Has anyone had good/bad experiences getting rid of old cars?

[Chris]

I am trying to sell/get rid of my used car, which is currently not drivable.  It is not a total junk car, it just needs some work, and I have no need for it, or to get the work done myself. 

I personally have no experience with this stuff, and am a little freaked out at just selling it to some random person off the internet, and the "junk my car" type companies all look very sketchy.  Particularly since I am not an expert on what kind of documentation I need and all that, I am hoping to find a company that will basically do everything for me.

Does anyone have any experience with this, and can give any recommendations of legitimate businesses that will make it easy for me to get it out of my driveway, and pay a couple bucks for it?

[Greenbean]

I am trying to sell/get rid of my used car, which is currently not drivable.  It is not a total junk car, it just needs some work, and I have no need for it, or to get the work done myself. 

I personally have no experience with this stuff, and am a little freaked out at just selling it to some random person off the internet, and the "junk my car" type companies all look very sketchy.  Particularly since I am not an expert on what kind of documentation I need and all that, I am hoping to find a company that will basically do everything for me.

Does anyone have any experience with this, and can give any recommendations of legitimate businesses that will make it easy for me to get it out of my driveway, and pay a couple bucks for it?

Depending on what kind of vehicle, you might be able to get some decent money selling it for parts on craigslist. All you really have to do is sign the title over to the seller and type up a simple bill of sale for record keeping.

It is a pretty painless process.

You can also contact local junkyards. They may seem sketchy but all they want to do is sell the parts in your car. It is pretty straightforward. You can stand to make some more money if you seel the car directly looking for your vehicle's parts. That being said, it can be a hassle dealing with people looking for parts. The junkyard route makes it easier. Most of them will come and tow your car away too.

Try contacting one that is reputable rather than going for one that you find on craigslist.

[bdm860]

If you're just trying to get rid of it, and are not so concerned with the selling part, you should try donating it to charity.

I just did a google search for "donate care to charity" and the first options that pop up are CarsForBreatCancer.org and WheelsForWishes.org (which appears affiliated with the Make-A-Wish foundation), along with many others.  I'm sure whatever your charity of choice is, they probably accept car donations, running or not, and it seems like a lot of these places will even pick it up from your place.  Tax deductible too  

Also my google search brought up this which might be helpful if you like this idea:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26625209/ns/today-money/t/how-donate-car-or-boat-charity/#.TqWO5nJHga8


From the Make-A-Wish affiliate WheelsForWishes:

Did you know that you can make a local child's wish come true just by donating that rusty old car sitting in the driveway? You are still paying insurance and registration so why not eliminate your costs for a car that rarely if ever gets used. Why not get a great tax deduction by donating your car to charity and supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® at the same time. Also, your car donation helps not only the children but the environment as well by recycling your car!

When you donate your vehicle to charity, you are eligible for an itemized charitable tax deduction on your federal tax return. Review our Donation FAQs or call your tax advisor for more information regarding the car donation tax deduction. We pick the car up, handle all the details and make it a whole lot easier than putting an expensive ad in the paper, taking repeated phone calls, showing your car over and over again or haggling over the sales price. If you attempt to trade in your vehicle, you may find that a dealer isn't willing to offer much as a trade in .The best part is - we pick up the car free of charge too!! Your car donation will help us grant the wishes of local children with life threatening medical conditions between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18.

Your charitable car donation will help make kids' wishes come true!

Here's a list of eight reasons to donate your car to Wheels For Wishes Charity Car Donation Program benefitting your local Make-A-Wish Foundation®. We are an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization, which allows you to qualify for your vehicle donation tax deduction.

    We support a reputable and well-known charity - the Make-A-Wish Foundation® was founded in 1980 and has affiliates worldwide. The funds generated from your vehicle donation are used to grant the wishes of sick children from your own community.
    We handle all of the paperwork for you – We take care of the title transfer and also take care of the paperwork required in order to receive the charitable tax deduction on your tax return.
    Fast, free pick-up and towing – We take care of the title transfer and also take care of the paperwork required in order to receive the charitable tax deduction on your tax return.
    We accept most vehicles - including cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, trailers, boats, RVs, SUVs, and motorcycles. We can even accept vehicles with missing titles.
    You eliminate the hassle of selling your car
    It's green – you are recycling your car

[Chris]

If you're just trying to get rid of it, and are not so concerned with the selling part, you should try donating it to charity.

I just did a google search for "donate care to charity" and the first options that pop up are CarsForBreatCancer.org and WheelsForWishes.org (which appears affiliated with the Make-A-Wish foundation), along with many others.  I'm sure whatever your charity of choice is, they probably accept car donations, running or not, and it seems like a lot of these places will even pick it up from your place.  Tax deductible too 

Also my google search brought up this which might be helpful if you like this idea:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26625209/ns/today-money/t/how-donate-car-or-boat-charity/#.TqWO5nJHga8

Yeah, this is what I have actually been leaning towards.  The only thing holding me back is that I don't plan on itemizing next year, and a little cash would be nice...but at this point, maybe the good Karma is more than worth it.