Insurance doesn't cover a car that's been totaled by maintenance problems...

So now what?

My car is worth about $7K in perfect condition but needs that much just to get it running again. I've already spent way too much on my poor baby so it's time to let her rest in piece.

The question is where? Junkyard? Donate for a tax write off? Sell on Craigslist "As-Is"?

I've heard bad things about donations and I don't itemize my taxes. Plus I'd rather get cash now for it. Anyone have any experience or advice on what to do? I'm at a loss!

Thanks!

hmmm, as is may be the way to go.....
or
1800cashforcars.com
cashforjunkcars.net/http…

Don't we all wish insurance would kick in just like that for a new car? Totaled by maintenance, is there even such a claim, huh?

Sell it as is on craigslist or you can part it out.

You must register the car with DMV as a salvage vehicle.  Do not try to sell it to someone without doing so.

Who's fault was the accident?  Did you have collision coverage? Do you have a lienholder?

she didnt have an accident. the engine died. so insurance doesnt cover that

If no accident and just maintenance problems, there is no insurance claim and no one deeming a total loss but yourself. So yeah then it is not a salvage vehicle.  Just sell 'as-is' but you must disclose the problems.

It's not totaled, it's just DOA.

If the body and interior are in good shape, try to sell it.  If not, cut it up and make artwork out of it.

get it towed to a pick n pull and they will buy it for $800....if you need the cash fast.

Ali.. did you total your car on Sunset Blvd in front of Yen Yen this past weekend?

It's a 2001 VW Beetle. The engine is completely blown. No accident. I was just driving down the road and it completely died and when I add up all the costs it's just not worth it to keep it anymore.

I called a junkyard and they said $500, but I feel like there's enough parts that are still good that I should get more than that.

Thx Cristoph - I'll look into the salvage title and Pick n Pull!

Johnny- nope. It broke down on Park Presidio yesterday. I was the one sobbing in the middle of the road while people flipped me off and yelled at me. You know, cause I meant to break down in the middle of road.

Since you don't itemize your taxes, it's not worth it for you to donate it. Sell it for scrap. I sold mine here: yelp.com/biz/ajax-auto-d… at Ajax Auto Dismantlers. I was lucky because scrap was high at that time and I got $200! They even have a guy come out and tow it away at no expense to you.

Not sure what scrap is at now on the supply/demand market, you could get anywhere from $60 to $200 I think. Make sure you get a quote from the guy on the phone. Sure it might sound low for a car that was originally worth 7k, but it'll be the first time your car actually GIVES you money instead of taking it.

And before you do that, you have to go to the DMV and tell them you're scrapping it. That way they "kill" your car and all records of it so your name isn't attached to it anymore.

Thx Rachel! Great advice. Yeah, it's so sad to see it go for so little! If labor wasn't so costly on my tiny little german engine then someone could fix it up for $3K and it would be a great car or they could turn around and sell it for $7K and make a $4K profit.

I have a great and cheap mechanic, did you get a diagnosis in the problem?  Or maybe call European mechanic shops to see if they want parts?

Roll it into the ocean and create a reef for the fishies.

That's horrible I thought those were built to last at least a couple of decades? Sorry to hear!

Pam-  The timing belt broke and possibly took other things with it. There are definitely a lot of salvagable parts left though, but with labor and all, I'm just not willing to keep throwing money into my poor baby! My mechanic is awesome and I'm telling him and anyone else I know to put the word out that my car is available. It would be such a deal for a mechanic to fix up!

I think I've resigned to posting on CL and see what others are willing to offer. If worse comes to worse I'll salvage it.

Thanks everyone for the advice! If you have more advice, please let me know!!

did you scrap the car ali? i'm in the same boat, but my car is worth considerably less than yours.

this car doesn't need a salvage title, that's just terrible advice by someone that doesn't know shit

Just call a wrecking Yard, tell them that you have a car that you don't want nor need anymore and you wanted it towed,.They will come, you'll sign a couple of papers releasing your car to them, and off they go with your car. Either they'll cannibalize your car for parts OR it's headed to the crusher to be Recycled. There, problem solved.

I ended up selling it on Craigslist to a mechanic for $1400. I asked DMV about the salvage title and they said I didn't need one and since I was selling a non-running car there was some reason that I didn't need to pass smog. Passing smog is typically required by the seller and has to be done within 90days prior to the sale of the car. So, essentially I lucked out. :)

Donation is good.  But, I think you should write the Mythbusters and have them blow it up!

Youcould donate it to a prison in your area or a tech school.