytic converter – This part has precious metals like platinum and palladium, making it highly valuable.
  • Rims and tires – If the condition of tires and rims is good, you can sell them to drivers looking for replacements.
  • Stereo system – A working audio system like a radio and speakers can be sold online.
  • GPS and electronics – Modern vehicles have electronic things that can be resold.

Also Read: 15 Reasons to Remove Your Junk Car Now From Your Property

3. Get Quotes from Multiple Scrap Yards

You will not get the same price from all the scrap yards. Some will give more value based on demand or current metal prices. You should always get multiple quotes before deciding where to sell.

When you take quotes, make sure you give details about your car like,

• • Make, model, and year
  • Condition working or not
  • Major missing parts
  • Location because some scrap yards give free towing

4. Consider Selling to a Junk Car Buyer

Instead of reaching directly to a scrap yard, you should go to a junk car buyer. These companies have a specialty in buying old vehicles and reselling usable parts before scrapping. They mostly pay higher value than scrap yards as they make money from both parts and metal.

Now, find out the junk car buyers in your area and check their reputation. Some buyers may give you free towing; it will keep the transportation effortless. 

5. Sell Your Car Privately

If your car is still in working condition, you can try to sell it privately instead of selling it online. Many buyers want cheap or used cars to fix up or use for spare parts. Some chances posting an ad online can bring in more value than private selling.

This is how you can check your car for sale.

• • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • Kijiji
  • AutoTrader

Also Read: How to Sell Your Junk Car: Key Tips for Avoiding Scams and Getting the Best Deal

6. Scrap It at the Right Time

Scrap metal prices can vary as per the market demand. If prices are low, wait for some time before selling it. On the flip side, if you need the cash instantly, call multiple service providers to get the best offer available at the time.

Many seasonal factors will also affect the metal prices and your junk car final quote. During winter, demand for scrap metal may be low, while in the summer it will be higher.

7. Make Sure You Have the Proper Documents

To sell your car, even as scrap, you’ll need the right paperwork. Some important documents you need to scrap your car in Canada are:

• • Vehicle ownership – It proves the ownership of the car and gives the right to sell it.
  • Bill of sale – Some buyers will demand a written contract.
  • ID – To check your identity.

8. Use a Free Towing Service

If your car is not in a running condition, moving it can be difficult. Many junk car buyers and scrap yards give free towing, which will save you money. Before you sell the car, you should ask for a towing service. If a company is taking charge of towing, choose other buyers to double up your profit.

Also Read: Scrapping Electric and Hybrid Cars: What Makes It Different?

9. Avoid Scams

When selling a scrap car, you will find a buyer who might do scams. Here are some things that you should take care of to avoid scams.

• • Buyers who offer a price without seeing the car – A licensed and reputable buyer will ask for the vehicle details first.
  • Requests for personal information – You should not share sensitive details and think about what is more important.
  • Hidden fees – If a buyer gives you a good quote and then adds extra costs, like towing or paperwork fees, then be careful.

10. Cancel Your Insurance and License Plates

Once you sell your scrap car, don’t forget to cancel your insurance and return the plates to ServiceOntario. This prevents you from paying unnecessary fees and avoids any legal issues down the road.

Most provinces require you to notify them when a vehicle is no longer in use. Failure to do so might result in charges or fines, so take care of this step immediately.

Also Read: Scrap Car Removal Laws Across Canadian Provinces: What to Expect

Conclusion

Getting the most money for your scrap car in Canada is all about knowing your options and making smart moves. Check the value of your car, remove valuable parts, get multiple quotes, and choose the best deal. Whether you sell to a scrap yard, junk car buyer, or private buyer, following these steps will help you walk away with the most cash for scrap cars.

So, if you’ve got an old car taking up space, don’t just let it sit there. Turn it into money and sell your car at its maximum price.