Everything You Need To Know Before Junking Your Cadillac Escalade For Cash

Marc Skirvin
Marc Skirvin

What's in this Article

So, the time has come.

Your beloved Cadillac Escalade isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe it was damaged beyond repair in an accident. Either way, there’s nothing left to do but junk it for cash.

If you don’t know anything about junking cars, you can start by reading this guide. We’ll explain everything you need to know about junking your Cadillac Escalade.

Junking Your Cadillac Escalade

Junking a car is a fairly straight forward process—once you find the right scrap buyer and sign the paperwork. There are quite a few things you have to do to get your Cadillac Escalade ready beforehand. Follow this list and you’ll have your Cadillac scrapped and money in your hand in no time.  

Remove All Your Personal Belongings

Your Cadillac Escalade is a large vehicle. The larger the vehicle, the larger the amount of stuff that gets collected underneath seats, door pockets, glove box, and so on. The first thing you want to do is remove all personal items—especially valuable documents.  

You wouldn’t want your credit card receipts or registration information to end up in the wrong hands. Additionally, leaving behind any items whether they’re food wrappers or CDs can cause problems with the transaction.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

There are some ways to sell your car without a title. However, having the title will make your life a whole lot easier. The scrap buyer will want to verify that you own the vehicle and therefore have the right to sell it.

If your Cadillac Escalade was a gift, you’ll have to have the title put in your name. You’ll also need to have your registration and license available to prove ownership and identification. 

Have All Relevant Information on Hand

If you’re going to junk your car for money, you need to have all its relevant information on hand. That includes:

  • The year, make, and model
  • The Vehicle Registration Number (VIN)
  • The condition of the car (is it running? Is it towable? Are there any problem areas? Are there any damages?)
  • The mileage
  • Proof of a clean title
  • The number of wheels and whether the tires are full or flat
  • The keys

If you’re scrapping your Cadillac Escalade for parts, disclosing the above information is critical. If the scrap buyer can’t sell the major parts, it’ll affect the price they give you. If you’re selling purely for scrap value, the above won’t make much of a difference.  

Know the Most Valuable Parts of Your Cadillac Escalade

If the scrap buyer only offers you a price for your Cadillac’s scrap metal value, you should think about selling its valuable parts separately. The most valuable parts of your Cadillac Escalade include:

  • GPS
  • Catalytic converter
  • Exhaust system
  • Doors, windows, and electric components
  • Bumpers and fenders
  • Airbags
  • Cooling system
  • Tires and rims
  • Stereo system
  • Motor oil and filters
  • Battery
  • Windshield wipers and wiper arms
  • Trunk hatch
  • Roof rack

You can also contact an auto recycling company to take your car for the above parts. They’ll likely offer you a better price and they’ll remove all the parts themself.

Remove Your License Plates

Removing your license plates should be a no-brainer when you sell your junk car. However, they’re often forgotten. Depending on what state you live in, you may be required to return your license plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to successfully cancel your registration and insurance. 

You also don’t want to run the risk of someone stealing your plates and using them for another car. Especially if that car is involved in a crime.

Cancel Your Auto Insurance

Once you’ve decided to junk your car and have a confirmed pick-up date, you’ll want to cancel your insurance policy. Explain to them that you’re scrapping your car and that you want to end your coverage on the day it’s getting picked up. That way, you’ll have coverage until your Cadillac Escalade is picked up.

Plus, your insurance company will refund any money you’ve paid for coverage beyond that date.

Take Any Non-Metal Components You Can

In some cases, the scrap buyer will offer you a better price if your Cadillac Escalade has been stripped down. In other cases, removing and selling any non-metal parts is a good way to make extra money.

Those parts would include:

  • Seats
  • Upholstery
  • Dashboard
  • Door paneling
  • Hoses
  • Insulation
  • Windows
  • Headlights and taillights 
  • Headliner
  • Plastic trim

You’ll also need to drain all the fluids yourself. Be sure to follow your local recycling laws for vehicle fluids. Of course, dealing with non-metal components is completely optional.

Shop Around for Licensed Scrap Buyers

Always shop around for the best prices and make sure each scrap buyer you deal with has the right credentials.

Depending on where you live, auto salvage yards and scrap buyers may require a special license to operate. It’s important to know whether or not you’re dealing with a legal business, otherwise, you could face legal implications such as fines or even jail time. Additionally, a non-reputable scrap buyer may try to scam you.

Always ask to see the scrap buyer’s license. If they don’t have one or just seem off, it’s best to walk away. 

Have Realistic Expectations

You’re not going to get as much money for your junk car as you think you will. That’s because scrap car value is largely based on scrap metal prices—not Kelley Blue Book prices. There are official markets and prices for the metal in your car, including steel, copper, iron, aluminum, and palladium. 

It comes down to the size and weight of your car. Larger SUVs, like your Cadillac Escalade, have more metal in them. Therefore, you’ll get more money for your Cadillac compared to small vehicles. However, it’s important to have reaslitc expectations in terms of how much you’ll actually get.

If you have the time, you can track scrap metal prices. That way you know when to junk your car for the best deal.  

Make the Arrangements

Once you find a legitimate scrap buyer to take your Cadillac Escalade off your hands, it’s time to sign off on an agreement. If you still need help, contact us today. Or, visit our website and get an instant offer on your car. 

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About the Author

Marc
Marc

Marc is the Co-Founder of Cash Auto Salvage and Director of daily operations. He retired from a leading Internet Marketing company in 2013 and has been involved in the automotive industry ever since.

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