So what do you do with a car you've driven into the ground?

[punkin]

I have a 10 yo car that I just put $1K into and now it needs another $3K. It is not worth anywhere near that and it's not like I can sell it with the "check engine" light on. So what to do? Sell it for scrap? Donate it? What is the best way to maximize value? I am not planning to buy another car, so trade-in is out. I would love some suggestions.

 

[TangaroaTiki]

My husband just listed an old, junky SUV that he used as a plow truck on Craigslist. He took the plow off it & labeled it as a 'truck for parts' & must pick up. He got a call the same morning & sold it for $250. He was happy - it would have scrapped for $100

 

[sksjasams]

You could donate. We've never done that though because we don't itemize deductions, just a simple tax return.
We drove our cars into the ground, so to speak - 1991 and 1993 olds cutlas cieras. Both times I posted pictures on craigslist, along with an honest account of the vehicle, and they each sold in less than a week. One for $375 and the other for around $500. It is an option...

 

[ptmmg]

call a couple of autobody parts and get some estimates we just sold sons jeep wasnt even drivable and got $250 for it the even came and towed it away!

 

[a1tinkfans]

want a write off? donate it. Or Craigslist it for parts. Good Luck!

 

[bettymae1121]

Maybe call around and find out what it's worth for scrap, just so you have a number in your head. Then list it (warts and all) on Craigslist and see if anyone meets or beats the scrap quotes.

 

[punkin]

It's drivable, but to fix it, it needs a new catalytic converter. I don't want to pay for that repair. I guess I could try Craig's List.

 

[sksjasams]

It's drivable, but to fix it, it needs a new catalytic converter. I don't want to pay for that repair. I guess I could try Craig's List.

If that's all it needs, I would definitely post it on craigslist - listing of course that's what it needs. Be sure to point out the good features of the car. Many people can do the work themselves and don't mind buying a car that needs a little work.

Be sure to post it for a higher price than you actually want - everyone will offer you a lower price.

 

[nashville_minnie]

we're in a similar boat - our 99 Explorer just died yesterday - the transmission slipped & it'll be $4600 to repair. probably not going to do it since the car isn't even worth $2k. however, we may try to trade it in.

Good Luck with your situation!!

 

[Mickeypooh99]

My mom sold hers to a mechanic. I would ask around at small auto repair places.

 

[snowbunny]

Just be aware if you donate that most charities want a working car. We donated a dead car but it took awhile calling and emailing to find who would take it -- Salvation Army did and we wrote off the blue book value (couple hundred dollars) on our tax return as a charitable contribution.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

My husband just listed an old, junky SUV that he used as a plow truck on Craigslist. He took the plow off it & labeled it as a 'truck for parts' & must pick up. He got a call the same morning & sold it for $250. He was happy - it would have scrapped for $100

This is exactly what we did with my DH's pick-up truck. The engine seized up, it had about 200,000 miles on it so we put an honest description and picture on craigslist and had a buyer that same day. We asked $300 for it and took $250 (pretty good since we wanted $200). They came and towed it off.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I have taken 2 cars with that description to Carmax and gotten a good deal there--even with the check engine light. I was surprised both times by how much I got.

 

[scrapquitler]

My Taurus Wagon had about 140K miles on it and was about 11 years old when I donated it in late 2008. It worked, but needed to have a bunch of work done on it. I donated to the American Diabetes Association (can't remember the exact name, but I think that's closes) and they came to tow it and gave me a receipt for $500 which I used as a tax deduction.

I would do it again.

 

[jessica52877]

We tried to donate my husbands Honda Accord. They wouldn't take it because we lived too far out and wouldn't allow us to take it to them (thought it was odd). Anyways, I sold a little tikes car on ebay and these folks came to pick it up. Happen to ask about the Honda (probably because there were 3 cars in the driveway) and we sold it to them for $1. I just wanted rid of it. I would suggest an ad on craigslist though, same idea. I would be willing to sell it for $1 if you just wanted rid of it.

 

[Iri920]

You could also see if you could donate it to your local fire department. The car doesn't need to be working since they use it for training.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I never thought about the firefighters - good idea.

What about your local high school - the kids in shop can take it apart.

Good luck!

 

[Lancer786]

Yes use craigslist and try to sell it as parts, if you don't want to buy a car in future and have sufficient amount for your livings then you can donate it, its also good choice.

 

[Mas17]

We had a car that was in working condition, but wrecked. It was a 1992 Olds 98. It was working but had a lot of little quirks. We put it in the Goodwill parking lot with Make offer on it. We received a call that morning & sold it that day. An older gentleman that liked to fix up cars as a hobby bought it.
At least that way you could get something out it.

I also sold a 96 full size Chevy van at a garage sale. You just have to advertise or get word of mouth out to the right people.

Good Luck!

 

[punkin]

Thanks for all the ideas. I will talk to DH when he gets home. I do want to reiterate that the car runs and is safe. I just don't want to put any more money into it and I don't think it can pass inspection with a "check engine" light.