How to Make Money Before Scrapping Your Car

Has your old car been gathering dust in the garage? While scrapping it might be a quick and easy option, you could be missing out on some money, as disassembling it and selling the parts yourself can potentially earn you more than selling it as a whole.

According to Google trend data, searches for “how much for car parts” have risen by 416% in the last month, so the motoring experts at GM Parts Direct explain how you can make some money by selling individual parts of your old car, instead of sending it to the junkyard.

ENGINE

Depending on mileage, condition, and demand, a well-maintained engine could earn you anywhere between £500, to several thousand pounds – especially if it’s from a popular or high-performance model; rebuilt or high-performance engines fetch a premium price.

Consider getting your engine inspected by a mechanic before listing it for sale; they’ll be able to tell you about the condition of the engine, as well as the exact engine code, which is important information for potential buyers.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Catalytic converters – exhaust emission control devices – containing precious metals like palladium and platinum can be very valuable, depending on your location. Selling prices can vary widely depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as the current market value of the metals – but can range from £50 to over£1000.

HIGH-QUALITY WHEELS

Depending on size, condition, and style, alloy wheels from well-known brands can range from £100 to £500 for a set – perhaps even more if they’re unique or in pristine condition. Including hubcaps and lug nuts in the sale as a complete package could also more be attractive to buyers.

GPS SYSTEM

A built-in GPS could fetch between £50 to £300, depending on the make, model, and features. If it has a navigation system that is easy to update or is compatible with popular aftermarket software, it can be more attractive to potential buyers.

METAL BODY PARTS

Fenders, hoods, and doors in good condition could earn £50 to£200 each, especially if they’re in a rare colour, or are desirable for a specific model. With these parts, the condition of the paint is crucial, as scratches, dents, and rust will bring the price down considerably – but remember that a dent might be easier for a buyer to find a brand-new part in the right colour, so can still be sold, but at a lower price.

BATTERY

A functional battery could earn you £25 – £50; the key here is function, as a battery nearing the end of its life won’t be worth very much. But even dead batteries can be taken to recycling facilities, where you potentially earn a few dollars.

LIGHTS

You can earn £20 to £50 for each headlight or taillight, especially for newer models, LED, or those with unique designs. Remember that if the lights are cracked or foggy, the value will be affected.

TIPS FOR SELLING

Do your research. Junkyard quotes can provide a baseline value for some parts, but only marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Market Place can be great resources for assessing the value of specific parts based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

Honesty is key. Be honest about the condition of the parts you’re trying to sell, and don’t try and hide any flaws to make a few extra dollars. Be accurate in your description, explaining any damage, missing components, and wear and tear. Buyers will appreciate transparency and be more likely to trust a seller who is honest about any issues.

Work on your photography. When selling anything online, high-quality photos are essential. Photograph everything with multiple views and angles, and make sure the photos are clear and taken in good lighting during the day – these will attract a lot more buyers than blurry photos taken in a dimly lit garage.

Choose the right platform. Facebook Marketplace and E-Bay can help you list your parts locally to find potential buyers in the area, but it’s a good idea to also cast a wider net. Search for online forums specifically for your car’s make and model, as these communities often have sections for buying and selling used parts, to reach a more niche audience looking for something specific.

EV drivers could avoid thousands in repairs by following these 4 tips