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How do I buy a car from a junkyard?
My car was totaled recently and I can't afford to buy a brand new one. I have some basic mechanic skills, and I've heard that people can buy cars from junkyards for less—so how can I buy a car from a junkyard?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Kudos to you for taking on a big project! To buy a car from a junkyard, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
You’ll first want to confirm that the vehicles you are looking at have titles, which ensure that you’re able to get the car insured and back on the road eventually.
Additionally, you’ll also want to be sure that the junkyard sells entire vehicles. Most junkyards have full cars available but only sell parts.
If the junkyard does offer used vehicles, you should consider bringing a mechanic or someone familiar with cars with you. While some vehicles may only need minor repairs, having an expert can be beneficial—that way you can make sure you’re not taking on too much.
If you find a vehicle that you like with a mechanic’s stamp of approval, you’ll also want to find out what the vehicle’s title status is and how to register it with the DMV. Most junkyard vehicles will have a
salvage title
, which can make it more difficult to register with the state as salvage vehicles often special rules. You’ll also want to look into
car insurance
rates. Car insurance can cost more on salvage vehicles, and some companies may not insure them. Before purchasing the vehicle, you want to be sure you can afford it. (You can also try using Jerry
—we’ll get you quotes from different top-of-the-line providers so that you can choose the amount of coverage that works best for you!)If you look into all of these factors and feel confident about the vehicle, you shouldn’t have any issues purchasing a vehicle from a junkyard. Best of luck with the purchase; you got this!”
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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