7 junk car scams - and how to avoid them
Most junk car sales go fine. But a few predictable tricks cost sellers real money. Here is what to watch for and how to keep your payout.
Nearly every junk car scam comes down to one of two things: changing the price after you are committed, or taking the car before you are paid. Know the playbook below and you can shut both down.
1. The pickup re-price
You are quoted $400 online. The driver arrives, finds a reason, and offers $150 cash - betting you will not turn away a truck that already came. Fix: get the offer in writing and be ready to say no.
2. The surprise tow fee
The quote looked great until a $75-$150 'towing charge' is subtracted at pickup. With reputable buyers, towing is free and never deducted. Fix: confirm free towing in writing.
3. The mailed check
The buyer takes the car and promises a check in the mail. It bounces, arrives short, or never comes. Fix: insist on payment at pickup, before the car is loaded.
4. The catalytic converter excuse
A buyer claims your converter is 'aftermarket' or 'empty' to slash the price - even when it is fine. Fix: note the converter up front in your estimate so it cannot be used as a lever.
5. The title runaround
A buyer takes the car without proper title transfer, then the vehicle racks up tickets, tolls, or an abandonment claim still in your name. Fix: complete a proper title transfer or get a signed release and proof of pickup.
6. The phantom high quote
An unrealistically high online number gets you to share your details, then the real offer is far lower. Fix: compare against an honest estimate that shows the math.
7. The personal-info harvester
A 'buyer' that only wants your phone and email and never really buys cars. Fix: use a service that shows you a real value range before asking for contact info.
Your 5-point safety checklist
- Get the offer in writing (text or email) before pickup.
- Confirm towing is free and not deducted from your payout.
- Take payment at pickup - cash or instant transfer - before the car is loaded.
- Complete a proper title transfer or get a signed release plus proof of pickup.
- Never feel obligated to a truck that shows up. You can always say no.
This is exactly why we show you a real value range before asking for anything, and back it with our Price Lock guarantee. Start with an honest number on the value calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Price re-negotiation at pickup: an online quote of one amount, then a much lower cash offer once the tow truck arrives and you feel committed. Always get the offer in writing first and never feel obligated to hand over the car.
Start with an honest number
See your estimated range with the math shown - then deal only with buyers who honor it.
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