The Average Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter

Posted on February 12, 2021 by junkcars17

When your car breaks down, and the diagnosis comes back as a faulty or defective catalytic converter, you might have some concerns about your finances. That is because catalytic converters are known to be one of the pricier auto parts, even if you go the used or refurbished route. Although needing catalytic converter replacement is not as financially devastating as needing major engine work or replacement, you can still expect to pay a nice chunk of cash if yours breaks downs for good. In some cases, catalytic converter replacement is so expensive, car insurance companies will deem a car a total loss.

If your catalytic converter just broke down, your first step is to learn how much a replacement will cost you. Continue below to learn just that, as well as what other option you have if you cannot afford a replaced catalytic converter.

Sell an Old or Broken Catalytic Converter in Indianapolis, Indiana! 317-608-2188

Catalytic Converter Basics

A catalytic converter is designed to be an emissions control automotive component that protects the environment by filtering out the toxic byproducts produced by burning fuel. Basically, they transform harmful emissions produced by the exhaust, or tailpipe. Within their internal structure lies catalyst particles that burn millions of harmful hydrocarbons, rendering them less harmful before they have a chance to enter our surrounding atmosphere.

Not only is it extremely harmful to the surrounding environment to have a defective catalytic converter, it is also dangerous to your health. This auto part is so important that, in some states, smog test procedures are mandated by law to ensure vehicles are not a pollution threat. Here in Indiana, we do not have to do emissions testing on our vehicles, but the automotive industry must manufacture all automobiles with a catalytic converter in order to remain compliant with the U.S. emission regulations and clean air laws.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Catalytic Converter?

Because of their role in hydrocarbon super-heating, catalytic converters must be made primarily out of rare, naturally-occurring precious metals, like platinum and rhodium. This makes them expensive, even if you buy one used or refurbished. Now, here comes the numbers: on average, the cost to replace a catalytic converter is between $950 to $2500, depending on if you are buying one new, used, or restored. So, in many cases, when an old car needs a new catalytic converter, the car is totaled because the price to repair it exceeds its current market worth.

A new catalytic converter tends to cost anywhere from $950 to $2500, new or used.

What to Do if You Cannot Afford to Replace a Catalytic Converter in Indianapolis

If you cannot afford to replace your catalytic converter, or your car is now totaled because the catalytic converter broke down, simply call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to earn instant cash on the spot for your catalytic converter and your totaled car. Not only do we pay the highest amounts of cash for junk cars in Central Indiana, but we also provide free junk car removal and free quotes. Just contact us and accept our offer, and our Indianapolis junk car buyers will take it from there! You just sit back, relax, and wait for your easy money to arrive on time, as promised! Most often, we offer same-day service too! Learn more by calling 317-608-2188, today.

Can I Get 500 Dollars for My Junk Car?

Posted on January 15, 2021 by junkcars17

If you have a junk car to sell, you are in a great position. You can certainly make some fast cash and get rid of it in an environmentally-responsible way, all at the same time. However, do not allow yourself to be misled by people who have, in previous years, earned up to $500 for their junk vehicle. You see, there are many variables that influence how much a junk car is worth, one major variable being the price of scrap metal. And in recent years, the price of scrap metal has gone way down.

For this reason, it is not likely that you will get any junk car buyer to pay you $500 for your junk car, unless it actually still runs. But don’t get down! You are still set to make a hefty profit from selling your junk or totaled vehicle, so long as you choose the right company to do business with.

Continue reading for a better understanding of junk car values and the scrap metal market, as well as where to get paid the most for your junk car in Indiana.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Last’s Years Top 10 Nationwide Junk Cars

To see how much your junk car might be worth, take a look at last years top 10 junked cars and compare their 2020 average worth to your make and model vehicle.

2005 Nissan Altima
$199.33

2001 Honda Accord
$172.17

1998 Honda Accord
$129.20

1999 Honda Accord
$149.97

2006 Chevy Impala
$188.87

2002 Honda Accord
$191.03

2000 Honda Accord
$171.03

2006 Nissan Altima
$191.00

2005 Honda Civic
$371.64

2001 Honda Civic
$199.45

What You Can Expect

Basically, if your junk car or totaled car is near the make and model of these cars, you can expect to get paid anywhere between $130.00 and $200.00, give or take. Again, this also depends on several other factors that can lower or raise your junk car’s worth. Such factors include the vehicle’s condition, location, difficulty to transport, and more.

