Selling your junk car is a great way to clear up space and put some extra cash in your pocket. However, a smooth transaction depends on a little preparation. While we handle the heavy lifting and towing, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the process is quick, safe, and hassle-free.
1. Gather Your Documentation
The most critical step in selling any vehicle, even a junk one, is proving ownership. In Arizona, reputable junk car buyers will require proof that you have the legal right to sell the vehicle. Before the tow truck arrives, locate your title. If you've lost it, you may need to apply for a duplicate title through the AZ MVD. Having the paperwork ready prevents delays and ensures everything is legal.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
It's easy to forget what's been stored in a car that hasn't moved in years. Take a thorough look through the glove box, center console, under the seats, and in the trunk. We often find:
- Important documents (insurance cards, registration, manuals)
- Tools and emergency kits
- Spare change or sunglasses
- Sentimental items
Once the car is towed away to the recycling yard, retrieving these items becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.
3. Remove License Plates
In Arizona, license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. You should remove the plates before we haul the car away. You may be eligible for a credit or refund on the unused portion of your registration, or you can transfer the credit to another vehicle. If you forget, we can usually remove them for you, but it's best to handle this beforehand.
4. Use Up the Gas (Optional)
If your junk car is still drivable and has a nearly full tank of gas, you might want to siphon it out or drive it until the tank is low (if legal and safe to do so). While not required, fuel is expensive, and you might as well use it in your other vehicles if possible. Our team will drain and recycle fluids regardless, so don't worry about it if the car doesn't run.
5. Clear a Path for the Tow Truck
Our heavy-duty wreckers need space to maneuver. If your junk car is buried behind other vehicles, piles of debris, or in a tight spot in the backyard, try to clear a path. If the car is inaccessible, let us know in advance so we can bring the right equipment, such as a winch or a smaller recovery vehicle.
6. Cancel Your Insurance
Once the vehicle is sold and the title is transferred, don't forget to call your insurance company to cancel the policy. There's no reason to keep paying premiums on a car that's no longer in your driveway.
Ready to sell?
We make the process incredibly simple. Just give us a call, and we'll handle the rest. We serve Phoenix, Tucson, and the entire state of Arizona.