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The bottom line: To sell a car with mechanical problems, get quotes from online car buyers first. You enter your car’s details online, get an offer in minutes, and they come to pick it up for free. You don’t need to repair anything or drive the car anywhere.
Have your title ready before you start. That’s the one thing that can slow the process down if it’s missing. Most sales wrap up in 1 to 3 days from quote to pickup.
If your car still runs and the problems are minor, a private sale is also worth trying. You’ll get more money but deal with more back-and-forth with buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t fix major problems before selling. You almost never get back what you spend, and buyers factor in repairs anyway.
- You need your title to sell. If it’s missing, get a replacement from your DMV before getting quotes.
- Online buyers pick up for free and handle the paperwork. You don’t need to drive the car or go anywhere.
- If your car still runs, a private sale is worth trying for minor problems. Expect more money but also more time and effort.
- When selling privately, you must disclose known mechanical problems in writing. Hiding them can create legal trouble later.
- Get at least two or three quotes before accepting. Offers for the same broken car can vary by hundreds of dollars.
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Your Two Realistic Options (And When to Use Each)
When your car has serious problems, you basically have two realistic choices: sell to an online car buyer or try to find a private buyer. Here’s how to decide quickly.
Go with Online Car Buyers If
- Your car won’t start or run
- You need the engine or transmission replaced
- Multiple things are broken at once
- You want this handled in 24 to 48 hours
Try Private Sale If
- Your car still runs and drives
- The problems are minor (under $1,000 to fix)
- You have weeks to deal with buyers
- You want to squeeze out every dollar
Most people with serious car problems end up choosing online buyers because it’s just easier.
What Counts as “Broken” vs. Just a Problem?
Not every car issue means your car is broken. A dead battery is annoying but fixable. A blown engine means your car is probably done.
Major Problems That Make Your Car “Broken”
- Engine won’t start or makes terrible noises
- Transmission won’t shift or has major problems
- Brakes don’t work properly
- Multiple systems failing at once
Minor Problems You Might Still Sell Privately
- AC doesn’t work
- Small oil leaks
- Worn tires
- Dead battery or alternator issues
The simple test: If the repair costs more than half your car’s value, it’s broken. A $4,000 engine repair on a car worth $6,000? That’s a broken car.
Should You Fix Anything Before Selling?
Here’s the quick rule: only fix things that cost under $300 and obviously improve the car.
Worth fixing:
- Dead battery ($100 to $200)
- Burned out headlights ($20 to $50)
- Oil change if it’s really overdue ($50)
Don’t bother with:
- Engine problems
- Transmission issues
- Major electrical problems
You’ll rarely get back what you spend on big repairs. Better to sell as-is and let the buyer deal with it.
Note: If you plan to keep driving the car for the rest of its life, fixing it may be worth it unless everything is rusted out or you’re dealing with a very old car (20+ years).
Option 1: Online Car Buyers (Best for Major Problems)
These companies specialize in buying cars that regular people don’t want. You get a quote online, they pick up your car, and you get paid. The whole thing usually takes 1 to 3 days.
Top Companies That Buy Cars with Mechanical Problems
Best for Older Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Free pickup as soon as today
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
Best for Damaged Cars
Copart company
Nationwide service
Pays Cash
Learn more: Best Places to Sell a Car with Mechanical Problems
What You Can Realistically Expect to Get
Here’s what broken cars typically get from online buyers:
| Problem Type | Typical Offer Range |
|---|---|
| Won’t start | $400 to $1,200 |
| Blown engine | $300 to $800 |
| Transmission failure | $500 to $1,500 |
| Multiple issues | $200 to $600 |
These might seem low, but remember, your car doesn’t work. A running 2015 Honda Civic might be worth $8,000, but with a blown engine, you’re looking at $600 to $1,200.
Why Does This Usually Work Better Than Private Sales?
Online buyers want your broken car. They’re not scared of problems because they either fix cars for a living or sell them for parts. Plus, they handle all the paperwork and tow your car for free.
Most importantly, they’re fast. No dealing with buyers who get scared off by your car’s problems.
Learn more: How to Sell a Junk Car, with a full step-by-step walkthrough from getting a quote to pickup and payment.
Option 2: Private Sale (If Your Car Still Runs)
Selling privately can get you more money, but it’s a lot more work and only makes sense for certain situations.
When Private Sales Actually Work
Your car needs to still be drivable for private sales to work. People want to test drive cars, and they get nervous about buying something that doesn’t run.
Private sales work best when:
- Your car starts and drives normally
- The problems are cosmetic or minor
- You have time to deal with multiple potential buyers
Who Buys Problem Cars Privately?
DIY mechanics: They actually want cars with known problems because they can fix them cheaply.
Budget buyers: People who need cheap transportation and don’t mind dealing with issues.
Repair shops: Some buy broken cars to fix and resell.
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The Legal Stuff You Need to Know
You have to tell buyers about problems you know about. This isn’t optional.
Always disclose:
- Known mechanical problems
- Accident history
- If the car has been flooded
Documents you’ll need:
- Your title (or loan payoff info)
- Your registration
If you don’t have the title, get a replacement from your DMV before trying to sell. Most buyers won’t touch a car without proper paperwork.
FAQ
Can I sell a car that won’t start?
Yes, online car buyers specialize in non-running vehicles. Private sales are nearly impossible for cars that don’t start.
Learn more: How to Sell a Non-Running Car
My transmission has problems. Should I sell privately or go with an online buyer?
For transmission problems, online buyers are almost always better. Transmission issues scare away most private buyers.
Replacing a transmission typically costs $2,500 to $7,000 depending on the vehicle. Most private buyers won’t want to take on that repair bill.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car with a Bad Transmission
What if I still owe money on my car?
You can still sell it. Some online buyers will pay off your loan directly and send you any money left over after the payoff.
Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car
How much will I get for a car with a blown engine?
Expect $300 to $2,000 depending on your car’s year, make, and model. Newer cars from reliable brands like Honda or Toyota tend to get higher offers.
Learn more: Best Places to Sell a Car with a Blown Engine
Article Update History
Repair cost estimates were updated to reflect current market estimates.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.