How to Choose the Right Junk Car Buyer

The right junk car buying company has a good reputation, is sufficiently-equipped to provide accurate weigh-ins and assessments, and successful enough to pay the highest return possible for your asset. Furthermore, they offer a list of customer conveniences that make the process of selling a junk car, simple to follow. Skip the hassle of calling around and simply do what most other Hoosiers do: Choose GC’s Junk Cars in Indianapolis to sell a junk car in Central Indiana!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to learn just how easy the car selling process can be. Our Indianapolis, Indiana junk car buyers offer FREE estimates and FREE towing with our in-house tow truck! So, all you have to do is call and accept our offer. We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you CASH ON THE SPOT! We accept all vehicles and motorized commodities, regardless of age or condition. Request a free estimate, today!

The Real Way to Maximize Your Profit When Selling a Junk Car

Posted on December 29, 2020 by junkcars17

A junked car, truck, van, boat, trailer, camper, tractor, bulldozer, forklift, golf cart, and any other motorized commodity is worth money. That is, if you find the right type of buyer. In fact, you can double your advantage by making a profit and getting rid of space-consuming junk, all at once! However, it is important to know your options so that you can make the best decision for your junk car. There are two primary options for selling a junk vehicle. The option you choose will depend on your personal preference and available resources, and render a different profit level.

Continue reading to learn your options for making the most money from your junk commodity.

Get the Most Cash for Your Junk Car TODAY!

Sell Each Individual Car Part

If you want to make the highest level of profit possible for your junk car, you can choose to sell it part for part. However, you will need a true car mechanic that has the tools and knowledge to disassemble your vehicle, piece by piece, without jeopardizing their value or performance level. They will need to start by inspecting the vehicle to determine which parts are still functional and which are junked. Then they must take it apart while preserving each piece.

Why Many Do Not Recommend Selling a Junk Car Part By Part…

The downside is that you likely have to pay a mechanic to do this, which takes away from your total profit. Furthermore, you would have to take the time to post each part for sale, as well as manage each individual transaction yourself. This is time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient. For others, this is a fun and exciting project that is totally possible to accomplish. It all depends on your personal preference, resources, and availability.

Sell the Whole Car as One

The most common way to make a profit from a junk vehicle is to sell it as a whole. Although you make less than selling it part for part, it is the preferred method for a reason. Not only is this much easier and more convenient, but it also saves a lot of time while still rendering a decent profit. It is important to find the right buyer if you want to make as much as you can from selling your entire junk car.

Find a Central Indiana junk car buyer who has the technologies capable of assessing the true value of your vehicle. Electronic platform scales are something you want to look for in a junk car buyer. These buyers usually pay cash on the spot, and will even pick up your car for free. Just be sure to ask which amenities they offer, how much they are willing to pay you for your vehicle, and how soon they can do business.

Make the Most Money in Indianapolis and Sell Your Junk Car to Us!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis for the highest profit possible. Our Indianapolis junk car buyers accept any and all junk cars and car parts in Central Indiana, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. For those who wish to sell a junk car, we offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Do I Have to Notify My Insurance Company to Sell My Junk Car?

Posted on December 11, 2020 by junkcars17

When it comes time to sell a car, whether a brand new model or an antique automobile, your first thought might be regarding your insurance coverage. That is, if you even have any at the moment. Continue reading to learn how a junk car is deemed a total loss, and when selling one requires you to contact your insurance carrier in Indiana.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Total Loss Junk Cars

When a car is damaged, and the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s overall value, an insurance company will consider it a totaled car, or total loss vehicle. For instance, if your car is worth $3,000 on the current market, but after your accident, the total cost of repairs is estimated to be $4,400, then the car is totaled. A car can only be deemed a total loss by the insurance company. An insurance adjuster will come out to inspect the vehicle and determine whether or not it is totaled.

You generally have two options when your car is deemed totaled by your insurance carrier. You can either file the claim to receive compensation from your insurance provider (the amount of compensation will depend on various factors, including your particular policy terms and the market value of your vehicle), or you can refuse to file it with your insurance and keep the car. If you choose to file a claim with your auto insurance carrier, they will take the vehicle, title, keys, and license plate out of your possession.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

If you plan to keep your total loss vehicle, and it is actively insured, you will need to notify your insurance company. If your junk car does not have any insurance coverage, so long as you are the lawful owner, you can sell it without notifying anyone. If the car is still registered, however, you will need to cancel the registration before selling it to a junk car buyer. If you file a claim with your insurance carrier and receive money to repair or replace your vehicle, but instead sell it, you could face legal penalties.

