Among junkyards, early model vehicles are widely
considered to be automobiles that are over 10 years old. Although most
junkyards tend to sell parts from new model cars faster than components from
early model cars, there are some notable exceptions to the rule. If you have
an early model junk vehicle, it may have monetary value to an Austin auto salvage lot for some of the following reasons: reputation
for reliability, scrap metal value, and vintage vehicle status.
1. Reputation for Reliability
Cars that have a reputation for delivering excellent reliability over a long span of miles tend to be valuable to junkyards longer than automobiles that last for about 100k miles, and need several repairs and unscheduled maintenance checks to log those miles on the odometer.
Models from Honda and Toyota are good examples of
how early model vehicles can be valuable to a junkyard, simply because they
last so long even when driven daily. As long as a fair number of people
still drive your make and model, the car’s parts likely hold value to a
junkyard.
2. Value of Scrap Metal
The total weight of most consumer vehicles is
comprised by steel — about 55 percent, to be specific. Other valuable
metals are present, too (roughly 300 pounds of aluminum, for example) but
it’s the steel that holds the most value to auto recyclers. If you offer
your junker to an Austin auto salvage lot that sells scrap to recyclers, the car could
be valuable for its scrap metal alone.
3. Vintage Vehicle Status
Some vintage vehicles are worth so much that it’s more sensible to offer them to a museum or a private collector than trying to sell them to a junkyard — a business that typically pays hundreds of dollars and not thousands of dollars to acquire vehicles that are worse for wear.
However, there are also quite a few vintage
vehicles that don’t have a high price tag but are popular among car
enthusiasts, who value the vehicles independent of their monetary value. If
you have a vintage make and model that fits this description, a junkyard
would probably be interested in buying it for a competitive price.
Contact Wrench-A-Part Today
The potential value of early model junk cars can be deceiving. They aren’t the latest models to hit the road, but they can still have value to an Austin auto salvage business. That’s why we invite you to call us at (877) 886-5739 to receive a free quote for your early model junker.
Your vehicle may look like a prop from the movie Mad Max, but it’s cash value to an auto salvage lot like ours could surprise you. Contact us today to discover how much your early model junk car is worth!
