10 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Junk Car (2026)

Most junk car sales go smoothly. But the problems that do occur — price switches at pickup, title disputes, no-shows, and payment fraud — are almost entirely preventable by asking the right questions before scheduling. Print this list and ask every buyer these questions before agreeing to anything.

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Junk Car Buyer

Is this offer guaranteed, or can it change at pickup?

Why it matters: Bait-and-switch pricing is the most common junk car scam. A legitimate buyer should confirm the offer is firm as long as the vehicle matches the description.

Good answer sounds like: "Yes, the offer is guaranteed as long as the condition matches what you described."

Will you pay cash at pickup, before loading the vehicle?

Why it matters: Cash at pickup is the industry standard. Any other answer is a red flag.

Good answer sounds like: "Yes, our driver brings cash and pays before loading."

Is towing included in the offer, or is there a tow fee?

Why it matters: Some services quote a high number then deduct a towing fee. Reputable buyers include free towing in the quoted offer.

Good answer sounds like: "Towing is completely free and included."

Do you provide a written bill of sale at pickup?

Why it matters: A bill of sale protects you legally after the car leaves — proving you transferred ownership on a specific date for a specific amount.

Good answer sounds like: "Yes, our driver brings a bill of sale for both parties to sign."

Can you handle a car that doesn't run or roll?

Why it matters: Important if your vehicle has mechanical issues, flat tires, or limited space. Some buyers need the car to roll onto the flatbed.

Good answer sounds like: "Yes, we have equipment for non-running and non-rolling vehicles."

What documents do I need to have ready?

Why it matters: Avoid scrambling at pickup. Know exactly what the driver will need: title, ID, VIN confirmation.

Good answer sounds like: "A valid photo ID and the title if you have it. For 2014 and older, ID only is fine."

Are you a licensed vehicle dealer or dismantler in Georgia?

Why it matters: Buying and selling junk cars without a license is illegal. Licensed buyers have accountability.

Good answer sounds like: "Yes, here is our license number: [provides it without hesitation]."

What is your business name and physical address?

Why it matters: Verifies they're a real, registered business — not someone operating out of a personal cell number.

Good answer sounds like: A specific business name and Georgia address, searchable on Google or Secretary of State.

How long is this offer valid?

Why it matters: You may need to reschedule. Know the window before the offer expires or needs to be re-quoted.

Good answer sounds like: "24–48 hours, sometimes longer depending on conditions."

What time windows do you have available for pickup today or tomorrow?

Why it matters: Confirms availability and avoids scheduling surprises. Helps you plan for access to the vehicle.

Good answer sounds like: Specific time windows with a commitment to call 30–60 minutes before arrival.

Answer Red Flags

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"We'll know the final price when the driver sees it"

No firm offer — bait-and-switch risk

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"We'll mail a check after we pick it up"

Never acceptable — cash only at pickup

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"Towing is $75 — but we'll deduct it from the offer"

Hidden fee that was never disclosed — unacceptable

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"I don't have a license number — I'm independent"

Unlicensed buyer — no accountability or legal recourse

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"Sign the title now and we'll get you the money shortly"

Never sign before cash is in hand

Questions to Confirm at Pickup

"Is this the amount we agreed to on the phone?" — Confirm before signing anything.

"Can I see your driver ID and company credentials?" — Fully acceptable to ask.

"Can I get a copy of the bill of sale before you load the vehicle?" — Standard practice.

"Is cash ready now, before you load?" — Confirm one more time before any signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the quoted price guaranteed or just an estimate?

Always ask this explicitly. A legitimate buyer should provide a firm, guaranteed offer — not an 'up to' estimate that gets revised at pickup. The only legitimate reason for a price change at pickup is if the vehicle's actual condition differs materially from what was described on the phone (undisclosed damage, missing catalytic converter, etc.).

What do I need to have ready for the driver?

Typically: a valid photo ID, the vehicle title (if available), and access to the vehicle for flatbed loading. If there's no title (and the vehicle qualifies under Georgia's 12-year rule), just your photo ID. Your buyer should tell you exactly what to have ready when you book the pickup.

How does the buyer handle a car that doesn't run or roll?

Legitimate junk car buyers have flatbed trucks equipped for non-running, non-rolling, and even seized vehicles. Ask specifically whether they can handle your vehicle's situation — for example, if it's in a garage with limited clearance, if it has flat tires, or if it's wedged between other vehicles.

What happens if the catalytic converter was already stolen?

The buyer deducts the catalytic converter value from the offer, which varies by vehicle from $75 to $400+. Disclose the theft upfront when you call so the offer you receive accounts for it. If you disclose it on the phone and the driver tries to deduct it again at pickup, that's a dispute worth resolving before signing.

How long will my offer be valid?

Most legitimate junk car buyers honor quotes for 24–48 hours. Some guarantee longer. Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily, so very long guarantees (1 week+) may come with conditions. Get the offer validity window on the phone so there are no surprises if you need to reschedule.

Conclusion

Asking 10 questions before agreeing to sell takes less than 3 minutes on the phone and eliminates virtually every common junk car problem. A legitimate buyer answers all 10 confidently. If any answer is evasive, incomplete, or a red flag — call the next buyer on your list.

10 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Junk Car