Where to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get started on your free quote if you wish to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer. We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle, and then pay you cash on the spot. Request a free estimate, today!

Where to Get Free Junk Car Removal in Indianapolis

Posted on November 24, 2020 by junkcars17

A junk car, or any type of junked motorized equipment for that matter, is a space consumer. It takes up valuable square footage in your garage, barn, shed, backyard, basement, or wherever else you might house old or broken down junk. Free up your precious space, and make some decent cash while you’re at it, by calling a junk car removal company. By choosing the right junk car buyer, you can earn an instant profit and dispose of your junk, all in one transaction.

Who can you trust for Indiana junk car removal? GC’s Junk Cars of course!

Continue below to learn how to get started with a free junk car assessment and cash offer in Indianapolis.

GC’s Junk Cars PAYS YOU Cash to Pick Up Your Junk Car and Tow it Away!

How to Get Rid of a Junk Car in Indianapolis

GC’s Junk Cars of Indianapolis is your solution to prompt and professional junk car removal service that actually pays YOU. Not only do we pay cash on the spot for any junked motorized vehicles or equipment, regardless of age or condition, but we also pick it up and haul it away without charging you a towing fee. Because we do everything in-house, we can offer fuller cash payments for your junk car’s market value.

Only 4 Steps to Get You Started:

➀ Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 and request a free quote. We will ask you questions to develop an accurate assessment and evaluation for your make and model junk car. If you prefer, you can have your junk car weighed on our electronic platform scales at our Indianapolis complex.

➁ Accept our offer and schedule a time for us to pick up your junk car. Since we have our own in-house tow truck, there is no additional charge to haul away your vehicle. We offer flexible scheduling, and can even work out a plan to pick up your car without you being there.

➂ Remove all of your personal belongings from the car before pick-up day. Grab anything that belongs to you and remove it from the vehicle. This includes music, clothing, garbage, and even back and front license plates. Be sure to cancel the registration if still active.

➃ Get paid for your junk car when the tow truck arrives to pick it up. The best case scenario is for you to be there when we pick up your junk car because we want to pay you cash on the spot. However, we can make other arrangements if necessary.

Give Us a Call at 317-608-2188 TODAY!

There will never be an easier method for making fast cash for junk cars in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all junk cars, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. We want to take your junk car off your hands and replace it with real cash! We offer free phone estimates, free pick up service, and cash on the spot! You will get paid the same day we come to collect your vehicle.

What to Do Before Selling Your Junk Car for Cash

Posted on October 6, 2020 by junkcars17

Selling a junk car is quite simple. In fact, the better junk car buyer you choose, the easier the process will be. But no matter how easy something is, there is always room for mistakes. One of the most common mistakes made by those who wish to sell a junk car for cash is not preparing the vehicle prior to making the transaction. If you are preparing to sell a junk car, be sure you review some important steps to take before handing it over for payment.

Continue reading to do just that!

Junk Car Selling Process

The only real task you have when it comes to selling a junk car is choosing the right buyer. There are several scammers out there that claim to offer the best payouts, or claim to have advanced diagnostics systems, but they do not. Instead, they take your valuable junk car, pay you very little, if anything at all, and you never hear from them again. Sometimes, a junk car scammer will offer to send a check, but the check never arrives. For these reasons and more, be sure you choose a trusted Indianapolis Indiana junk car buyer that has a quality reputation, advanced technologies, and free customer amenities like towing and estimates.

How to Sell a Junk Car

When you choose the right Cash for Cars Company in Indiana, you will likely get the whole transaction completed in as little as 3 or 4 steps. Part of this junk car selling process is preparing your junk car for pickup. Here is what you need to do to sell a junk car in Central Indiana:

✨ FIRST: Call a trusted junk car buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana and request a free, over-the-phone quote. If you prefer, you can request to have an in-person, on-site junk car evaluation. In this case, you would be responsible for bringing the vehicle to the junk car lot for a weigh-in and metal analysis.

✨ NEXT: Accept the offer made by your chosen junk car buyer, and schedule a time for them to collect the vehicle. You should have chosen a Cash for Cars Company that offers this service for free!

✨ THEN: Prepare your junk car for pickup. Remove all personal belongings from the inside and outside of the vehicle, including license plates, garbage, and electronic devices. Then be sure to cancel the registration for the junk car if you haven’t done so. If your junk car has fuel in it, consider draining this fuel for later use.

