How To Sell Your Car With Mechanical Problems

How Much Can I Sell a Car With Mechanical Problems For?

Selling a car with mechanical problems can seem daunting, DamagedCars explaining how understanding your car’s value can make the process smoother. Here are some factors to consider when determining how much you can sell a car with mechanical issues for:

• Severity of Issues: Minor problems like a failing alternator may fetch a higher price than major issues like engine failure.
• Make and Model: In-demand or classic/luxury vehicles often retain higher resale values despite issues.
• Age and Mileage: Newer cars or those with lower mileage generally command higher prices.
• Overall Condition: The condition of the body, interior, and features significantly influences value.
• Market Demand: Popular models tend to sell for better prices due to higher demand.

Consider these factors when determining the best way to sell your car with mechanical issues.

Common Mechanical Problems with Cars: What to Know

Owning a vehicle brings freedom and convenience, but it also comes with its share of challenges. From the occasional check engine light to unexpected breakdowns, understanding common car problems can help you stay ahead of potential issues and maintain your vehicle's reliability. Below, we outline some of the most frequent car troubles and their associated costs, providing you with valuable insights to keep your car running smoothly.

• Car Won’t Start: Usually due to a dead battery, which typically lasts about 5 years. Battery replacement ranges from $50 to $200.
• Brake Problems: Essential for safety. Common braking issues include worn pads and rotors, costing $300 to $800.
• Check Engine Light: Indicates issues detected by vehicle sensors. Use an OBDII scanner to diagnose. Costs vary for repairs.
• Rough Engine Idle: Can be caused by spark plugs, ignition, fuel, or mechanical issues. Repair costs range from $150 to thousands.
• Leaks Under the Car: Identify fluid leaks by color. Repair costs vary from tightening plugs to major seal replacements ($1,000).
• Overheating: Often due to low coolant, water pump failure, or blocked cooling systems. Repairs range from $20 for coolant to $10k for engine replacement.
• Paint/Finish Problems: Weather damage and scratches. Paint correction costs $500 to $2,500. Dents cost $75 to $150 per ding.
• Worn Shocks and Struts: Signs include instability and uneven tire wear. Replacement costs $450 to $900 per pair.
• Tire Wear: Replace when tread wear indicators appear. Costs $300 to $400 per axle.
• Slipping Transmission: Bad transmission symptoms include delayed acceleration and gear shifting issues. Repairs range from $1,100 to over $3,000.
• Broken Windshield: Chips and cracks can obstruct view. Repairs cost $100 to $400.
• Wheel Alignment: Misalignment causes the vehicle to pull to one side. Costs $100 to $200 for a four-wheel alignment.

Keeping your vehicle in top shape can be a challenge, especially when unexpected issues arise. If your car has become too costly to maintain or repair, consider selling it to DamagedCars.

How to Sell a Car with Engine Problems?

Selling a car with engine problems, such as overheating, knocking noises, or failure to start, can be challenging but manageable. Start by determining your car’s value using online tools, taking into account its make, model, age, mileage, and overall condition. Gather essential documents like the title, service records, and any engine repair estimates. When listing your car on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, be transparent about the specific engine issues. Alternatively, use specialized services like DamagedCars, which provide competitive offers, free towing, and fast payment within 24-48 hours, ensuring a hassle-free process even with severe engine problems.

Can I Trade-In My Car if It Has Mechanical Problems?

Because it’s an easy way to get you out of your non-working or broken car and into a new vehicle, trading your car in with mechanical problems can seem like the route to take. However, even if your car, SUV, or van looks fantastic and still has the new car smell, a dealership won’t give you near what it’s worth if it has mechanical issues.

With dealerships, it’s normal for the trade-in value to be well below the price you’d get selling it privately. But when you have mechanical issues, that value is even lower. For example, to trade in a car with engine problems, you can immediately deduct the cost of a new engine from the trade-in appraisal. You’ll have to seriously consider if the convenience is worth the steep cut in profit.

Selling a Used Car with Mechanical Problems at Auction

In cities across the nation, automotive auctions sell cars in any condition. Again, it’s an easy way to sell your salvage car without having to do any repairs on it whatsoever. Depending on what’s wrong with your car, you might need to tow it to the auction (and there’s always the potential that it doesn’t sell and you have to drag it back home).

With car auctions, you can’t guarantee the price you’ll get for it. You may win or you may lose badly on it. Auctioning off your car with its mechanical issues is a bit of a gamble in that regard.

Donate Your Car

If you’re feeling particularly generous, donating your car to a charity instead of selling or trading it in is an option. Charities typically accept donations regardless of the vehicle's condition, ensuring you won’t face rejection. When you donate, you receive a receipt for its actual cash value, which can be used to lower your taxes or increase your tax refund. However, it's important to note that you’ll only receive a fraction of the car's market value, and the tax benefits are realized at tax time. While donating does good in the world, for those seeking immediate financial return or avoiding the complexities of private sales, exploring options like DamagedCars might offer a more straightforward solution for selling a car with mechanical issues.

How to Sell a Car With Mechanical Problems to DamagedCars

If you're thinking about selling a car with transmission issues or other problems quickly for cash without any hassle, check out DamagedCars. It’s extremely easy and you’ll get a fair price for your vehicle in any condition, running or not.

First, request an offer for your vehicle. Enter your vehicle’s details into the proprietary valuation tool and in about 90 seconds, you’ll have your offer. DamagedCars guarantees your offer for seven days.

Next, accept the offer. If the offer looks good to you, accept it. We’ll do the rest on your behalf.

Get paid. Once you’ve accepted the offer, you’ll receive a check within just one or two business days. Unlike other car buyers, we won’t suddenly change the price on you – your payment will be exactly what we’ve promised.

See your car disappear. Your car is picked up by someone in DamagedCars’ network, and at no charge to you at all.

Get Top Dollar For Your Car With Mechanical Problems

If you’re trying to sell a car with mechanical issues, avoid the headaches. Check out DamagedCars today to get a free, no-obligation quote for your car in as-is condition. Selling a car with mechanical problems doesn’t have to be a hassle. Get cash for your car quickly and easily with DamagedCars.