If you live in a state where it is necessary to have your vehicle inspected each year, learning that your minivan is in need of serious repairs before being eligible for an inspection sticker can cause concerns about how you are going to afford the mechanical work. Your main worry with the failed inspection may be that you are now down a vehicle, which is going to make it difficult for you and your spouse to coordinate rides back and forth to work.
Decide If Keeping the Van Is Worth It
The minivan may have been you or your spouse's predominant form of transportation for the last decade, and this could make it seem difficult to envision no longer driving it. Disregard your attachment to the minivan and discuss the current state of the vehicle with your spouse and the benefits of keeping it and having it repaired versus junking it and purchasing another vehicle.
If the van has a lot of miles on it and always seems to be needing replacement parts, you may be better off letting the vehicle go. Repeatedly throwing money into the van will only compound financial problems, and you could find yourself in a serious predicament if another financial issue arises and you have the new problem to deal with alongside the one with the van.
Earn Some Extra Money by Parting with the Vehicle
It is commonplace these days to sell vehicles to a salvage yard that offers a cash incentive to their clients. You aren't going to make a fortune by doing so, but you will receive a little bit of money that could aid you and your spouse with paying taxi fares for the time being or putting a down payment on a new vehicle.
A sliding fee is usually paid out, and this amount fluctuates based upon the weight of a vehicle and whether or not a clean title is being surrendered during a business transaction. If a title is not available, you will receive less money, and some businesses that provide cash for junk cars may not even accept vehicles that don't have a title. Take your time to locate the title before making arrangements to drop off the van or have it picked up.
If your current inspection sticker is still valid and your van is driveable, transport the vehicle to a scrap yard. If the inspection sticker has expired or if you are wary about the safety of the vehicle, don't take any chances with your safety. Contact the owner of a salvage yard and inquire about having the minivan picked up from your property.
For more information about getting money for junk cars, speak to an auto professional.