Vancouver, BC · Guide
Should I Repair My Old Car or Scrap It?
Compare the repair estimate against what the vehicle would be worth running, then look at the body, the frame and what else is likely due in the next year. If a modest repair returns a sound car to the road, keeping it is usually the better decision.
Jay would rather tell you that on the phone than remove a car you should have kept.
Call or text Jay · 604-889-4470Questions worth answering first
- What did a shop actually quote, in writing?
- Is the body and frame sound, or is there rust through structural areas?
- What else is close to needing work — tires, brakes, timing belt, suspension?
- Would you trust the vehicle for another two years after this repair?
- What would replacing it realistically cost you?
When repair usually wins
A single failed component on an otherwise solid, well-maintained car is often worth fixing. An alternator, a starter or a set of brakes on a body with life left is cheaper than any replacement vehicle.
When scrapping usually wins
A failed engine or transmission in an older high-kilometre car, structural rust, or a repair bill in the same neighbourhood as the car's running value generally means the vehicle is finished.
Get a second opinion before you decide
If you have an estimate and are unsure, read it out on the phone. Jay has watched these decisions play out since 2003 and will say plainly when a car is worth keeping, even though that costs him the job.
A real Vancouver example
A Kitsilano owner read out a $900 estimate on a car with a sound body and no rust. Jay told her to fix it rather than scrap it, and did not get the job.
Written by Jay, owner-operator of Jay's Junk Car Towing Inc., from thousands of vehicle removals in Vancouver since 2003.
Questions people ask about this
What affects the value of a junk car?
The year, make, model, condition, completeness, usable parts, catalytic converter, vehicle weight, current recycling value and the cost of removal can all matter. Two cars of the same age can be worth quite different amounts.
Does a running vehicle bring more money?
Sometimes. A running vehicle may have more resale or parts value, but its overall condition, make, model and demand matter too. Running alone does not guarantee a high price.
How quickly can my car be picked up?
Same-day or next-day pickup may be available, but it depends on Jay's route, schedule, vehicle condition and location. Nothing is guaranteed until Jay confirms a time with you.
In short
The decision comes down to the repair estimate against the vehicle's condition and running value — not to how attached you are to it.
Call 604-889-4470 with the estimate in front of you and you will get a straight answer.