The short answer
Cash for cars buyers give you a quote based on the car's year, make, model, condition and location, then tow it away and pay you at pickup. A good buyer includes towing in the price, explains how the number was set and doesn't change it at pickup unless the car is different from what you described.
"Cash for cars" covers everyone from the local scrapyard to national online buyers. They all do roughly the same thing (buy your car as-is and haul it away), but the quotes and the fine print vary a lot.
What goes into a junk car quote?
Every buyer asks about the same few things because they decide the price:
- The year, make and model, which set the car's weight and which parts are worth reselling
- Whether it runs, since a running car can be resold or parted out with known-good components
- Damage and missing parts (a missing catalytic converter, engine or transmission lowers the number the most)
- Title status, because a title in your name keeps the offer at the top of the range
- Location, which decides which tow operator and buyer can take the car
If a buyer quotes a price without asking about condition, that number may change when the truck arrives.
How do you make sure the tow is really free?
"Free towing" sometimes means "we'll take the tow fee out of what we pay you." Ask two questions before you agree to anything:
- Is the quote the amount I'll be paid, after towing?
- What would make the price change at pickup?
A straight answer to the second question sounds like: "If the car matches what you told us, nothing changes." When you use Cash For Junk Cars 500, we send your request to our buyer partner, and free towing is included with every offer. Before you accept, ask the buyer to confirm the offer won't change at pickup if the car matches your description.
Should you get more than one quote?
It's worth getting two or three quotes for anything that runs or is less than ten years old, because parts value varies between buyers. For an old car that doesn't run, quotes tend to cluster around scrap value, and the bigger differences are in towing, timing and how easy the buyer is to deal with.
Use the same description for every quote so you're comparing like with like.
What happens on pickup day?
The driver confirms the car matches the description, you sign the title where the seller signs, and you're paid before the car is loaded. Some states want that signature notarized: Ohio's BMV says the seller must "have their signature(s) notarized" (Ohio BMV). Before the truck comes, take out personal items and toll tags, and remove the plates if your state keeps them with the owner.
Afterward, file any notice of sale your state requires and cancel the insurance. The notice is what protects you if the buyer racks up tickets. In Texas, for example, filing the Vehicle Transfer Notification within 30 days means "you cannot be held responsible for parking tickets and toll violations that have been committed by the person who purchased the vehicle" (TxDMV). Our state title guides list each state's notice.
What are the red flags?
- A quote far above everyone else's with no questions about condition
- Payment "after the car is inspected at our yard"
- Pressure to sign the title before a price is agreed
- A buyer who says you don't need any paperwork for a titled car
Get your quote
The value calculator gives a rough estimate without asking for a phone number. When you're ready, the offer form takes about two minutes and goes to our buyer partner, who makes the actual offer. You can also call with questions.
Frequently asked questions
Do cash for cars companies really pay cash?
Many pay at pickup by cash or check, and our buyer partner's driver pays that way when picking up the car. Ask how you'll be paid before you book, and don't let the car leave until you've been paid.
Is the quote I get online the final price?
An online estimate is a starting point. The actual offer comes from the buyer, online or by phone, and a fair buyer won't change it at pickup if the car matches the description.
How fast can I sell my car for cash?
The estimate takes a few minutes. The rest depends on the buyer's tow schedule in your area. With our buyer partner, same-day pickup is possible in some cases.