
What If My Car Doesn’t Start? Can I Still Sell It for Cash?
Car Doesn’t Start? Here’s How to Turn It Into Cash
When your car doesn’t start, it’s easy to think it’s worthless or too much trouble to deal with. But even vehicles that haven’t moved in months still have value. In Illinois, A+ Junk n Tow helps drivers turn non-running cars into quick cash—offering free pickup, no-hassle paperwork, and fair payouts, even without a title.
Below, we’ll walk through what impacts your car’s value, which documents help speed things up, and how our cash for junk cars service makes it easy to sell your car in Illinois—without the stress or delays. No pressure, no towing fees—just a straightforward way to get paid for a car that no longer works.
Turn your junk car into cash today! Call (708) 968-2505 for a top-dollar offer and FREE towing.
Call Us NowCommon Reasons Cars Don’t Start
1️⃣ Dead Battery
A drained or old battery is one of the top reasons vehicles won’t start. Without enough power, your car can’t turn over, especially after sitting for long periods or in extreme weather. Fortunately, a buyer still sees value—because your battery is just one part of a bigger whole.
2️⃣ Ignition Switch Failure
If your dashboard lights up but the engine doesn’t respond, your ignition switch might be faulty. It interrupts the power flow from the battery to the starter, leaving the car unresponsive. Even with this issue, your vehicle still qualifies for cash for junk vehicles.
3️⃣ Faulty Starter Motor
A clicking sound when you turn the key usually means the starter motor has failed. It’s a small part, but a big problem when it stops working. That said, it’s no obstacle if you’re working with a junk car dealer who values your vehicle for more than just function.
4️⃣ Engine Failure
Complete engine breakdowns are expensive to fix—and often not worth it. But even when the engine’s gone, you can still get instant cash for junk cars thanks to the parts that can still be reused and scrap metal left behind.
💡 Pro Tip: According to recent industry reports, over 40% of vehicles sold to recyclers every year are not running. That means your vehicle that won’t start is far from unsellable—there’s an active market waiting.
What Determines the Value of a Non-Running Car?
Even if your vehicle won’t start, it may still be worth more than you think. Here’s what goes into calculating its value.
✅ Year of the Vehicle
The age of a non-running car for cash plays a major role in determining its worth. Newer models typically have higher value due to modern parts and current material quality.
✅ Make and Model
Some brands and models are in higher demand. This is especially true if you’re looking for the best place to sell non running car, as popular makes may be easier to resell or recycle.
✅ Condition of Usable Parts
Even if your junk car won’t start, it may still have working components. Reusable parts like engines, transmissions, and electronics are top reasons to sell damaged vehicle assets that can increase the overall payout.
💡 Expert Insight: Mechanics often cite alternators, catalytic converters, and airbag modules as some of the most commonly salvaged components that retain value—even in broken-down vehicles.
✅ Vehicle Weight and Scrap Metal Value
Larger vehicles often yield more because of their higher metal content. Fluctuating scrap metal prices directly impact how much your not running vehicle is worth.
✅ Market Demand and Trends
The market often dictates how much you’ll get. High demand for parts or specific metals can increase your offer—especially when working with professionals who buy cars that don’t run near me.

How A+ Junk N Tow Picks Up Non-Running Cars
No need to tow it yourself—we come to you. We offer free pick-up for any vehicle, even if your car doesn’t start or can’t be jump-started. Our team handles everything in instant and safely.
Even better, we make it easy to get quick cash for junk cars without hassle. You don’t need to clean it or fix it. Just request a free quote, and we’ll handle the rest—much like the benefits of buying a repossessed ride, it’s simple, efficient, and hassle-free.
Our reputation has been built on service excellence. With hundreds of successful pickups and satisfied clients throughout Illinois, we continue to be a reliable option for people looking for a professional and trustworthy team.
Client Says:
“Jose’s knowledge was incredibly helpful when it came to selling my trash car in Romeoville. He made sure everything went smoothly from beginning to end, organized all the paperwork with care, and provided an accurate assessment.” – Nisha Singh
Documents You’ll Need When Your Car Doesn’t Start
You won’t need much to get started. We keep the process simple and hassle-free—just a few basic documents are enough to move forward.
Vehicle Title
While not always required, having a title can speed up the process. Most dealerships that take non running cars require it, but we’re more flexible. If it’s available, bring it along to confirm ownership faster.
Valid Government-Issued ID
To complete the process of how to get rid of my car for cash, you’ll need to show a valid ID. It confirms your identity and ensures a safe, verified transaction.
Proof of Ownership
If you don’t have the title, other forms of proof of ownership—like registration or insurance papers—can work. This is especially helpful when trying to sell my junk car for cash without traditional paperwork.
💡 Did You Know? In Illinois, private sellers are legally allowed to transfer vehicle ownership without a title under specific conditions, making local buyers even more accessible and helpful.
Call us at (708) 968-2505 or get your free online quote — we pay top dollar for vehicles that won’t even crank!
Get a FREE Quote today!Turn a Non-Running Car Into Instant Cash Today
Just because your car doesn’t start doesn’t mean it’s the final option. In fact, it could be the beginning of something better—like instant, no-hassle cash in your hand. Even non-running vehicles have value when you know where to turn.
That’s where A+ Junk N Tow steps in. Known across Illinois for fast, fair, and flexible service, we specialize in cash for junk cars, including those that haven’t started in months. From free online quotes to instant cash payouts, our process is designed to make things easier and transparent.
Got questions? Just call us at (708) 968-2505 or check out our easy-to-navigate FAQ page—you’ll find straightforward clear answers. Want proof of how smooth the process is? Our reviews speak volumes, showing how hundreds of vehicle owners turned their no-start old vehicles into cash.