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Selling a Car That Doesn't Run: What Buyers Need to Know

Category: Condition Updated: 2026 Read Time: ~4 min

Engine seized? Dead battery? Bad starter? Learn how we value non-running cars and exactly what you need to tell us to get an accurate quote.

“It Ran When Parked”

The most famous last words in the car world. You parked it 2 years ago. Now you turn the key and… click. Nothing. Or maybe a horrific grinding noise. Selling a non-running car on Craigslist is a nightmare. Strangers come over, try to jump it, fail, and leave. Selling a non-running car to {businessInfo.name} is exactly what we are here for.

But not all “non-runners” are equal. The reason it doesn’t run affects the price.

1. The “Easy” Non-Runner (High Value)

Scenario: Bad Battery, Starter, Alternator, or Fuel Pump.

  • The Reality: The engine is actually fine. The transmission is fine. The car just can’t start itself.
  • Our View: This is a “Resellable” or “Parts” car. We can fix a starter cheaply. Or we can harvest the legitimate low-mileage engine.
  • Quote: $$$ High. Be sure to tell us: “The engine is good, it just needs a starter.”

2. The “Mechanical Failure” (Medium Value)

Scenario: Blown Head Gasket, Seized Engine (No Oil), Slipping Transmission, Thrown Rod.

  • The Reality: The heart of the car is dead.
  • Our View: We are buying this for the Body Parts (Doors, Hood, Bumper) and the Catalytic Converter. The engine itself is scrap metal.
  • Quote: $$ Medium. It’s better than pure scrap because the body panels have value, but we can’t resell the drivetrain.

3. The “Electrical Gremlin” (Wildcard)

Scenario: “I don’t know, it just died and the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree.”

  • The Reality: Modern cars (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) are complex. A computer module failure can total the car.
  • Our View: These are great parts cars. Often the mechanicals are pristine, but the brain is fried.
  • Quote: $$ Medium-High.

4. The “Sitter” (Low Value)

Scenario: Parked in a field for 10 years. Trees growing through the bumper. Mice living in the seats.

  • The Reality: Everything is ruined. The engine is seized from rust. The wiring is chewed. The interior is moldy.
  • Our View: This is pure Scrap Metal.
  • Quote: $ Low. We pay by the ton.

What We Need to Know (The “No-Start” Quiz)

When you call for a quote, we will ask purely diagnostic questions. Accuracy helps your price.

  1. Does the engine turn over?

    • Yes: It cranks (rur-rur-rur) but won’t catch. (Good sign - Engine moves).
    • No: Total silence or a single loud CLUNK. (Bad sign - Seized).

  2. Are the tires inflated?

    • We need to tow it. If tires are flat, we need a flatbed.

  3. Is the battery missing?

    • If you took the battery out, let us know. We deduct ~$10-$15 for a missing lead-acid battery because we recycle them for cash.

  4. Are key parts missing?

    • “Non-running” is different from “The engine is in the trunk.” If you disassembled the car, tell us.

Troubleshooting Before You Call (Increase Your Value)

Want to see if you can get it into the “Easy Non-Runner” category?

  1. Jump It: 90% of “dead” cars just have a dead battery. If you can get it to run for even 5 minutes, we can verify the engine sounds healthy. A running car is always worth more.
  2. Check Fluids: Is there oil? If the dipstick is bone dry, the engine is likely toast.
  3. Look for keys: A non-runner with keys is easier to tow (steering unlocked) than one without keys.

Summary

We buy them all.

  • Dead Battery? We buy it.
  • Rod Knock? We buy it.
  • Seized? We buy it.

The condition determines if we crush it or part it out. Call {businessInfo.name} for an honest assessment of your non-running vehicle.