✨ LAST: Accept the cash paid by the towing operator who comes to collect your junk car at the schedule time and date! You might have to sign over at a title at this point too, but not always.

Who Pays the Most for Junk Cars and Trucks in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell junk cars for cash in Indianapolis. Our Indiana junk car buyers offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. No title? No problem! Give us a call anyway! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Indiana Junk Car Buyers

Posted on September 11, 2020 by junkcars17

If you are interested in selling a junk car, there are a few things you need to know before choosing a junk car buyer to do business with. The tips you’ll find below will save you from being victimized by a dishonest salvage yard, and maximum your offers around the table!

Indianapolis Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Not All Junk Car Buyers are Professionals

Like many industries out there, it can be easy to fake. When you begin your search for an Indianapolis junk car buyer, you will discover that there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, to choose from just in the Central Indiana areas. But do not be fooled into thinking that all junk car companies are alike. From the countless of options you have to choose from, only a select few are true professionals with the proper equipment and capital to provide accurate evaluations and full payouts.

Do not mistakenly choose a fly-by-the-night junk car company that says they will send you a check, and then disappears in the night, never to be heard from again! Choose a trusted and reputable junk car buying center that has years of established business and positive customer reviews. See our blog, “How to Choose the Best Junk Car Buyers” to learn more tips for finding the right auto salvage yard to sell your junk car to.

How to Prepare Your Junk Car for Your Buyer

Once you choose the right junk car buyer to do business with, be sure you have prepared your vehicle accordingly. Your junk car buyer will expect you to cancel the registration (if still registered), remove all personal belongings (including license plate and front plates), and clean out any garbage. If you have chosen well, your junk car buyer will be picking up your junk car for free, in which case, they will ask you when you would like to schedule this pickup.

When your junk car buyer, or employed wrecker operator, arrives to collect your vehicle, be sure the keys are inside the vehicle. If you are going to be present during the pickup, you can expect to receive your payment there. It is not recommended to choose a junk car company that sends checks in the mail. You want to do business with a buyer that pays CASH ON THE SPOT.

Where to Find the Right Junk Car Buyers in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana. We make the car selling process as easy as possible by offering FREE towing with our in-house tow truck! So all you have to do is call and accept our offer. We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you CASH ON THE SPOT! We accept all vehicles and motorized commodities, regardless of age or condition. Request a free estimate, today!

Is it Safe to Tow a Junk Car?

Posted on August 25, 2020 by junkcars17

A junk car can mean a lot of things. So, when it comes to determining whether or not it’s safe to tow one around depends on several factors. Continue reading to learn these factors, as well as, what you need to know about assessing the condition of a junk car and some vital towing safety tips to get you started on the right path.

How to Assess the Condition of a Junk Car

When you are ready to assess the condition of your junk car to ultimately determine if it’s safe to tow, your first step is to start with a basic inspection. Ask yourself these important questions, then make your conclusion based on your findings:

❔ Does my junk car start up?

❔ Does my junk car drive?

❔ Does my junk car have wheels?

❔ Does my junk car have a hitch?

❔ Does my junk car have a working parking brake?

❔ Are there parts dangling from the undercarriage of my junk car?

❔ Are there loose parts or components on the exterior of my junk car?

❔ Is my junk car still registered or insured?

Making Your Conclusion

If you are not using a flatbed trailer to tow a junk car, then the matter of a hitch and wheels are important. If your junk car assessment comes up short on these two factors, then it is probably not a good candidate for towing it yourself. A professional wrecker will have the right equipment to make up for whatever the junk car lacks; or they might have a flatbed truck.

Furthermore, if your junk car has many loose or dangling parts, it is not safe for towing on main roads. These components would have to be properly secured or removed prior to towing. Consider using safety straps, bungee cords, duct tape, and similar materials to secure loose automotive parts. Sometimes, the type of towing set-up you have is not compatible unless a junk car has operational brakes or parking brakes. This too is another important consideration.

How to Overcome the Issue of Towing a Junk Car

Unless you are a metal recycler yourself, there is really only one thing a junk car is good for. That is to sell it to an Indianapolis junk car buyer for its cash value. Aside from cash paid on the spot, the best part about selling a junk to a Cash for Cars Company is that most will have their own in-house tow truck. If you find a particularly reputable and established junk car buyer, you won’t even be charged for towing service! They will come pick up your junk car and haul it away, free of charge!

