Junkyards are the ideal place to get used auto parts cheap. Sometimes they are your only choice if you are working on an old vehicle. If you are in Connecticut there are some good yards you can visit throughout the state. There are some things like taxes, warranties, and salvage laws in the state of CT that you should know about though. Below I’ll share what you need to know about junkyards in Connecticut including where to find them and the most popular places.
Map of Junkyards in Connecticut
For “junkyards in Connecticut” or “Salvage Yards in Connecticut”, see the map below…
How do Auto Junkyards in Connecticut Operate
Junkyards in CT operate on the local level. They operate just like any other business in the state and need to adhere to sales tax laws. They actually need to apply though for a license through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles when they get started. If they are in the business of fixing and selling junked vehicles with salvage titles, they must also have a CT dealers license. Other then that they must conform to state regulations regarding handling hazardous material and recycling.
These salvos take in junked cars, trucks, SUV’s, etc from various sources. Some of the sources include private owners, auctions and insurance businesses. When a CT salvage takes in a junker, it processes it and then sells off the functioning parts. This is part of the vehicle recycling program. Some yards may fix the autos and with either sell them with a salvage title or send them to auction.
How Salvage Yards Process Vehicles in CT
When a junked vehicle comes into a junkyard it needs some attention first. The yard needs to prep the automobile to adhere to the state environmental regulations and do some pre-pulling to get the most value out of their investment. Fluids like gas, oil, anti-freeze, and windshield wiper fluids will get drain. Fluids like oil are recycled, while fluids like windshield wiper fluid are containerized and resold.
Parts that deteriorate quickly tend to have a lot of value and they will get pulled. This includes batteries, starters, alternators, etc. They will sell these for standard prices. In some cases they may pull an engine, send it away to be rebuilt, and then sell it with a warranty. These practices are all about maximizing their profit.
Types of Junkyards in CT
Connecticut has a variety of scrap yards. Some are general and some focus on a class of vehicle. For example, Tom’s Foreign Auto in Waterbury is mostly a yard for imported vehicles. CT also has a large amount of recycling and scrap metal plants. While those aren’t options for auto parts, they are options to junk a vehicle locally.
Salvages in Connecticut are a mix of used auto part warehouses, self service yards, and full service yards. Here is what that means so you can figure out what tye of yard you want:
Parts Warehouses: Are large warehouses with shelves full of used parts. These places are usually really organized and have a searchable inventory. You can walk around and shop in different sections. It’s like a Home Depot, but for used auto parts. A good example of that is Terryville Auto Parts in Terryville, CT.
Self Service Yards: These places require you to bring your own tools. You walk the yard and pull out parts that you need. You only pay for what you pull. Self service yards tend to have older vehicles and lower prices. Some of really old inventory with little left to pull.
Full Service: These salvages let you walk the yard, but will pull the parts for you or help you pull them. This is so they can protect their vehicles from damage from reckless scavengers who break everything to get one part. These yards are good if you need a part, but don’t know how to pull it. These lots will have more late models, but the price for parts tends to be higher.
There are a few yards that charge a few bucks just for entry. You pay a few bucks when you register and then you walk the yard for parts.
Popular Auto Junkyards in Connecticut
You might think that all automobile junkyards are the same. These are like any other business and you need to pay attention to the reviews. Some yards have strange return policies, charge strange prices for things that should be cheap, or just have unhelpful staff. When choosing a salvage in CT to visit you should think about location, quality of inventory, prices, warranties, and customer service.
Here are a few popular junkyards with 4.5+ star ratings in Connecticut:
- Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts in Southington
- Ricks Auto Parts in Torrington
- Terryville Auto Parts in Terryville
- F&S Auto Parts in Roxbury
- Connecticut Used Parts & Auto Wrecking in Waterbury
- LeBlanc’s in Norwalk
- Tom’s Foreign Auto Parts in Waterbury
Selling a Junked Vehicle in CT
For selling a junked vehicle in the state of CT, most of your best options are on the map at the top of the page. If you have never junked a vehicle before, most places are going to offer you a scrap metal price and send a tow truck to come get it. If your vehicle may have more then scrap value, it is up to you to negotiate a better price.
Connecticut Procedure for Transferring Vehicle Ownership
Selling a junked vehicle is just like selling a regular vehicle second hand in CT. Here are the general steps you need to take:
- Complete and sign the reverse side of the Certificate of Title and give it to the new owner along with a Bill of Sale.
- Remove the plates from the vehicle and turn them into the DMV
- Don’t cancel the insurance until you cancel the registration. You are liable until the reg is canceled.
Learn more about CT rules for transferring ownership.
Buying a Salvage Vehicle in CT
If you are purchasing a vehicle with a salvage title, you will pay sales tax on it in Connecticut. There are also some rules from the Conn DMV you must adhere to,
Here is what is required for a salvage vehicle in Connecticut:
- You need to fill out a Salvage Vehicle Inspection Sheet and schedule to have it inspected. Costs about $90
- Bring all the required documents including: receipts for major components, original insurance appraisal, Repair Report, photos of the auto
For more information on salvage titles in CT, go here. It is important to know all of this ahead of time because you may be able to get some of this information from the auto salvage.
What to Know About Salvage Yards in Connecticut Before You Go
This being a North Eastern state, you need to understand how the weather and season can impact pulling parts. Junkyards can be brutal in the dead of a Connecticut winter or the middle of the summer. You need to prep according to the time of year you go. Not only do you need to dress properly, but you need the right gear.
My recommendations for CT auto salvages are
- Weather appropriate clothing choices
- Always bring water
- Always bring sunglasses
- Sun screen
- Hand warmers and gloves for the winter
- Boots
- Deicer for winter
- Battery operated fan for the summer
- Tools and a helper if you don’t know how to pull parts
Checking Junkyards in the Neighboring States
If you live by one of the state borders you can also consider checking yards in the bordering states:
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
Junkyards in Connecticut Conclusion
Salvages are the best way to save money on used auto parts, Junkyards in CT are no exception and are similar to other US salvos. The weather is what makes them unique though and can pose a particular challenge. If you can afford it, during peak winter or peak summer, use a full service junkyard or parts warehouse. Connecticut has a lot of auto recyclers, scrap metal yards, junkyards and junk car buyers so there is lots of opportunity to sell wrecked autos. There are also a bunch of great yards for pick and pull. While I have outlined some of the state requirements of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, check all the articles I referenced for more detailed information.
