How to sell a car for parts

Want to sell your car for parts? Here’s some tips to help you make more money and sell faster.

Got an old or worn-out car? You can still make money by selling a car for parts. Even if the car has high mileage or damage, many parts such as engine components or interior trim are salvageable. This handy guide will walk you through how to sell a car for parts effectively and get the best return.

Can I sell a car for parts?

Yes, you can sell a car for parts. If it’s old, busted, or won’t run, selling the parts can sometimes get you more cash than scrapping it. You can sell the whole car to a dismantler or scrap yard, or take things apart and sell the bits yourself.

Remember, you can also sell your car here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What car parts are most valuable?

The value of used car parts depends on several factors, including their complexity, the cost of new replacements, and how rare they are. If a part is no longer available new, that can also drive up its price.

Undamaged body panels are always in high demand, as people often need replacements after accidents. The same goes for airbag units. The engine and gearbox are typically the most valuable parts of a car, although their worth depends heavily on condition and mileage. Some modern headlights can also be surprisingly expensive.

What car parts are easiest to sell?

The easiest car parts to sell are the ones people often need to fix their cars, are pretty simple to take off, and are in high demand. Here’s a breakdown of what is easiest to sell:

1. Engines

Engines are often the most valuable parts, especially if they’re in good condition and have reasonable mileage. They’re always in demand for replacements or for rebuilding.

2. Gearboxes

Like engines, gearboxes are expensive to replace and in demand if working well.

3. Wheels and tyres

Good-condition wheels and tyres are easy to sell, especially if they’re from popular models or performance types.

4. Body panels

Undamaged panels are relatively easy to sell for repair or restoration projects.

5. Airbags

Salvageable airbags are valuable since replacements can be costly.

6. Headlights and tail lights

These can be pricey, especially for newer cars with advanced lighting tech.

7. Seats

Easy to remove and can fetch a good price, especially if in good condition.

8. Catalytic converters

They contain precious metals, making them highly sought after for recycling.

How to strip a car for parts

Stripping a car for parts isn’t as simple as just grabbing a wrench: you’ll need some mechanical know-how to do it right. If parts are damaged while being removed, they’re often worthless, so care is key.

Removing major components like the engine can take 6-8 hours and requires a decent set of tools (and some muscle). On the other hand, things such as interior trim, electrical bits, and bumpers are easier to remove as they’re usually just held in by screws or clips.

If you’re confident with tools and have the time, doing it yourself can make you more money. But if you’re not mechanically minded, it’s smart to ask a friend with experience for help. Otherwise, you can sell the whole car to a breaker’s yard or scrap merchant. They’ll do the work, though you’ll likely get less cash in return.

Where can I sell a car for parts?

Once you’ve slogged away stripping parts from your car, it’s time to make some money from them. Here are three places you can sell them:

Online marketplaces

Websites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree are popular for selling car parts. They give you access to a wide audience, and you can check similar listings to price your parts accurately. eBay also offers seller protection, which is a bonus if anything goes wrong.

Scrap merchants

Selling to a scrap merchant is fast and easy, and they’ll usually give you an instant quote and take the parts off your hands. The downside? You’ll likely earn less than if you sold the parts yourself.

Car enthusiast forums and owner clubs

These are great places to sell parts for older, rare, or specialist cars. Members often know exactly what they’re looking for and are willing to pay more for the right parts in good condition.

Should I sell my car for parts?

There are several situations where selling your car for parts may or may not be the best option.

You should sell your car for parts if:

• It’s been in an accident: Stripping salvageable parts can be a good way to recover some money. However, if your car has been classed as a ‘Category A’ write-off, you’re not legally allowed to sell any parts from it. In most cases, though, there’s nothing worth salvaging from a Cat A vehicle anyway.
• It’s old or beyond repair: If your car has failed its MOT or is no longer roadworthy, you’ll likely struggle to sell it whole. In this case, selling individual parts may be more profitable.

You should consider an alternative if:

• The car is still repairable: Before reaching for the socket set, it’s worth getting quotes from local garages to see how much it would cost to fix. If a running car would fetch more than the parts, you’ll need to weigh the repair costs against the potential resale value.

What alternative options are there?

Here are a few alternatives for you to consider:

Scrapping your car

Scrapping your car at an authorised treatment facility (ATF) is much quicker and less hassle than selling it for parts, but you won’t get as much money. Generally, you’ll be lucky to get more than £300 for a car sold as scrap.

Scrappage schemes

Sometimes manufacturers run scrappage schemes to promote new car sales, offering discounts – sometimes as much as £5,000 – when you scrap your old vehicle. However, these deals usually only apply to the purchase of brand-new cars. Occasionally, the government or local authorities also offer scrappage schemes to help remove older, more polluting vehicles from the roads.

Good causes

It might be a long shot, but there could be a local engineering college or school that would welcome a donor car for training purposes. They might be happy to accept your car as a donation.

Selling a car for parts FAQs

Can I sell a car for parts without a title?

No, you generally can’t legally sell a car for parts without a title. The title proves ownership and is usually required to sell the whole car or its shell. While you may be able to sell individual parts without it, scrapyards and buyers often prefer that you have a title for anything beyond small components.

How much can I sell a car for parts?

This can vary depending on the car’s make, model, condition, and the demand for specific parts. While it’s difficult to give an exact figure, you could make anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.

Is it better to sell a car for parts?

Selling a car for parts can make you more money than scrapping or selling it whole, but it takes time and effort. If you’re up for stripping it down and selling parts individually, the payoff can be worth it. If not, scrapping or selling it as-is is quicker and easier.

What is the best way to sell a car for parts?

The easiest way to sell a car for parts is through sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree. If you don’t want the hassle, you can also sell the whole car to a scrap or salvage yard. But bear in mind that licensed scrap years follow strict regulations, so you’ll likely need to show proof of ownership and complete some paperwork.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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