Hello all,, my apologies if I've not posted this under a more appropriate topic, but i wasn't sure where it would best fit.
I have a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis with 5.0 liter V8, with 113,000 original miles that I'm considering selling as "junk", (cause I think I have too). Would like some input from anyone that has had experience getting rid of a car for scrap to get the most benefit from that, or anyone that wouldn't mind commenting. Could use some advice. I have a couple specific questions and would like some comments on the situation as well.
It is a great running car, has never given me any problems, but unfortunately has gotten past the point of saving. It runs fantastic. But the exterior and interior have gotten bad to the point that I know I can't sell the vehicle for a decent price without putting money into it, which I don't think would be cost effective. I don't think I could sell it for what I put into it as a decent running vehicle. (The paint has given way to surface rust on the hood, roof, and trunk- there are no rust holes or dents or dings- it would be an easy repaint, but the partial vinyl roof is shot- cracked and weathered- and the interior has all the fabric disintegrating, dash cracked, etc.).
So based on all that, I'm forced to sell it for junk. BUT- the battery just went dead, and the starter solenoid just went out. I know I'll get more for the car running, but I'm wondering if it is worth it to spend what I would need on a battery and solenoid to get more for the car! Obviously I could spend as little as necessary on a used battery, and probably spend little on a used junkyard solenoid. But I don't know if this makes much of a difference or if my costs to get the vehicle running would offset the amount I could sell it for once running. I think I could get around $250 or so for the vehicle running. Wondering how much less a junk buyer would pay for it if it were not- thus it might be worth spending $50-80 bucks on a batt and solenoid.
Next thing I'm wondering about is if this particular 5.0 liter V8, and maybe even the transmission could possibly be something sought after by car guys that need a good foundation motor for a racing engine, or good running hot rod engine. In which case I'd be better off selling the motor for more valuer, and still sell what's left of the vehicle for at least $50. (I have no idea if this particular 5.0 liter and transmission have any preferred features, nor how to find that out. I have some knowledge about older chevrolet engines, but I would hate to let a good enbine go if it were a nice find for someone looking for a motor.).
I guess one further question would be how much would I be best stripping off of it, and still get a decent amount of cash for it from a junk buyer. (Hubcaps, chrome moulding, mufflers, catylitic converters, etc.). Yet, I realize these very items are probably what makes the car valuable to such a buyer, thus they would give probably give far less for the car if they were missing. Obviously I'm wondering about selling them myself to maximize the potential amount I could get for the car. Keeping in mind that these particular items aren't necessarily hugely sought after, and I may not have much potential to be bought.).
Anyone had experience to know what might be best to do??
Appreciate any input!
Thanks,
Visser
I have a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis with 5.0 liter V8, with 113,000 original miles that I'm considering selling as "junk", (cause I think I have too). Would like some input from anyone that has had experience getting rid of a car for scrap to get the most benefit from that, or anyone that wouldn't mind commenting. Could use some advice. I have a couple specific questions and would like some comments on the situation as well.
It is a great running car, has never given me any problems, but unfortunately has gotten past the point of saving. It runs fantastic. But the exterior and interior have gotten bad to the point that I know I can't sell the vehicle for a decent price without putting money into it, which I don't think would be cost effective. I don't think I could sell it for what I put into it as a decent running vehicle. (The paint has given way to surface rust on the hood, roof, and trunk- there are no rust holes or dents or dings- it would be an easy repaint, but the partial vinyl roof is shot- cracked and weathered- and the interior has all the fabric disintegrating, dash cracked, etc.).
So based on all that, I'm forced to sell it for junk. BUT- the battery just went dead, and the starter solenoid just went out. I know I'll get more for the car running, but I'm wondering if it is worth it to spend what I would need on a battery and solenoid to get more for the car! Obviously I could spend as little as necessary on a used battery, and probably spend little on a used junkyard solenoid. But I don't know if this makes much of a difference or if my costs to get the vehicle running would offset the amount I could sell it for once running. I think I could get around $250 or so for the vehicle running. Wondering how much less a junk buyer would pay for it if it were not- thus it might be worth spending $50-80 bucks on a batt and solenoid.
Next thing I'm wondering about is if this particular 5.0 liter V8, and maybe even the transmission could possibly be something sought after by car guys that need a good foundation motor for a racing engine, or good running hot rod engine. In which case I'd be better off selling the motor for more valuer, and still sell what's left of the vehicle for at least $50. (I have no idea if this particular 5.0 liter and transmission have any preferred features, nor how to find that out. I have some knowledge about older chevrolet engines, but I would hate to let a good enbine go if it were a nice find for someone looking for a motor.).
I guess one further question would be how much would I be best stripping off of it, and still get a decent amount of cash for it from a junk buyer. (Hubcaps, chrome moulding, mufflers, catylitic converters, etc.). Yet, I realize these very items are probably what makes the car valuable to such a buyer, thus they would give probably give far less for the car if they were missing. Obviously I'm wondering about selling them myself to maximize the potential amount I could get for the car. Keeping in mind that these particular items aren't necessarily hugely sought after, and I may not have much potential to be bought.).
Anyone had experience to know what might be best to do??
Appreciate any input!
Thanks,
Visser
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