Where to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis With Free Towing

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, today! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of age or condition! There is never a middleman, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. Furthermore, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Indiana EPA regulations. You can rest assured that your car will not have a negative impact on our environment. We also offer free towing haul away!

The Secret to Making Good Money By Selling a Junk Car

Posted on July 17, 2020 by junkcars17

It’s common knowledge that a junk car, or any motorized vehicle for that matter, is worth liquid cash. But what many do not realize that is all starts with the right type of buyer. By finding a reputable junk car dealer, you can double your advantage by making a profit and getting rid of space-consuming junk, all at once. However, it is important to know your options so that you can make the best decision for your junk car. There are two primary options for selling a junk vehicle. The option you choose will depend on your personal preference and available resources, and render a different profit level.

Continue reading to learn your options for making the most money from your junk car or motorized equipment.

Sell it For Parts

The downside is that you likely have to pay a mechanic to do this, which takes away from your total profit. Furthermore, you would have to take the time to post each part for sale, as well as, manage each individual transaction yourself. This is time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient. For others, this is a fun and exciting project that is totally possible to accomplish. It all depends on your personal preference, resources, and availability.

Sell it as a Whole

The most common way to make a profit from a junk vehicle is to sell it as a whole. Although you make less than selling it part for part, it is the preferred method for a reason. Not only is this much easier and more convenient, it saves a lot of time while still rendering a decent profit. It is important to find the right buyer if you want to make as much as you can from selling your entire junk car.

Find a junk car buyer who has the technologies capable of assessing the true value of your vehicle. Electronic platform scales are something you want to look for in a junk car buyer. These buyers usually pay cash on the spot, and will even pick up your car for free. Just be sure to ask which amenities they offer, how much they are willing to pay you for your vehicle, and how soon they can do business.

A Trusted Indianapolis Junk Car Buyer

The Most Valuable Junk Car Parts and Where to Sell Them

Posted on June 29, 2020 by junkcars17

Just because you have a totaled car doesn’t mean that everything inside it is broken. The great thing about car parts is that they can be repurposed and reused in other vehicles; that is, if they are still in good condition and/or refurbishable. If you have a junk car that you are thinking about selling, you would be wise to learn which automotive parts are the most valuable so that you can gauge what your offer might look like.

Continue reading to learn which car parts have the most value as a scrap yard, and where you can sell them for cash on the spot.

Valuable Car Parts in the Auto Salvage Industry

Keep in mind that the parts below are not listed in any particular order other than alphabetical. The actual worth of each type of car part depends on several economic and mechanical factors, the most impactful variables being whether or not they can be reused, and the current scrap metal prices on the market. See our blog, “What Does a Junk Car Appraiser Look For?” to learn some other factors that can influence your junk car offer.

Air Conditioning Systems

AC units are valuable car parts, especially if they still work well, and therefore, be reinstalled into another vehicle. AC systems for vehicles have compressors and condensers that contain good quality metal, making them profitable for scrappers.

Alternators and Starters

Alternators and starters are another highly-valuable and sought-after automotive part, buy both private consumers and scrap yards. Not only do they have steel casings, they also contain copper wiring, both of which can be recycled.

Batteries

Automotive batteries, as well as, batteries for any type of motorized vehicle (i.e. boats, tractors, etc.), are high in value at a junk yard. You might even be successful at refurnishing your used car battery using the old Epsom salt and distilled water method!

Catalytic Converters

Arguably one of the most valuable car parts is the catalytic converter. They are typically manufactured with an inner protective lining made from two high-priced metals: platinum and palladium. If the catalytic converter still works, it is worth even more.

Engines and Motors

Like catalytic converters, the other car part that tops the list as most valuable is the engine (or motor, depending on the type of vehicle). Engines, especially if refurbishable or still operable, are worth the most money in a junk car.

Radiators

Radiators contain a decent quantity of aluminum, which is a highly-useful and recyclable metal. For this reason, junk car buyers want vehicles that have them still intact. If you have a functioning car radiator, you can expect your junk car to be more valuable.

How to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis, Indiana

When you really just don’t know who to trust when it comes to selling a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana, simply go with the best. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request a free, over-the-phone quote, or more information regarding the junk car selling process. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we are ready to make you an excellent offer and take it off your hands for free. We have an in-house tow truck that will come directly to your location to pick up your junk car.