Selling a Car That Doesn't Run or Is Damaged

A car that doesn't run, was in an accident, or needs a repair bigger than it seems worth still has value. Here's how selling one works and how to get a fair number.

Situations we see all the time

• Won't start, or starts and dies
• Blown engine, overheating, or a bad head gasket
• A transmission that slips or won't shift
• Accident damage, including cars insurance has declared a total loss
• Sitting for months or years with dead batteries and flat tires
• A repair quote bigger than you want to pay
• Expired registration

Should you fix it before selling?

Usually not, but it depends on the repair. A big repair often costs more than it adds to what the car sells for. A good approach: get a repair quote, get our cash offer as-is, and compare.

How a non-running vehicle is valued

We look at what it would take to get the vehicle back on the road and what it would sell for afterward. If repair doesn't make sense, we value it on its parts and metal. The details in how we figure out what your vehicle is worth all still apply.

Missing parts matter. If the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, wheels or other major parts have been removed or stolen, tell us up front. It changes the offer, and it's much better to know before pickup.

What to tell us

• What happens when you turn the key: nothing, clicking, cranks but won't start, or starts then dies
• How long it's been sitting
• What a mechanic said, if you've had it looked at
• Any accident damage and whether the airbags went off
• Whether you have the keys

Photos for a damaged vehicle

Send the usual photos: all four sides, the dashboard, the VIN, the interior and under the hood. Then add close-ups of every damaged area. If you have a repair estimate or an insurance report, a photo of that helps too. The full checklist is in our step-by-step selling guide.

Pickup and towing

Towing is free, and we pay you in cash before the vehicle leaves. To make pickup go smoothly, tell us:

• Where it's parked: driveway, garage, backyard, street, or storage lot
• Whether the tires hold air and the wheels roll
• Whether it's in park or gear and whether the steering is locked
• If it's in a tight garage or behind a gate

You still need the paperwork

A vehicle's condition doesn't change what's needed to transfer ownership. If the title is missing or a lender holds it, read selling a vehicle with a title problem. For trucks and motorcycles, see cash for trucks and cash for motorcycles.