It’s a fact; cars in America are seeing more road-time before retirement than ever before. According to an R.L. Polk & Co. (auto industry analyst) study, the average life span for a motor vehicle in the U.S. is now 112.8 months. This means Americans are keeping their cars more than a year longer than in the past decade. But what can you do with that old dinosaur once it is past it's prime? I asked Jody Victorto tell us several easy methods for getting that old car off your drive way!
Jody Victor: The reasons for this trend are certainly varied—from the ebb and flow of oil prices to auto industry upheavals. There is a commonality, however. The average American’s discretionary income has fallen.
The recent trend in thriftiness isn’t necessarily a bad habit for Americans to adopt, but what does one do with these ever increasingly geriatric vehicles when one simply cannot justify putting another penny into them? Dealers and private buyers alike aren’t exactly thrilled about vehicles whose odometers tell tales of multiple cross-country trips, heavy commuting, or age in general. This, however, doesn’t mean you have to dump another thousand-plus pounds of scrap in a junkyard, further stressing our relationship eco-relationship with the Earth.
Many charities accept automobile donations, regardless of condition. Just call your favorite charity and ask. Generally speaking, towing is free or cheap. Best of all, you get a tax-deductible voucher for the book value of the car. These charities usually try to first fix the car and sell it. If they can’t its sold for scrap.
Kidney Cars will gladly take your cars, trucks, vans and, yes, even boats as charitable donations. Their website states that the National Kidney Foundation uses the money realized from your vehicle for items ranging from public education to medical research. Not only will you earn your self a bit of good karma, but if the earnings on the sale of the vehicle exceed the voucher you get another receipt for the full amount of the deduction. Always remember, the newer the car and the better the condition the more profit the charity is likely to see in a sale and you in your deduction.
Some charities may refuse to accept a vehicle that doesn't run, while others will accept cars and trucks no matter what their condition. Either way, charity-specific donations are a win-win for everyone involved.
If your favorite charity isn’t one that deals in used auto sales or the scrap-for-cash business, you may still be able to donate your unwanted vehicle. The are many organizations, all over the country, that will take the car off your hands for free and sell or scrap it—the proceeds go to a charity of your choice and you still get that tax deductible receipt. A simple internet search will yield results. For example, Cars Helping America. Their website lists more than sixty charity partners and they are willing to work with ones not on their list.
There isn’t much work to be done on your end of a charitable car donation. All you need is a little information, the car’s title, the keys and about fifteen minutes before someone will be scheduled to rid you of your clunker.
If you favorite charity at the moment, unfortunately, happens to be your own wallet, you might consider selling your junker for parts. This is a good option for vehicles that are, clearly, never going to run again or unsafe to drive.
You’ve got two options here: sell the car whole or as parts online or at a local parts store. If you are choosing the first option make it clear to potential buyers that it is their responsibility to arrange the removal of the vehicle from you property before the parts-harvest begins.
You aren’t going to get rich quick from this, but there is likely to be a few hundred dollars in the deal for you. This can go a long way paying bills, rent, or filling the cupboards. Check out sites like CarJunky to get yourself started. You can list the car as pieces-parts or a package deal.
Thanks, Jody! Great suggestions!