5 Reasons to Junk a Car

Cash 4 Cars Cleveland, an auto buyer and resource for selling a scrap car offers a fast price for a damaged car. Whether you seek to scrap a car in Parma, Eastlake, Macedonia, or anywhere in between, call the home of junk car buying! Our next topic is the top five reasons to junk a car. All are viable reasons to consider selling a scrap car for cash to an auto buyer.

1. The price for a damaged car repair exceeds the value of the vehicle. If your 1994 Corolla is only worth $800 these days, (assuming it were running) it doesn’t make sense to spend any amount near its value on repairs.
2. Replacing an automatic transmission in a vehicle over twelve years old or with over 160,000 in mileage. Transmission replacements are pricey; according to angieslist.com a rebuilt transmission is typically between $2,800 and $3,800 and a new replacement begins at approximately $4,000+. Buying a used transmission and having it installed is a slightly less expensive, yet potentially a risky option. I have put together an estimated cost analysis below of replacing the transmission with a used model:
   1. 2002 Ford Taurus: Used Transmission: $450; Labor for Replacement: $500. (I am estimating the labor cost on the low to average side) The total with tax is around $1,000.
   2. 2005 Honda Accord: Used Transmission: $500; Labor for Replacement: $500. Again, it’s going to be $1,000-$1,100 to go this route. The pitfall: What if the used transmission is found to be damaged? The place you purchased it typically will honor a 30-90 warranty, but you likely have to pay the labor again for removal and installation! Many reputable mechanics will likely discourage you from purchasing a used tranny. A rebuilt or remanufactured option is a much safer way to go. (Please note: this analysis is based on an automatic, not manual transmission)
3. Replacing the engine when a vehicle is more than twelve years old or with an odometer past 160,000 in mileage. A remanufactured or rebuilt motor will typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 and if you can find some inexpensive option for installation it should cost at least $800. So for most domestic models the total will be in the $2,500-$3,000 range. (Import vehicles and less common models can expect to increase costs by at least 20%) As far as opting for a used motor, you can expect a similar situation. (see #2 above) You can probably find a used motor for $500 and have it installed for $800 if you are lucky.
4. Fixing a major auto body repair from an accident. We’re assuming that you don’t have full coverage auto insurance. If we assume your parked car was hit in a parking lot damaging the side of the cars exterior. If both the driver side door & driver side rear door are damaged to the extent that they are unable to be locked and keep closed. This can vary quite a bit because if your vehicle has a factory (original) paint color & you can find the doors used and in the correct paint finish, a determined person can likely buy the doors for $150/each ($300 total) and have a half-assed mechanic install them for 120 bucks. At only a total of about 450 bucks you are OK. If unable to find the doors in the same paint color and need them painted you’ll go from 450 to likely $650 to $750, which is still reasonable. The problem with body repairs is that they can get expensive. In this scenario, if the structural frame of the car is compromised & additional exterior body accessories are needed and/or airbags are deployed, then you will be looking at a lot more—perhaps $2,000-$5,500.
5. Severe fire damage. A large fire that spreads under the hood can cause a lot of problems. In today’s vehicles the electronic systems are more complex. The small-shop mechanic may not have the diagnostic equipment or know-how to accurately assess all of what will need replaced. This may result in his initially $350 projected cost to repair it rising to $1,000 very quickly as he starts from the area most severely damaged outward in a “guessing game” and continues to realize other things that need replacing.

We are an experienced auto buyer that is available 6 days a week to provide you a price for a damaged car. Regardless of whether you seek to scrap a car in Parma, Avon or Mentor, we will buy it. Selling a scrap car is fast and easy; you simply need to contact our junk car buyer for a junk car quote. Those seeking to scrap a car in Parma, Geauga County and western Lorain County are encouraged to review if scrapping the car is a better option when facing high cost repair bills.