Junking your car can be a way of making good money in addition to clearing up some space in your garage or the compound. But it is also a process that can seem more like running a minefield of fraudulent schemes and utterly dubious offers.
Fear not! By learning some important tricks and being cautious, anyone can avoid the traps and receive a sensible amount of money for the rusty heap.
I’m sharing about this topic because I’m a bestselling author on anxiety and leading Behavioral Change Coach – with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded the therapist recommended self-paced online course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love to help people to live calmer, happier lives. So I put together this guide with tips to avoid scams when you’re selling your junk car to someone.
Here are some guidelines on how to keep yourself safe and to make the sale as unproblematic as possible.
Even before you consider assessing the value of your junk car, make sure you do some research on buyers available. Search for customer reviews and feedback, you can also look at the ratings and comments from other sellers. A buyer with a good track record will have been in the market for a while and have had good interactions with sellers.
Check to see if the buyer is real. It is important to make sure they are legal and licensed, especially if it is a business. Usually, you can find all the information you need on their website or by calling the company directly. Any company that means business should easily be able to show the proof they need to back up their promises.
The lowball offer is one of the most common strategies. They offer a price for your car that is much lower than what it’s worth on the market, and they expect you to accept it without any problems.
You can avoid this, though, by getting quotes from more than one buyer. This way, you can get a good idea of how much your car is worth and also spot any offers that are too low.
You might get offers from buyers who say they are ready to pay a good price over the phone or online, but when they see the car in person, they may come back and try to get a much lower price. The self-service choice is an annoying trick that you can easily avoid. Demand a written deal before you go see the house in person.
Yes, a clean car will demand a better price, even if it is a wreck. Clear out all your items, garbage, and other items that may be of value. Even washing it quickly can also cause changes in the appearance of the vehicle, thus changing the way potential buyers look at it.
When meeting a potential buyer, choose a safe, public location. Avoid inviting strangers to your home. Many police stations offer areas designated for online transactions that are safe and monitored.
It is always helpful to have someone around when you are having the meeting so that you feel somewhat safer. It is also helpful to have a second opinion to be able to see something that you have possibly overlooked.
Checks can bounce, leaving you without your car or money. Thus, it is better to use cash or a safe payment option like PayPal or wire transfer. If the buyer is very insistent on paying with a check, then the check used should be a cashier’s check from a known bank.
Before handing over your car and its keys, verify that the payment has been received and cleared. For electronic payments, check your account to ensure the funds are there.
A bill of sale is an important legal instrument that defines the conditions of the deal. It should include:
This document can protect you in case any issues arise later.
When selling your junk car, it is recommended that you conduct your business only through well-known websites, including Craigslist, eBay, or any other websites that deal with buying and selling junk cars. Such sites have precautions that safeguard the two parties, namely the buyers and sellers, from being conned.
If you get a bad vibe, step away to the next buyer.
Giving up your old, useless car doesn’t have to be a stressful process. So, if you do your research, you can avoid scams and get a fair price for the car. You should also not be afraid to leave if something seems fishy to you. There will always be people willing to buy your car who are honest and will also respect your honesty.
Explore my bestselling and therapist recommended audio and video course: The Anxiety Cure.
Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.
No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.
