It can be quite the normal thing to grow so attached to our cars that we give them names. For some, they provide not only transportation but also a place of refuge. However, sometimes, this attachment can grow way too strong, and the line between vintage vehicles and just junk cars can get blurred. Although sentimental value is a real thing, it won’t put real dollars in your wallet.
Southern California residents who’ve suddenly realized that their vehicle isn’t vintage can still get some value out of it by selling their junk car for cash. Car owners in the City of Angels know a hooptie when they see one. Sell yours for cash and upgrade your ride.
What’s the Difference Between a Vintage Car and a Junk Car?
Although the average person on the street may consider a vintage car one that’s old but still has value, to car collectors it has a much different meaning. Vintage vehicles are those that were manufactured between 1919 and 1930. The term antique is used for cars manufactured before 1976, and classic cars are those that are at least 20 years old. So, calling your broken-down 1998 Honda a vintage car isn’t exactly accurate.
A junk car can be of any age and typically costs more to repair than its actual resale value. Whether it’s 9 years old and looks brand new but requires a costly repair or it’s 25 years old and has seen better days, both are considered to be junk cars. The common thread that all junk cars have is how incredibly difficult they are to sell. The best way to unload one is to sell it to a specialized junk car dealer who purchases vehicles regardless of their condition.
How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Value?
All vehicles, no matter how fancy with all the bells and whistles, will immediately lose value the very second they are driven off the dealership’s lot. This is a sad but true fact that is impossible to escape. We buy cars to drive them, and the more we drive them, the faster they lose value.
Some of the factors that can affect a vehicle’s value are:
- Popularly – Some makes and models remain customer favorites for years while others don’t. Fads can change quickly, so you can’t rely on what’s popular today as an indicator of future popularity.
- Mileage – The less mileage a vehicle has, the higher its resale value will be.
- Age – Older vehicles depreciate much faster than newer ones. Vehicles over 10 years old could have already lost half of their value.
- Accidents – With the details of a vehicle’s history easily obtained online, those with a history of accidents, no matter how minor, will lower the vehicle’s resale value.
- Color – Even the color of your car can affect its value. Depending on your geographic location, popular color choices can vary.
- Special features – The more accessories a vehicle has, even add-ons, can fetch higher resale prices than base models.
How to Know What Your Vehicle is Worth?

Having an idea of what your vehicle is worth in the real world is the only way to truly determine if you own a “vintage” car or if it’s unfortunately hit the category of junk. There are two methods for obtaining an accurate resale value for your vehicle, and it’s best to use both.
The first is to simply go onto the usual car websites and find others with your make, model, year, and in similar condition and see what others are selling them for.
Depending on what you have, this could take a bit of time but is well worth the effort. In that sense, you can use one of the many online car resale value calculators to determine what your vehicle’s average resale value is.
What to Do if You Own a Junk Car?
Junk cars are definitely on the bottom shelf when it comes time to sell them. Most car dealerships won’t accept them as a trade-in, and attempting to sell one online could prove incredibly difficult, if not impossible. However, there is another method to selling a less-than-desirable car and still getting the most money possible.
Specialized junk car dealerships buy all types of cars regardless of mileage, age, or condition. They’ll offer more than a scrapyard would be willing to part with, and they’ll even pick it up, tow it away, and leave you with cash, a check, or payment via your favorite cash app.
How to Determine Your Car’s Hidden Worth: The Bottom Line
Chances are, what you may think is vintage is more than likely to be junk. With so many used cars for sale, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a quick buyer if yours isn’t in tip-top condition. Despite your love for the vehicle that saw you through good times and bad, its sentimental value means nothing to someone looking for a used car.
Fortunately, you can sell it easily to a junk car specialized dealer who doesn’t care about its condition. Don’t waste time trying to unload yours. Contact a specialized dealer for a quick, easy, and straightforward sale.
Also read: Rev Up Your Spring Cleaning: Tackling Your Junk Car Once and For All