Junkyards in Dallas County: Reviews, Benefits & Contact Info
Iowa

In order to sell your car to a junkyard in Dallas County, IA, you typically need to meet these legal requirements:

1. Proof of Ownership: You must provide proof of ownership, which is usually your vehicle title. If you don't have the title, contact the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a duplicate.
2. Valid Identification: You'll need to show a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.
3. Complete a Bill of Sale: Some junkyards may ask you to complete a Bill of Sale, indicating the sale price and stating that you're selling the vehicle "as-is."
4. Release of Liability: Submit a Release of Liability to the Dallas County, IA DMV to remove your liability for the vehicle once it's sold. You can do this online or by mailing the appropriate form.
5. Smog Certificate: Depending on the age and location of your vehicle, you may need to provide a valid smog certificate. Junkyards often handle this if required.
6. Remove License Plates: Before handing over your vehicle, remove the license plates. You can either transfer them to another vehicle or return them to the DMV.
7. Payment: Ensure you receive payment for the vehicle. The payment method may vary, so discuss this with the junkyard beforehand.
8. Cancellation of Insurance: Contact your auto insurance company to cancel coverage on the sold vehicle.

Please note that specific requirements can vary depending on the junkyard and the condition of your vehicle. Always check with the junkyard you plan to sell to and refer to the Iowa DMV for the most up-to-date information and forms.

If you try to sell a car without a title, your choices might be more restricted than those of other sellers who have a readily available title.

• If you are still in the process of paying off a car loan, the likelihood is that the bank or lienholder still possesses your car's title. You must reach out to your bank to get a payoff amount. It's important to ensure that your car's selling price can cover it.
• If your car title is missing, lost, or stolen and you're wondering how to sell your car, you need to request a replacement title.
• If your car is totaled, has a salvage title, has no title at all, or you have no way to obtain a valid title, car junkyards often buy cars without a title an pay you in cash. However, the lack of a title might lower your selling price.

Yes, some junkyards in Dallas County, IA may offer higher payouts for cars based on factors like your car's make, model, condition, and location. To find the best offer, it's advisable to contact multiple junkyards in your area and compare their quotes. Additionally, you can explore junk car buyers that specialize in certain vehicle makes or have a reputation for offering competitive prices.

They usually have a wide variety of used and damaged vehicle parts available for sale, including engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, radiators, fenders, doors, hoods, and trunks. Junkyards may also have used tires, batteries, and other vehicle accessories available for sale.

If you are planning on removing a part from a vehicle yourself, be sure to take precautions to avoid injury. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to overexert yourself. You should also ask the staff for assistance if needed. We recommend that you bring:

• Pliers
• Ratchets
• Wrenches
• Sawsall
• Screw drivers
• Hammer
• Impact driver
• Extensions
• Sockets SAE and Metric
• Breaker bar
• Penetrating Fluid

Here are some tips on how to know if a junkyard is reputable:

• Check online reviews. This is a good way to get an idea of what other customers have experienced with the junkyard. Look for reviews that mention the junkyard's prices, customer service, and the quality of the parts they sell.
• Ask for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they have any recommendations for junkyards. You can also ask your local mechanic or auto body shop for recommendations.
• Visit the junkyard in person. This will give you a chance to see the junkyard's facilities and meet the staff. Look for a junkyard that is clean and organized. The staff should be friendly and knowledgeable.
• Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask the junkyard staff questions about their prices, the parts they have available, and their warranty policies. If the staff is hesitant to answer your questions or seems to be giving you vague answers, that's a red flag.
• Be wary of junkyards that offer to pay you in cash. Reputable junkyards will typically pay you by check or money order. If a junkyard offers to pay you in cash, it could be a sign that they are not a legitimate business.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a salvage yard may focus more on recycling and reselling parts.

Some junkyards may require you to pay a small entrance or admission fee (usually a few bucks) in order to enter their facilities. With this money they can cover their administrative and maintenance costs and ensure that they receive customers who are truly interested in parts.