"But it still runs!"
Sadly, there comes a time in any car's life when it's time to say goodbye. For newer cars or cars in good condition, this usually means trading your car in or selling it to a private party. Unfortunately, old clunkers, winter beaters, and other unloved and unwanted vehicles have only the junkyard in their future. While this can seem sad, remember that a car that's lasted long enough to reach the junkyard is a car that's had a long and storied life.
Even if your car is still getting you from point A to point B, these four signs are surefire indications that it's time to get on the phone with your local junkyard.
It's Too Old and Too Common with Too Many Miles
Old cars aren't always valueless, but high value classics are usually cars with unusual options that make them highly desirable. If you're driving around in a twenty-year-old economy car, the sad fact is that it's probably not worth much to many people. Of course, this probably isn't true if your car is in unusually good condition or if it has very low miles, but if it seems to be falling apart at the seams, then it's probably time to let go.
It's Rusting Out
Rust isn't known as "car cancer" among the automotive enthusiast community for nothing. Once rust takes hold, it quickly takes over. Cosmetic rust can sometimes be a non-issue that's easily dealt with, but more serious rust usually means that the end is nigh. If your car has structural rust or if body panels are rotting so badly that you can put your fingers through them, then it's definitely time to say goodbye. While this type of damage can sometimes be repaired, it's rarely worth it, and even class car restorers will avoid heavily rusted vehicles.
It's Got a Major Mechanical Problem
Sometimes, major mechanical issues will stop cars dead, such as an engine that has thrown a rod. Other times, they just mean that its days are numbered. If overheating results in a blown head gasket and a warped head, for example, your car may still run, for a little while. Unfortunately, damage like this usually necessitates a major engine rebuild, and for old clunkers that almost always means putting more money into the car than it's worth. Holding onto a car that you've got an emotional attachment to can be tempting, but it's almost always better to say goodbye and move on.
It's Just Not Worth Selling
Of course, there doesn't have to be something seriously wrong with your car to justify having it towed away to a junk yard. Sometimes a car simply isn't worth much money, and the time and effort required to sell it or trade it just doesn't make sense. If you're looking at your car and dreading the process of cleaning it up, taking photos, posting listings, and dealing with buyers, then calling a junkyard might be your best bet. You'll almost always get close to your vehicle's scrap value, and for an old beater that's often more than enough.
Share24 June 2019
After I got a job at my uncle's car dealership, I realized that the majority of my job was going to be detailing car interiors. I was a little concerned about what would be entailed during the process, but I knew that I could learn. I started focusing on making things impeccably clean, and it was incredible to see how much cleaner the cars were that I worked on as opposed to some of my friends and family members who also worked there. This blog is a vast collection of tips and tricks that relate to cars, and some of my favorites focus on car cleanliness.
