There are many reasons why consumers choose not to sell old cars. Whether it’s because of their perceived collectors’ value or for sentimental reasons, there are plenty of old cars still on the streets today. 

Unfortunately, holding on to these older vehicles isn’t always the most cost-effective thing to do, especially when it comes to the upkeep of certain car makes and models. As they begin to age, it can become rather expensive to try and not only find but repair certain parts of an aging vehicle. 

So, instead of holding on to what could be, considering saving some serious cash by selling your old car.

3 Things to Consider When It’s Time to Get Rid of a Car

It can be hard to let go and sell old cars – especially for those who have special sentimental attachments to a particular vehicle. Whether you need the extra cash, some extra space in your garage, or simply need to let it go – there are many reasons to get rid of a car. 

If you’re having a hard time letting go, here are three things worth considering:

1. Aging Cars Can Get Expensive to Fix

Traditionally speaking, when a car has traveled 28,000 miles, it’s considered an aging car. Think about it – that’s quite a bit of wear and tear. At this point in a car’s life span, there are plenty of items that need to be regularly monitored and maintained, including:

• Brakes
• Exhaust System
• Tires
• Electrical Components (actuators, pumps, etc.)
• Shocks/Struts

Now, mileage isn’t always the best indicator of a car’s age, especially if it’s not driven regularly. So, other signs of aging worth considering include:

• The car’s age
• How it’s stored
• Physical damage

For example, a car that sits outside most of its life can start to show more physical wear and tear due to weather changes instead of use. The age of the car, no matter how you store it, can also play a huge factor in the maintenance and repair costs. Since newer vehicles are introduced so regularly, older makes and models (and their components) are quickly phased out for newer and better versions. That said, the prices for parts can fluctuate quite a bit, making them more expensive the older they get. 

2. Damaged Cars Can Cost More Than They are Worth to Fix

Damaged cars can be the result of a natural disaster (such as flooding, fire, etc.) or automotive accidents. Depending on the make and model of a car, the average cost of owning and maintaining a working vehicle can range between $6,000 and $10,050 annually. 

This number can range quite drastically depending on the time of year, type of damage done, and so on. For example, did you know that accidents spike up by approximately 34% during the holiday season? Or that the average American driver spends an average of $300 to repair pothole-related damages annually?

While in some cases, fixing the damage is well worth it, if your damage amounts to more than the car is worth, it’s time to junk it and move on. You won’t get your money’s worth in the long run. 

3. Old Cars Aren’t the Most Environmentally Friendly Solution

If you’re looking to help save the planet and live a more sustainable and greener lifestyle, then you may want to rethink the vehicle you drive. While some people claim that older cars were built in a more environmentally friendly way, studies show that 75% of a car’s lifetime carbon emissions come from the fuel that it burns – with only 19% of the carbon emissions coming from the production and transportation of the vehicle.

In the United States, transportation accounts for approximately 28% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. This includes both public and private transportation methods. As for the typical passenger vehicle, it emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year – and the older the vehicle, the higher those numbers are likely to go.

Know Your Options for Selling an Old Car

Are you asking yourself, “how much money do you get for a junk car,” or Googling “sell my junk car near me?” Then you’ll want to know all your options for junking a car. 

Sure, you can always try trading it in at the dealership and put that money down towards a new car; however, depending on the age, make, and model of the car, you may not get as much as you’d hope for. Many individuals choose to sell their car for junk to those brands that pay cash for junk cars. This gives the seller fast cash in hand. Others may choose to sell the main auto parts of their car for cash.  

If you choose to sell your car or car parts for cash, then you’ll want to make sure you make yourself aware of the current value of your car and/or individual parts to ensure you get a fair price. 

Selling Junk Cars is Easier Than You Think

Selling junk cars doesn’t have to be a stressful process. You simply want to make sure you research each venue you are considering selling your car to. When looking for someone who buys junk cars in NJ, make sure you read testimonials to ensure you are dealing with a reputable brand and consider asking for input from those in your neighborhood. 

The more research you do, the more confident you’ll feel in your final decision – making it easier to let go of that old car.