How to Get Cash For Junk Cars in San Diego
In San Diego, you can sell your junk car for cash at places like the Clunker Junker, CarVIO, and Peddle.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you have a junk car gathering dust in your garage, selling it for cash is the most profitable solution to offload it. In San Diego, you can do so through businesses such as Clunker Junker, CarVIO Inc, and A&B Truck Recycling.
Let’s say you’ve got a 2001
Ford Focus
and the engine—and the AC…and the alternator…—have decidedly quit. At this point, the repairs will cost far more than the car itself. Rather than paying money to tow “Old No-longer-reliable” straight to the junkyard, you could get paid for its working parts by selling it to an auto recycler or salvage yard. Here, the
car insurance
super app Jerry
has compiled a step-by-step guide to getting cash for your run-down vehicle in San Diego—and saving on your San Diego car insurance costs
when you get a new one. Ready to make money off that junk car? Let’s get started. Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
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What qualifies as a junk car?
It seems almost cruel to think of that well-used, multi-generational family van as “junk.” But then what is considered a junk car? The brand-new
Mercedes
that got totaled in an accident? Or, perhaps, the not-yet-drivable fixer-upper still sitting in the garage?Truly, there is no blanket “junk car” definition, but there are certain factors that almost all junk cars have in common:
- They no longer run
- Their resale value is less than $500
- They’re parked permanently in one spot
Junk cars don’t always look like junk. Still, if you’re finding that your car is constantly spending more time at the mechanic getting repairs than being functional enough to drive—you may have a junk car on your hands. In this case, selling could be your best option.
How to sell a junk car
Selling your junk car isn’t quite as easy as dropping it off at a salvage yard and walking away with the cash. There are a few things you’ll need to prepare—some of which might help you get a better price for your sale.
1. Track down your car’s title (and any other official documents you may have). Some salvage yards require a title to purchase a car, and others may pay you more if you have one. If your car’s title has gone missing, you can always request to
replace your title
at the DMV. 2. Track down a reputable buyer or salvage yard. You can typically find individual buyers on sites like Craigslist or in your local newspaper’s listings. As for salvage yards, look for a buyer that is properly licensed and uses a certified scale.
3. Clean and clear out your car. Be sure to check every nook and cranny—including the glove compartment and backseat pockets—to make sure all your personal items are out of the car. It’s also a good idea to vacuum and wipe down every surface.
4. Remove non-metal parts of your vehicle (if needed). You can leave your California license plates on the vehicle, but if you have a special interest in your plates, go ahead and remove those. Depending on the salvage yard, you may also need to strip out any non-metal components like upholstery.
5. Remove any functioning parts. Your engine might be shot, but if your alternator’s working just fine—why not keep it for use in other vehicles or for a separate sale?
6. Sign over the title. When selling to a private buyer or salvage yard, you need to sign and hand over the title to finalize the
transfer of ownership
. 7. Cancel your car’s insurance. If you’re getting another car to replace your junker,
Jerry
can help find new insurance at the lowest rates available!Where to sell a junk car in San Diego
There is certainly no shortage of companies advertising cash for your junk car in San Diego, but some of them are a bit more legitimate than others. Here are a few places that have been vetted by the Better Business Bureau to consider in your search.
The Clunker Junker
Address: The Clunker Junker San Diego, San Diego, CA 91911
Phone number: (888) 383-4181
BBB Rating: A+
The
Clunker Junker
is a national company with locations buying junk cars in San Diego that will typically pick up your car for free, too. Their website offers online quotes and some more useful information for selling your junk car. They even suggest when and how they accept vehicles for sale without a title. A&B Truck Recycling
Address: 2863 Commercial St, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone number: (619) 234-5171
BBB Rating: A+
Though their name may suggest otherwise,
A&B Truck Recycling
buys any vehicle type, make, or model—foreign or domestic—regardless of the condition it’s in. If you can’t get your car to their shop they can tow it for free. They’ll even have an ASE-certified technician give you a free estimate for your vehicle—no strings attached. CarVio Inc
Address: 10650 Treena St, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92131
Phone number: (760) 477-4747
BBB Rating: A+
CarVio Inc
buys both running and non-running vehicles and goes through a comprehensive evaluation to give you the best price possible. Once they’ve determined your payout, they can either come get the car from you or you can drop it off with them. It’s a flexible service for anyone trying to sell a car—regardless of the condition. Aatlas Auto Recycling
Address: 935 Heritage Rd, Suite D, San Diego, CA 92154
Phone number: (619) 661-1410
BBB Rating: A+
Aatlas Auto Recycling
is a local auto salvage business that buys and sells recycled vehicle parts in Chula Vista
and San Diego. With buyers that speak Spanish, English, and Arabic, determining the value of your junk car is an accessible and individualized experience. How to find affordable car insurance in San Diego
Selling your junk car is a useful way to earn a little extra cash, but lowering your car insurance rates can put even more consistent funds back in your wallet.
Jerry
can help!Our
trustworthy super app
takes less than a minute to use and instantly cross-analyzes quotes from over 50 of the nation’s top insurance companies to track down the lowest rates available for your coverage needs. The average user saves $887 a year on car insurance, so it’s definitely worth a look once you’ve got that new running car!
“Jerryquoted me a price that saved me almost $4000 a year in California! I definitely recommend this app.” —Patricia B.
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