Get Rid of It! Signs It’s Time to Junk Your Car

You can only put so many miles on your car before it’s time to say goodbye forever. Learn when it’s time to junk your car, here.

Recent reports show that car owners are driving their vehicles around a lot longer than they used to. On average, drivers are keeping their cars on the road for 11.8 years.

There’s nothing wrong with driving an old car if it still functions well. However, some drivers are clinging to their old cars way longer than is safe or recommended. These folks might be better of junking their cars now before they end up in an accident or stranded on the side of the road.

Read on to learn about some of the most obvious signs that it’s time to junk your car.

It Always Needs Repairs

Does your car seem to need a new repair (or a repeat of a repair that you’ve already had done) every couple of months? Are you pouring money down the drain (or even going into debt) to pay for those repairs?

If this is the case, it might be time for you to junk your car and look into getting a new one. Even if you don’t think you have enough money for a new car, ask yourself how much you’ve been spending on repairs? Is that enough to cover a couple of car payments?

If you’re sick of feeling like you’re throwing away money, consider junking your car.

It’s Unsafe

Depending on how old your car is, it might not be as safe as the other cars on the road. Keep in mind that the safety standards for cars have changed quite a bit over the last few years.

If you bought your car in the 90s or even early 2000s, it’s probably got a lower safety rating than is ideal. for example, there might be issues with the airbags that could put you at risk should an accident occur.

You’ve Outgrown It

Maybe your car still works fine and is in good general condition. That doesn’t mean you have to drive it until that’s no longer the case.

If you’ve outgrown your car, consider junking it and getting a new one (you could also look into trading it in if it’s still driveable).

Whether your family no longer fits in it or you’re earning more money and want a car to match, there’s nothing wrong with giving your current car up and investing in something else.

It’s Rusty

Is your car covered in rust?

A little rust on the outside of the car might not be a huge deal. If it starts breaking down the undercarriage of the car, though, it could start impacting important things like the brakes and fuel lines.

This, in turn, increases your likelihood of finding yourself stranded in a parking lot or getting in an accident while out on the road.

No One Will Buy It

When you’re ready to upgrade to a new car, you’ll likely look for a way to bring down the price by selling or trading in your current car. What if no one’s willing to buy your car or let you trade it in, though?

If it’s very old or in bad condition, you may have a hard time selling or trading it. In these situations, junking it and getting a bit of cash is probably your best option.

You’re Embarrassed to Drive

Finally, are you embarrassed to be seen driving your car around? Is it incredibly rusty? Can people hear you coming from around the block (and not in a good way)?

If this is the case, you might need to bite the bullet and look into junking it. There’s no need for you to feel embarrassed every time you get behind the wheel.

If you junk your car, you can start looking for a new one that’ll get you where you need to be safely (but without feeling like you need to wear a hat and sunglasses whenever you leave the house).

How to Junk Your Car

Do any of these signs resonate with you? Do you think it’s finally time to say goodbye to your beloved clunker?

If you’re ready to junk your car, there are some specific steps you can take to make the process as easy as possible, including the following:

Get it Ready

First, take some time to get your car prepped. This includes getting all your personal belongings out of it and removing valuable parts like the stereo.

Get the paperwork, including the title, in order as well. If you don’t have the title, get it replaced by the DMV before trying to junk the car. Cancel your insurance, too.

Shop Around

While you’re doing all this, shop around to find the right place to junk your car.

Start by figuring out a rough estimate of your car’s value, then look around to see which dealer will offer you the best price for it.

Make sure the dealer is licensed, too, and check their weight scale to ensure it’s working properly. This will help you maximize the amount of money you get for your car and will save you from getting ripped off by the dealer.

Consider Donating to Charity

If you don’t want to shop around for a dealer, consider donating your car to a charity instead. There are lots of charities that will take your car off your hands for free and sell it to fund their efforts.

If you’re not worried about making money from your car and want it gone fast, this can be a good alternative.

Is it Time to Junk Your Car?

It’s not always easy to part with a car, especially if you’ve been driving it around for a long time. Sometimes, though, you have to face the music and accept that it’s time to junk your car.

Are you in this situation right now? If so, keep the tips listed above in mind. They’ll help you get rid of your car in no time at all.

To learn more about junking your car or picking out a new one, check out the Cars section of our site today.