Why do some junk car buyers lower their offer when they arrive? Learn how our 'Guaranteed Quote' system works and how we detect fraud.
The “Bait and Switch” Epidemic
It is the #1 complaint in the junk car industry. You go online. Website X quotes you $800. You are thrilled. The tow truck driver arrives. He looks at the tires. He kicks the bumper. “Actually, I can only give you $300.”
You are angry. But the car is broken, and you just want it gone. So you take the $300. You just got scammed.
At {businessInfo.name}, we fight against this practice. Our quote is our bond. But to make that work, we need Verification.
How Our Algorithm Works
We don’t pull numbers out of thin air. Our quote engine analyzes:
- VIN Decode: Confirms the exact trim level (LE vs XLE) and engine size (4cyl vs V6).
- Live Scrap Market: Connects to the Chicago/Milwaukee commodities index for shredded steel pricing.
- Core Value: Checks the current trading price of the specific catalytic converter on your model.
- Local Demand: Scans local yard inventory. (e.g., “We have 0 Honda Civics in stock, pay more.”)
The Verification Call (Human Review)
Before we dispatch a truck, a human reviews the data. We might ask you: “Is the original catalytic converter still on the car?” “Are the aluminum wheels original?”
Why we ask:
- The Cat: A replacement (aftermarket) converter is worth $5. An original (OEM) converter is worth $100-$800. This is the biggest swing in price.
- The Wheels: Aluminum rims are worth $15 each in scrap. Steel spare rims are worth $2.
On-Site Verification: What The Driver Checks
When the driver arrives, they aren’t looking for scratches. They are looking for Truth.
1. The VIN Match
Does the VIN on the dashboard match the quote?
- Scam Attempt: Someone quotes a 2018 Ford F-150 (worth $8,000) but tries to sell a 1998 Ford F-150 (worth $400).
2. The “Missing Parts” Check
You said the car was “Complete.” The driver opens the hood. The battery is gone. The alternator is gone. The radiator is gone.
- Result: The quote drops. This is not a bait-and-switch; this is an adjustment for missing value.
3. The Catalytic Converter Check
The driver looks underneath.
- Scenario A: They see a rusty, factory-welded converter. PASS. Quote stands.
- Scenario B: They see a shiny new pipe or a crappy $50 Autozone converter welded in. FAIL. Quote drops significantly.
How to Guarantee Your Price
- Be Honest: If the heavy-duty transmission is in the trunk, tell us.
- Don’t Guess: If you don’t know if it’s the 4-cylinder or V6, check the VIN.
- Send Photos: If you text us a photo of the car and the engine bay, we can “Lock In” the price 100% before we even leave the garage.
Summary
If you tell us the truth about the car, the price we offer is the cash you get. We don’t haggle. We don’t play games. But we do verify. Trust works both ways.