Your first project car is always an exciting experience, but it also comes with many challenges. How do you know when to cut your losses?
The hours spent in the garage, the constant problem solving…even the smell of the motor oil. There’s an almost romantic notion of fixing a beat-up old vehicle.
If you’re undertaking your first major project, you know this excitement firsthand. However, you also likely know how troublesome a project vehicle can be.
When To Call It A Day On Your First Project Car
The answer to this question is going to rely on a few variables such as your budget, your time-frame and your goals for the car. If you have a ton of excess cash and you’ve got a lead on parts, keep going!
But for most people, the answer is a bit more sobering: when the cost of the project exceeds the benefits. Otherwise, you’ll end up pouring resources into a project that will only provide diminishing returns.
That includes upkeep costs. Even if you finish your car project successfully, you’ll have to think about the costs associated with oil changes, registration, engine upkeep, and more.
As hard as it might be to admit, it may simply be cheaper to invest in a newer project car.
How To Get Rid of Your Old Junker
You’ll be happy to know that getting rid of your project car doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve wasted your time and money. You can likely recoup some of those costs by selling your vehicle, no matter what shape it’s in!
To do so, head to your favorite search engine and type in ‘cash for cars near me‘. You should find plenty of great resources, including the one linked above, that offers a nice chunk of change for your clunker.
Tips For Getting The Most Money For Your Vehicle
Finding a company to buy your old car project is easy. Finding a company that’s going to give you top dollar for your vehicle is a different story.
Start by gathering any and all paperwork you have relating to the vehicle. While you can sell a car without a title, it’s a much more difficult process.
Next, be prepared to haggle. Your first offer likely won’t be an impressive one, so don’t be afraid to put your foot down and strike a deal for a better price. Make sure to discuss which party is responsible for towing the vehicle ahead of time and include these costs in your final price.
With that said, you’ll want to be reasonable. Look up the value of your vehicle beforehand and account for its current condition.
Saying Goodbye To Your First Major Project Car
Allowing your first project car to drive off into the sunset (even if it’s via tow truck) can be heartbreaking. But what’s important is that you don’t look at the project as a failure.
Instead, know that the lessons you learned on this project will help you make every project from here on out much easier. Plus, you can use the money from your old project car to fund your next project!
For all the auto tips and tricks you need, make sure to check back with our blog!
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