Are you wondering what to do with your old vehicle? Perhaps it’s been sitting in your driveway, taking up space, or maybe you’re in the midst of repairs and have a collection of spare parts you no longer need. Selling your car parts can be a surprisingly lucrative option, and knowing the right Place That Buys Car Parts is the first step to turning your unwanted auto components into cash.
Many vehicle owners find themselves in a situation where their car is no longer roadworthy or they’ve upgraded and have leftover parts. Instead of letting these valuable resources gather dust, you can explore the market for used auto parts. This guide will walk you through the most valuable car parts you can sell and pinpoint the best places that buy car parts, ensuring you get the most value from your automotive extras.
Top Auto Parts That Will Bring You the Most Cash
It’s impressive to think a standard car contains around 1,800 individual parts, and even more when you consider the components within larger systems like the engine. Knowing which parts hold the most value is crucial when you’re looking to sell. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most sought-after car parts that can put cash in your pocket:
A worn down, teal-colored car sits on a car tow.
- Engine: Engines are highly valuable. Repairable engines are attractive to rebuilders who refurbish and resell them as replacements. Even non-repairable engines have worth due to their aluminum content, making them desirable for scrap.
- Transmission System: Similar to engines, functioning transmissions can be sold to repair shops for reuse. Damaged transmissions can still be scrapped for their aluminum components, offering a return even if they’re broken.
- Catalytic Converter: These are prime targets for theft due to the precious metals they contain: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Scrap yards are often the best place that buys car parts like catalytic converters due to their material value.
- Battery: While not hugely profitable individually, selling your car battery to a scrap yard or recycling center is a responsible way to dispose of it and earn a little cash. Recycling also prevents harmful chemicals from entering the environment.
- Air Conditioning System: Although removal might require professional help from a mechanic, components of the air conditioning system can be scrapped for their metal content.
- Radiator: Radiators, rich in aluminum, can be resold if functional. Even damaged radiators have scrap value because of the aluminum they contain, making a scrap yard a viable place that buys car parts like radiators.
- GPS System: Built-in GPS navigation systems can fetch a good price, potentially up to a couple of hundred dollars, at the right scrap yard or to individuals looking to upgrade their vehicle.
- Stereo System: Even if your car stereo is broken, scrap yards might offer a small amount for its components. Working stereo systems are more valuable and can be sold to individuals or used auto parts retailers.
- Infotainment System: Functioning infotainment systems are desirable and can be sold at car accessory stores, pawnshops, and electronics retailers. Non-working parts can still be scrapped for valuable materials.
- Motor Oil & Oil Filters: Recycling motor oil and oil filters is environmentally responsible. Authorized recycling centers may offer a small compensation and ensure these materials are properly refurbished and reused.
- Windshield: Automobile glass, particularly windshields in good condition, is a sought-after spare part, making it a valuable item to sell to a place that buys car parts.
- Car Seats: Car seats in good condition can be valuable, especially to junkyards or individuals needing replacements, particularly for specific makes and models.
- Wheels & Tires: Selling wheels and tires offers various options. Sets in good condition can be sold privately. Tires can be sold separately if you wish to keep the rims. Even worn tires and wheels have recycling value.
- Fenders: Used fenders in good condition are consistently in demand as replacement parts due to minor collisions, making them good candidates for selling to a place that buys car parts.
- Doors: Doors are highly valuable spare parts, frequently needed for accident repairs, increasing their worth when you decide to sell.
- Bumpers: Bumpers are constantly in demand due to frequent minor accidents. A bumper in good condition can be quite profitable when sold as a used car part.
- Tailgates: Similar to bumpers and doors, tailgates in good condition can also bring in a significant amount when sold as a used part.
- Windshield Wiper Arms: Often overlooked, windshield wiper arms can surprisingly yield some cash, with certain models fetching a decent price at scrap yards.
- Lights: Headlights and taillights are always in demand as they are easily damaged in accidents. While they may not bring in a fortune, selling them to a place that buys car parts adds up.
Scrap or Sell Parts: Maximizing Your Return
Deciding whether to scrap your entire vehicle or dismantle it for parts depends on your resources and goals. Scrapping an entire car is straightforward, but selling individual parts can yield a higher return if you have the time, tools, and know-how to remove them properly without damage.
If dismantling and selling individual parts seems too demanding, don’t worry. You can still earn money by selling your junk car whole to a place that buys car parts. Many auto salvage yards and junkyards specialize in purchasing complete junk vehicles.
Finding the Right Place to Sell Your Car Parts
When looking for a place that buys car parts, consider various options to maximize your profit and convenience:
- Auto Salvage Yards and Junkyards: These are traditional places that buy car parts and junk cars. They often buy parts for scrap metal value or resale.
- Used Auto Parts Stores: Some businesses specialize in used parts and may offer better prices for valuable components.
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can connect you directly with buyers, potentially yielding higher prices, especially for specialized or rare parts.
- Auto Part Recyclers: Companies focused on auto part recycling may offer competitive rates and environmentally friendly disposal.
For those in the Chicago area, New Cats Auto Parts is a reputable option. Since 1958, they have been a trusted place that buys car parts and offers free same-day junk car removal, providing cash on the spot. They also boast a wide selection of used auto parts. Contacting local auto parts businesses like New Cats Auto Parts is an excellent first step in finding a reliable place that buys car parts and getting the best value for your items.
Whether you choose to sell individual parts or the entire vehicle, understanding the value of your car components and knowing where to sell them are key to making the most of your unwanted vehicle.
