It’s not uncommon for the 9 to 5 crowd to purchase a vehicle whose sole purpose is to get them to their jobs and back. Usually referred to as a “beater,” its looks and styling aren’t important, and this vehicle isn’t meant to impress anyone. It has one purpose; to get them from point A to point B.
Beaters are often neglected and may not get the required maintenance they should get. Traffic, potholes, and the occasional dings that daily commutes can provide do take their toll. Some commuters do take care of their beaters, but there will come a time when their beater is too beat up.
When To Sell Your Used Car
Knowing when it’s time to sell your beater all depends on what you’re trying to get out of it. There’s a big difference between trying to get the most out of the vehicle and trying to recoup some of the money you spent purchasing it. Each owner’s situation and priorities are different, but there are some general rules to follow.
If you’re Googling junk car buyers near me, here are some things that will help you to know if now is the right time to unload your beater.
Age
All cars will depreciate over time, and beaters will most likely depreciate much faster than the average family car. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the average age of a vehicle on the road in the United States is 12.1 years old. Most make and models retain the biggest portion of their value in their first to third years. After 3 years, they depreciate much faster.
If your beater is older than 3 years, and it most likely is, it’s already lost a lot of its original value. Even at 5 years of age, many vehicles have lost close to 40% of their worth. Beaters over 10 years old could be difficult to sell.
Mileage
A car’s mileage plays a big part in its resale value along with its reliability. Beaters with over 100,000 miles are less desirable than cars with significantly less. If your goal is to sell for the highest amount possible, it’s advised to unload your beater well before it’s close to hitting 6 digits on the odometer.
Similar to a beater’s age, its mileage can lead to more costly repairs. If the cost of fixing your beater doesn’t justify its resale value, it’s time to find a buyer for it.
Safety
Once a vehicle becomes unsafe to operate, no one should be driving it, even if it’s only a short distance. Putting your life at risk just to get to work is just plain old crazy. For example, if the cost of repairing your beater’s brakes to make it safe far outweighs its value, you should consider junking the car.
Frequent Breakdowns
If your beater is prone to breaking down, either in your driveway or on your way to work, this can cause a myriad of problems. Your boss is only going to accept the “my car won’t start” excuse so many times before it’ll have bigger consequences. And let’s face it, nobody finds enjoyment when they have car issues.
Cars that frequently need repairs are too much of a hole in the wallet to maintain. The money, the frustration, and the endless worry of when the next repair will happen are cause enough to know that it’s time to sell.
Sell Your Beater To A Specialized Dealer
When your beater becomes too beat up, you may think that you’ll have to have it hauled away to a scrap heap at your cost. Safety issues, frequent costly repairs, and the worry of breakdowns are all key indications that it’s no longer viable to keep.
Instead of paying to have it towed away to an auto graveyard, sell it to a dealer that specializes in purchasing junk cars. Most will come to you, tow it, and you’ll have cash in hand. A junk car dealer will offer you more than you’d get from a private sale. You won’t have to advertise for beater and deal with random strangers.