How to sell your car for parts

Even if your car is old, has done a lot of miles, or isn’t in great shape, you can still make some money if you sell car parts.

You’ve likely considered scrapping it as a quick way to get rid of it. However, instead of taking that route solely for disposal, consider dismantling the car and disposing of the parts separately. While this requires more time and effort, it usually generates more money. Plus, some cars are difficult to sell in one piece.

Should I sell my car for parts?

Sell your car for parts if:

• Your car has been in an accident, and salvageable parts can still fetch some cash. Note that if your car is classified as a Category A write-off, selling parts is not allowed. However, salvageable parts are rare in such cases, anyway.
• You have an old car that failed its MOT or is beyond repair, which makes it difficult to sell the whole car. Selling parts individually could earn you more money.

Before diving into dismantling it, check with local garages to see the cost of repairs. Sometimes, selling a functioning vehicle is more profitable than selling it for parts. The point is to balance the repair costs against the potential earnings from selling it.

How do I sell my car for spares and repairs?

When selling a car for parts, you have two main options: dismantling it yourself or selling it whole to a scrapyard.

Dismantling it yourself:

Selling it whole to a scrapyard:

What car parts are most valuable?

The value of used car parts varies based on several factors. Parts that are complex, costly when new, and rare tend to be more valuable. Also, discontinued parts are more expensive due to their scarcity.

For instance, a great scenario for selling your car for parts would be if it had a specialised performance exhaust system that enthusiasts frequently sought out for upgrades or if it included rare interior trim pieces that collectors valued for restoration projects.

Undamaged body panels and airbag units are highly sought after for repairs after accidents. The engine and gearbox generally hold the highest value, though this fluctuates depending on their condition and mileage. Similarly, headlights can also be costly, influenced by their technology and age.

How long will it take to strip my car for parts?

This boils down to your DIY skills. If you’re experienced in car servicing or handy around the house and familiar with tools, dismantling shouldn’t take much time. For example, removing an engine from a car takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the specific make and model.

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. Components like seats, interior trim, and bodywork are easier to remove, as they’re secured by clips or a few bolts.

Handling airbags and steering wheels requires extra care because buyers seek undamaged parts. Breaking or scratching these components during removal will reduce their value. Overall, it’s best not to plan any other major activities for that day.

What are the easiest car parts to sell?

It’s a lot quicker to sell the most valuable parts first before scrapping the rest of the car. These parts are easier to sell because they are highly sought after or straightforward to remove.

Here are some parts ranked by how easy they are to sell:

1. Engine — Always in demand for replacements or parts.
2. Gearbox — Priced based on mileage and condition of gear engagement.
3. Airbags — High demand due to their cost new; used ones sell fast after accidents.
4. Seats — Easy to remove and can get a good price second-hand.
5. Body panels — Although bulkier, undamaged body panels are relatively easy to sell for repair or restoration projects.

How much money will I make if I sell my car for parts?

Before selling the car for parts, understand that earnings vary a lot depending on the car’s make, model, condition, and how rare its parts are.

Engines range from £300 to £3,000, gearboxes typically sell for £150 to £1,000, and used airbags, and seats go for £50 to £300 each. Body panels vary widely, priced between £20 to £200 each.

It’s unlikely that all parts will be valued at the higher price range. It’s more realistic to earn somewhere from £300 to £3,000 for the entire vehicle.

Where should I sell my car for parts?

The most common way to sell a car for parts is to use online platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree. Car forums and owners’ clubs, especially for older or niche models, are also effective.

Selling parts on online marketplaces has several advantages. If you’re unsure about pricing, do a quick search on similar listings to gauge market rates. These platforms also expose the parts to a large audience and increase the chances of a quick sale. eBay, in particular, offers buyer protection, so you’re covered if issues arise, such as non-payment. However, not all platforms provide this level of security, so be cautious.

Alternatively, selling directly to a scrap merchant (i.e., scrapyards) offers quick cash but typically at a lower price than selling parts individually.

What alternative options are there?

Scrapping your car at an authorised treatment facility is a quick and simple alternative to selling it for parts, although it typically yields less money. Generally, you might expect to receive no more than £300 for scrapping your car.

Manufacturers occasionally run scrappage schemes as promotions to boost new car sales. These schemes offer great discounts, sometimes up to £5,000, but they apply only when purchasing a new car. At times, local authorities also implement scrappage schemes to remove older, more polluting vehicles from the roads.

Alternatively, consider donating your car to a local engineering college or school. They may use it for training purposes and could appreciate the donation.

Sell your car safely with motorways

You can’t part out a car on Motorways, but if your car is standard, selling it is no problem at all.

Final words

Should I sell my car? That was the question in the beginning. Well, if the car can’t serve any other purpose, then absolutely.

It’s not all bad when a car isn’t working because it can help another owner who needs a specific part. Plus, when you sell your car for its most valuable parts, you get fairly compensated for it.