Selling a car for parts can be a good way to make some money from an old or damaged vehicle that is not worth repairing or scrapping. However, it can also be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process that requires some mechanical skills and tools.
There are two main options for selling a car for parts, you could either strip the car yourself and sell the parts individually or you could sell the whole car to a yard, who would then part it out for a profit. Let’s take a look at the different options available.
How long will it take to strip my car for parts?
The time it takes to strip a car for parts depends on several factors, such as the type of car, the condition of the parts, the tools and equipment available, and the skill and experience of the person doing the job. These are just some examples of how long it could take:
A 4-man crew can strip a car down to its major components in under an hour. They could strip it down to its smallest parts in a little under 4 hours.
You can get several hundred pounds very easily by just selling the frequently damaged bodywork items- bumpers, wings, bonnets, doors, tailgates, wing mirrors. The strip on that can be done in less than two hours, says Piston Heads.
According to Auto Training Centre, if you want to dismantle the entire car, including the engine, transmission, exhaust, brakes, interior, and body, it could take you several days or even weeks, depending on how much time and effort you put into it.
Where do I sell my car for spares and repairs?
There are several options for selling your car for spares and repairs, depending on how much time and effort you want to invest. Here are some of them:
You can sell your entire car to a scrap yard or a salvage dealer, who will pay you based on the weight and condition of your car. This is the easiest and quickest way, but you may not get the best price for your car. You can use online price comparison websites, like us here at Jamjar.com to find the best offer in your area.
You can sell your car parts individually online, either on general platforms like eBay, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace or on specific forums for your car make and model. This way, you can get more money for the valuable and easy-to-sell parts, such as the engine, gearbox, airbags, or bodywork. However, this will require more time and skill to strip and advertise the parts, and you may have to deal with shipping and haggling with buyers, says Goodbye Car.
You can sell your car as a whole for spares and repairs online, either on the same platforms as above or on dedicated websites for problem cars, such as Sell The Car or GoodByeCar. This way, you can get a fair and hassle-free sale for your damaged or broken car, without having to strip your car’s parts or scrap it. According to Sell The Car you can also get free collection and payment within minutes of accepting an offer.
What about scrapping a car instead?
Scrapping a car is another option for getting rid of your old car or damaged car. However, there are some steps you need to follow before you scrap your car, and our car scrapping guide can assist with this, for example you could start by:
Removing any personal belongings and parts you want to keep from the car.
Retaining or transferring your private number plate if you have one.
Gathering the required documents, such as the V5C logbook, bank details, ID, and proof of address.
Finding an authorised treatment facility (ATF) that will pay you for your car and provide you with a Certificate of Destruction.
Telling the DVLA that you have scrapped your car and cancelling your insurance and registration.
What parts of a car are worth money?
Some parts of a car are worth more money than others, depending on their condition, demand, and rarity. Here are some of the most valuable parts of a car that you can sell for money:
Engine. The engine is the heart of the car and can fetch a high price if it is in good working order. The value of the engine depends on the mileage, make, model, and year of the car, says Cash Auto Salvage.
Transmission. The transmission is another vital component of the car that controls the speed and power of the wheels. A working transmission can also sell for a good reasonable price, depending on the type, age, and condition of the car.
Catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that reduces the harmful emissions from the car. It contains precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which make it valuable for recycling.
Air bags. Air bags are safety devices that inflate in case of a collision to protect the passengers. They are expensive to replace and can be sold for a decent amount if they are intact and functional.
GPS system. A GPS system is a navigation device that helps the driver find directions and locations. It is a useful and popular feature that can increase the value of the car.
These are some of the most valuable parts of a car that you can sell for money, but there are many other parts that you can also sell, such as the tyres, wheels, battery, alternator, starter, radiator, and more. The value of these parts will vary depending on the condition, demand, and availability of the parts.
How much money will I make if I sell my car for parts?
You can sell car parts and make as little or as much money as you can. The amount of money you will make if you sell your car for parts depends on several factors, such as the make, model, and condition of your car, the demand and availability of the parts, and the time and effort you invest in stripping and selling the parts. According to Good Bye Car, you can expect to get the following prices for some of the most valuable parts of your car:
Engine: around £500 or more
Gearbox: around £250 or more
Catalytic converter: around £50 to £250
Airbags: around £150 or more
GPS system: around £100 or more
Doors, windows, mirrors, and electrical parts: around £80 or more for a door, £40 or more for a window, £20 or more for a mirror, and £10 or more for an electrical part
Bumpers, fenders, hoods, and grills: around £50 or more for a bumper, £40 or more for a fender, £30 or more for a hood, and £20 or more for a grill
These are just some estimates based on the average market prices, and they may vary depending on the specific details of your car and the buyers you find.
How Do You Get Paid For Selling A Damaged Vehicle?
There are different ways to sell a damaged vehicle, depending on the extent and type of damage, and the payment method you prefer. For example:
Scrap Yards: A scrap yard can be a good option to sell your car, especially if its no longer in working order. You can get paid in cash or by cheque, but you may need to arrange for the car to be towed to the scrap yard.
Dealerships: Some dealerships will purchase cars that have severe damage, but you may get a lower price than you want. You can get paid by bank transfer or cheque, but you may have to trade in your car for another one.
Online platforms: There are online platforms like ourselves, that can help you to sell your damaged or broken cars. You can get an instant cash offer by filling out an online form with details about your car’s make, model, trim, title, mileage, and condition. You can get paid by bank transfer, cheque, or escrow, and they will collect your car for free.
Private buyers: You can also sell your damaged car to a private buyer, but you may have to advertise it online or offline, and negotiate the price and payment method. You can get paid in cash, bank transfer, cheque, or escrow, but you may have to deal with potential scams or frauds.
Before you sell your damaged car, you should assess the damage, check the value of your car, and compare different offers. You should also have your title or logbook ready, and inform your insurance company and the DVLA of the sale.
Differences Between Selling a Car as Scrap or Salvage
According to Scrap Car Comparison, the main difference between selling a car as scrap or salvage is that a scrap car cannot be repaired and returned to the road, while a salvage car can be fixed and made roadworthy again. Scrap cars are usually older and more damaged than salvage cars, and they are sold for their metal and material value. Salvage cars are usually newer and less damaged, and they are sold for their parts or potential restoration.
The price you can get for your car depends on its condition, age, make, model, and demand for its parts. Generally, salvage cars are worth more than scrap cars, but they may also require more paperwork and inspections.
