Deciding whether your wrecked, rusted-out, or high-mileage car is worth fixing can be tricky. You might be sentimentally attached to your old junker or financially stuck because you can’t afford a new car. Either way, the time will come when you must decide, especially when it’s time to get it inspected again.
If your car truly isn’t worth fixing, selling it as a junk car might be your best move. In a large city like Denver, working with a trusted Denver cash-for-cars service that offers fair pricing, free towing, and same-day pickup whenever possible is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to weigh the cost of repairs against the instant cash you could get for your junk car.
How Much is Your Car Worth?
It is essential to know what your car is worth right now before deciding whether it’s worth fixing. Use online tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, or NADA Guides to get a ballpark estimate based on your car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. This gives you a realistic resale value to compare against the cost of repairs. If the repairs come close to — or exceed — that number, it’s usually a sign that the car isn’t worth fixing.
How to Know If Your Car Isn’t Worth Fixing
Now that you know the actual value of your vehicle, it’s time to get an estimate of what it will take to repair it. Knowing whether your car is worth repairing boils down to your emotional attachment and the cost of fixing it. Some high-ticket repairs might be more than make it worth it, and they are listed below with general repair estimates:
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Engine Replacement or Rebuild
- Cost: $4,000–$8,000+
- Often more than what the car is worth.
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Transmission Replacement
- Cost: $3,000–$7,000
- A failing transmission often signals that your car is too expensive to repair.
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Blown Head Gasket
- Cost: $1,500–$3,000
- Serious labor costs are common in older cars with overheating issues.
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Suspension System Overhaul
- Cost: $1,000–$5,000
- Shocks, struts, ball joints, and bushings can add up quickly.
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Catalytic Converter Replacement
- Cost: $1,000–$2,500
- Especially expensive on hybrid or newer vehicles, often stolen for scrap.
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Timing Belt and Water Pump Replacement
- Cost: $500–$1,500
- If it breaks while driving, it can destroy the engine (interference engines).
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Electrical System Failures
- Cost: Varies wildly ($500–$2,000+)
- Especially expensive on luxury or older European cars; it is difficult to diagnose.
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Air Conditioning System Repair
- Cost: $800–$2,500
- Not essential, but expensive, and many won’t buy a car without working A/C.
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Rust Damage or Frame Repair
- Cost: $1,000–$3,000+
- The car may not even be legally roadworthy if the frame is compromised.
Your Options for a Car That’s Not Worth Repairing
If your car is not worth fixing, you can sell it for instant cash. Many cash-for-car companies offer helpful perks that make the process quick and hassle-free, including:
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Free Towing:
No need to worry about transporting a non-running vehicle — many services will tow it at no cost.
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No Title, No Problem:
Depending on state laws, some companies can still work with you if the title is lost or unavailable.
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Same-Day Instant Cash:
You’ll be paid on the spot when they pick up your vehicle — no waiting or negotiating.
Depending on the make and model of your car, you could be sitting on a goldmine, because some models are more valuable than others:
Top Makes and Models That Fetch the Most When Junked
Some junk cars are surprisingly valuable due to metal weight, demand for parts, and catalytic converter resale value. Cash-for-cars companies will give you top dollar and pay you cash. Here’s a list of makes and models that typically fetch the most money when junked, especially in cash-for-cars markets like Denver:
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Toyota (Camry, Corolla, Tacoma):
Toyota parts are always in demand, and many models hold high scrap and parts value even with high mileage.
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Honda (Civic, Accord):
Honda engines and transmissions are widely reused; even vehicles that aren’t running often have valuable cores.
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Ford (F-150, Explorer, Taurus):
Full-size trucks like the F-150 have high metal weight and easy-to-resell parts.
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Chevrolet (Silverado, Tahoe, Impala):
GM vehicles have valuable drivetrain components, and trucks carry more scrap weight.
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Nissan (Altima, Maxima, Frontier):
These models have solid resale in parts markets, especially in areas like Colorado, where 4WD/AWD is valued.
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Subaru (Outback, Forester):
Subarus are hot in AWD-heavy regions like Denver, even if they have a head gasket or engine issue.
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Dodge (RAM (RAM 1500/2500), Durango:
Trucks are heavy, and the scrap gets a higher payout. Plus, Dodge engines are often reused.
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Luxury Brands (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4/A6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
Some junkyards will pay more for specific parts (wheels, lights, electronics), but repair costs often make them junk vehicle candidates.
You can negotiate a favorable payout for your junk car if you have one of these makes or models.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, it comes down to the numbers. If your car’s resale value is less than the cost of repairs or is simply unreliable or unsafe, the best choice is often to sell it. Letting go of a car with sentimental value can be tough, but getting instant cash and peace of mind is often worth more in the long run.
If you own a high-demand make or model, you may be able to negotiate a better deal that includes perks like free towing and no title required, depending on your local laws and the buyer’s policies.
Denver Junk Car Buyers Offers Instant Cash for Your Junk Car Today
Looking for a reliable cash-for-car service in Denver? Denver Junk Car Buyers makes the process fast and hassle-free, with instant cash offers, free towing, and paperwork help. No title? No problem. Not running? We’ve got you. Need cash today? We’re ready when you are.
If you’re ready to sell your junker, contact us today. Denver Junk Car Buyers is here to help you decide whether getting cash for your car is right for you.
Whether your car is running or not, titled or not, we’ll make you an offer you can feel good about. Call us today and turn that old car into instant cash, no stress, no guesswork, just instant cash today.
