Car scrapping & costs: How to still get money for your old car
Is your vehicle no longer running and is it not worth selling it due to a lack of residual value? Then you usually have no choice but to scrap your car. But what about the costs? And is there perhaps even a chance of still getting money for your old car? In this article you will learn everything about scrapping.
When is it worth scrapping your car?
Often, car owners choose to scrap their car when it no longer has any residual value, but an expensive repair would be required. Even in the event of a total loss after an accident or if your car is simply too old, it is better to invest your money in a newer model.
Scrap car and get money
If you want to have your car scrapped nearby, you can expect to pay around 100 euros. This covers the disposal company's expenses for the prescribed recycling of end-of-life cars. Additional costs may arise if the car is no longer roadworthy and has to be transported by the disposal company. In addition, many waste disposal companies will take care of deregistering the vehicle with the registration office for you, if you have not already done this yourself. Then there are 6 to 8 euros in fees and, if necessary, processing fees.
With a bit of luck, you will even get money if you scrap your car. This can be the case in these situations, for example:
- Your vehicle is suitable for cannibalizing and reselling the spare parts.
- You drive a current model that is a total loss, for example as a result of an accident. Here, the probability of spare parts with a certain residual value is higher.
- They have installed high-quality components in the car that can be sold (e.g. sports seats, new tyres, a sound system).
- It is a classic car where spare parts could already be a rarity.
Other factors influencing the amount of the payout are the applicable scrap prices and your personal negotiating skills. Always get several quotes to get the most out of your junk car.
If you don't get any more money: Scrap your car for free
For around 15 years, car manufacturers have been obliged to scrap old vehicles of their brand free of charge. Retailers must offer a return point within a radius of 50 kilometers from your place of residence. You can find them via the GESA register of specialist companies on the Internet. However, you cannot scrap your car without a letter, because disposal without papers is not permitted. In addition, you must not have dismantled any essential components of your car.
Tip: Are you planning to buy a new vehicle? Then it is best to find out before scrapping whether there are currently environmental bonuses from the manufacturers. You will then receive a hefty discount if you give up your old vehicle for it. If you receive a discount of several thousand euros with a car with no residual value, the return is also financially worthwhile.
Cannibalizing and selling spare parts: Earning money with scrap
If you are not satisfied with the offers of the recyclers, you can also cannibalize the car yourself and sell the components individually. This can be worthwhile if you own a car that requires used spare parts (e.g. a classic car). However, be aware that there is a lot of competition in the classifieds market. It is difficult and time-consuming to get good prices.
Attention: Find out in advance how the subsequent disposal of the remaining parts will work. You need proof of recycling to deregister the scrapped car at the registration office.
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