12 Questions to Ask a Junk Car Buyer Before Pickup

You get better answers when you give better facts. Have the year, make and model, the VIN if you can reach it, and which ownership document you have. Know whether the car starts, rolls and steers. Know whether the keys are there and whether any parts are gone. Our guide on what to tell a buyer has the full list.

• 1. “Based on what I told you, what is your offer, and how will you pay me?” A clear answer gives a number and a way of paying, and says when you get the money. Write both down.
• 2. “What could change that number when your driver sees the car?” A clear answer names specific things, such as missing parts or damage you did not mention. A vague answer leaves you guessing.
• 3. “Is anything taken out of that number, for towing or anything else?” You want a plain yes or no. If there is a charge, ask how much and get it in the same call.
• 4. “If the number changes at pickup and I say no, do I owe you anything?” You want to know this before the truck comes, not while it idles at the curb. Our guide on what to do if the price drops covers that moment.

• 5. “Who actually comes for the car: your own truck or someone else?” This tells you who will hand you the money and whose name goes on your paperwork.
• 6. “When will the truck come, and will the driver call first?” A clear answer gives a day and a time window. If you need it gone by a deadline, say so now.
• 7. “Here is where the car is. Can your truck reach it?” Mention a low garage, a narrow alley, a gate or a steep driveway. See getting a car out of a tight spot for what to measure.
• 8. “The car has [no keys, flat tires, a locked wheel]. Does that change anything?” A clear answer says whether it changes the plan or the price. Tell the buyer now, because a surprise at pickup helps no one. See our guides on no keys and flat tires or no wheels.

• 9. “Which documents do you need from me before you can take it?” A clear answer names them. The state’s list of what a hauler can acquire a car on is in WAC 308-65-080. Be careful with “no paperwork needed”: read our Washington paperwork guide and check.
• 10. “What is your licensed business name and license number?” A clear answer comes easily. You can then look it up on the state site before the truck comes.
• 11. “What full name and address do I put on my Report of Sale?” RCW 46.12.650 says a properly filed report needs the buyer’s full name and complete address. You need this no matter who buys the car.
• 12. “Will I get a receipt or bill of sale that shows the price, the date and the VIN?” The answer should be yes. State law says a report of sale alone may not prove a completed transfer for towing, storage or auction bills if nothing shows the buyer knew of the sale. A receipt can do that job.

You are listening for three things:

• Detail. “Depends on the car” is a start. It should be followed by what it depends on.
• Consistency. The person on the phone and the driver at the curb should tell you the same thing. Your notes will show it if they do not.
• Room to think. You should be able to say “let me call you back” and hear “okay”.

An answer you do not like is not automatically a problem. An offer that depends on the car’s condition is normal. A buyer who asks for a title is doing what the rules call for. If something sounds wrong, our red flags guide shows you how to check it.

Call (206) 941-0612, open 7 days from 8 AM to 11 PM, and go through the list. You can also send up to 3 photos with the pickup form, and we call back within 4 hours. Here is how our process works and how we work out an offer.