We Buy Rust-Damaged Cars

Rust is corrosion that has penetrated to the extent that the exterior body panels, sub-frame, or underbody of a vehicle have sustained long-term damage and that the resale value of the vehicle is diminished because it is viewed as being unsafe and unattractive. There is a difference between body rust and frame or undercarriage rust. Body rust results in an overall reduction in a vehicle’s resale value compared to frame or undercarriage rust. Regardless of where rust exists on a vehicle, it will have evidence of previous exposure to moisture, road salt, or monsoon-type weather conditions in Arizona.

In Arizona, cash for cars buyers value rusted vehicles and all forms of visible rust damage, whereas private buyers have serious concerns over a vehicle’s resale potential with visible body rust, as they view it as having cosmetic versus structural concerns. Most dealerships do not accept as trade-in vehicles with visible signs of any rust damage appearing on body panels or on the frame or undercarriage.

The presence of any of these conditions will decrease a vehicle’s resale value; however, the vehicle still has reusable component parts, recyclable scrap weight, and will continue to operate. As a seller of a vehicle with rust damage, you will have serious challenges selling your vehicle privately. The typical private consumers will not make an offer on a car with visible rust as a result of cosmetic concerns yet also have a possible concern regarding the structural integrity of the vehicle.

If you attempt to sell a vehicle that has been exposed to rust, it is common for your price guideline for that vehicle to be significantly lower than you originally anticipated. Also, most likely, the buyer will ask you numerous questions concerning the extent of the rust damage prior to making any offers, or the buyer simply will not keep their commitment in purchasing the car and will not come back, thus requiring a much longer application process than normal.

How Much Does Rust Damage Affect My Car’s Value?

The amount of rust on your car will decrease the value by approximately 25% to 75%, depending on how severe the rust is and where it is located. For example, if an area of the car, such as a fender or door, has relatively minor rust compared to the structural support frame structure or undercarriage of the car then the value of the car will be significantly less than if the car was new and not rusted. The potential buyer will take into account the cost of repairs, how concerned they are about safety, and how difficult it will be for them to resell the vehicle. Our quote is based on what is remaining, rather than simply on the scrap value of the car by weight.

Who Buys Cars With Rust Damage?

Many people in Arizona purchase vehicles that are rusty. Here are the most common options:

Cash-For-Cars Companies

Companies such as Sell Us Your Car will come to your home to tow (for free) your rusty vehicle, and typically provide service on the same day. We will pay you a fair cash offer for your car based on the value of the working parts of your car that can still be used.

Scrap Yards & Junkyards

Scrap yards and junk yards will also buy vehicles that are rusty, but will only pay for the scrap weight of the vehicle.

Pick-a-Parts

Some salvage yards will buy vehicles that are rusty and will dismantle them to sell only the working parts of the vehicle.

Private Buyers

Selling a vehicle that has visible rust through private means is the most difficult option as most individuals will not buy a rusty car. A majority of dealerships will also not accept trade-ins that have visible rust on them.

Is It Worth Fixing Rust Before Selling My Car?

Most of the time, when you decide to repair rust prior to selling it, the repair does not provide a return on your investment in the long run. Rust repairs usually include cutting out the rust and replacing it with new pieces (i.e. welding) and painting the entire replacement part, thus costing more to repair the vehicle than to sell it for the increased resale value. The best option is to sell the vehicle as it is. When selling a vehicle to a cash-for-cars buyer, they will pay for the vehicle using the amount that the vehicle is worth based upon its working parts and also its scrap value, not based upon how they would value the paint on the vehicle.

How Do I Sell a Car With Frame Rust?

When any vehicle that has frame rust is being sold, it is critical that you accurately disclose how much frame rust there is. The most detrimental aspect of vehicles that have rust on them is if the structural frame has become structurally compromised; therefore, if you have a vehicle with frame rust, it will not be safe to drive. Take photos from underneath of the underside showing the corrosion and keep the detailed maintenance records showing how the vehicle has been a reliable vehicle even with corrosion. Find a junk car buyer that can do an evaluation on the car and give a you a fair cash offer without making any repairs before selling.

Should I Sell My Rusty Car As-Is or For Parts?

In general, selling a car as a whole is better than parting out your car. The process of parting out a car is time-consuming and requires skill and sufficient time, as you must take parts off a car, inventory each part that is for sale, list the parts for sale online and ship them to buyers, and deal with any returns. Therefore, when you sell your car as a whole to us, you receive payment at the time of completing the sale without having to do any work.

How Do I Price a Car With Rust Damage in Arizona?

To price a car that has rust, find the running value of the used vehicle in good shape and subtract the rust repair cost plus a reasonable profit margin for the buyer from the running value of the vehicle. Next, research the current scrap metal value in the area, check to see how much a person wants to pay for the engine, transmission and catalytic converter, use this information to determine the market price for the used vehicle. The easiest way to get started is to take a free no-obligation cash for cars quote from a cash for cars company, which can also help with evaluating all parts of pricing your vehicle with rust and will provide you with a cash offer immediately after completing their evaluation.

What Should I Disclose When Selling a Car With Rust in Arizona?

According to Arizona state law, when selling a used vehicle, sellers of used vehicles are required to give verbal disclosures of all known material defects (including rust that can affect either performance and/or safety) and to accurately describe and disclose the location and severity of any corrosion damage to the vehicle. Keep a copy of each written disclosure that you give to your buyer for compliance purposes, as this will provide protection to both the seller and buyer with regards to the sale of the vehicle.

Does Undercarriage Rust Make My Car Unsafe to Sell?

Rust in the undercarriage of a vehicle makes that vehicle unsafe to drive. If the undercarriage of a vehicle has rusted significantly enough to weaken the frame, weaken the suspension, weaken the brakes and/or brake lines on the vehicle, then the vehicle may be unsafe to drive. Most states will fail a vehicle in a safety inspection if there are structural rust issues. To avoid potential safety issues associated with rusted vehicles, sell your vehicle to us and we will tow it for you.