North Carolina auto junkyards are excellent sources for used parts at relatively low prices. In this article, we will go over how NC junkyards operate, the best ones in the state, and some tips on maximizing your chances of success when scavenging parts. I will also share my own experiences with automobile junkyards in North Carolina.
Map of Junkyards in North Carolina
For “Junkyards in North Carolina” or “Salvage Yards in North Carolina”, see the map below…
How do Auto Junkyards in North Carolina Operate
Junkyards in North Carolina are privately owned businesses, like most other local businesses. They aren’t state-owned entities like landfills might be. These business owners have to pay taxes just like any other entity does in the state, which is why you’re charged sales tax on used auto parts.
In addition to being a state-licensed dismantler and meeting all state ordinances, junkyards in NC must adhere to specific environmental laws regarding the handling of hazardous material. If the junkyard sells salvage title vehicles, they must also possess a North Carolina dealer’s license.
Just like any other American salvage yard, day-to-day operations at Salvage Yards in NC involve buying junk vehicles such as cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, then selling the usable parts.
There are a variety of places where vehicles come from, such as insurance companies, private owners, businesses, tow truck companies, and salvage auctions. Some vehicles will be bought and either fixed or sold with a salvage title; others will be sent to the yard for the public to pick parts off of them.
Processing of Vehicles at an NC Junkyard
Before a vehicle is sent to the pick and pull, it goes through some essential processing. This includes removing fluids that could be hazardous. Some valuable parts that most yards remove beforehand are the battery, alternator, starter, and in some cases the motor or transmission.
Not every yard does this, but some will also tag and label their vehicles before entering their data into an online database. This makes it easier for customers to search through inventory later.
Types of Junkyards in NC
North Carolina is a large state with plenty of room for various types of auto-wrecking yards. I last counted and found that over 193 businesses in the state salvage, dismantle, recycle or have some type of junkyard and recycling affiliation. In addition to general auto junkers, there are specialty yards for imports, motorcycles, tractors, semi-trucks, and others. In addition to junkyards that are also plenty of used tire shops in NC as well.
Not only does the state have numerous scrap yards, but there’s a lot of cash for junk vehicle buyers. If you’re looking to get rid of an old junker, this is the perfect place to do it. You can look around and compare prices to get the most money for your car.
Various Salvage Yard Models in North Carolina
Some salvage yards in North Carolina follow the self-service model while others are full-service. There are also hybrid options as well as places that sell online or through a warehouse only.
There are three common business models for salvage yards in the state:
Used Parts Warehouse: These businesses are still called junkyards, and they pull parts off vehicles to sell them from a store or warehouse. There is no yard that you walk around. In most cases, they will also sell their used auto parts online. These businesses are very organized and label parts well. Because they do the work upfront to pull and label the parts, prices tend to be higher on average.
Self-Service Yards: These are salvage yards where you pay a small admin fee to walk the yard and then remove the parts you want from the vehicles. As the name suggests, self-service means that you bring your tools and do all the work yourself. The level of organization will depend on each yard. In my experience with junkyards in North Carolina, these yards have lower-quality older vehicles but their prices tend to be cheaper.
Full Service: Full-service salvage yards are similar to self-service, except they pull the parts or at a minimum provide help. This often means a higher quality inventory available, but also a bit more expensive in prices. These places will have newer inventory in better shape. These yards are good if you don’t have the skills or tools to do the part removal.
Popular Auto Junkyards in North Carolina
Finding a salvage should not only be about the quality of used auto parts, but how you are treated as a customer. Things like warranty/return policy, fair pricing, and availability of tools can impact your experience at a salvage. When finding a salvage in North Carolina consider important factors such as location, inventory, quality and price alongside policies and warranties to get the best deal for you.
North Carolina is home to a popular junkyard franchise called Pull A Part, that alot of casual junkyard pickers love.
Here are a few popular junkyards with 4.5+ star ratings in North Carolina:
- A & D Used Parts 100 Alston House Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
- Rimmer Motors Salvage Yard 6040 Kluttz Rd, Concord, NC 28025
- The Junk Car Lady 3222 Wellington Ct suite 116, Raleigh, NC 27615
- Cox Brothers Auto Salvage 300 Jr St, High Point, NC 27260
- Johnston Auto Salvage 6272 NC-231, Middlesex, NC 27557
- M&M Motor Co Inc 9316 US Hwy 220 Business N, Randleman, NC 27317
- JDM Automotive and Recycling 1731 Belgrade-Swansboro Rd, Maysville, NC 28555
- Big Dog Auto Salvage 119 Kings Pond Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030
- B&H Used Auto Parts 3585 US 70 E, Marion, NC 28752
- J & T Auto Parts 241 Major Conley Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Selling a Junked Vehicle in North Carolina
In North Carolina, you have the option to get money for your junked vehicle from junkyards. However, you should first consider a private sale before turning to a junkyard.
Most salvage companies will only offer scrap metal value for your car. But it is possible to negotiate a higher price by showing them why your car is worth more than just scrap. For example, if it runs well, that’s a good start. Even if it doesn’t run, there might be expensive aftermarket parts still on it. You have to make a case for why your car is worth more than scrap metal value.
If you want to get rid of your car in North Carolina, you’ll need the title first. After that, you have to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the salvage company and follow state guidelines.
North Carolina Procedure for Transferring Vehicle Ownership
If you’re in North Carolina and trying to sell an old car, the process is similar to selling any other used vehicle. Just follow these steps:
- Fill out the information required on the title certificate, and include a bill of sale as well as an odometer disclosure (if applicable).
- Complete the vehicle title application form.
- Visit any NCDMV office near you.
Learn more about transferring a title on the North Carolina DMV website.
Buying a Salvage Vehicle in North Carolina
If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle with a salvage title in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know…
- When you purchase it, you will pay the North Carolina state sales tax.
- You will need a way to transport the vehicle from the yard to your location.
- The scrap yard will sign over the title to you (which you will need to register the vehicle).
- A certified inspector will need to inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe to register.
- To register your salvage title, bring your salvaged title, photo ID, and inspection report to any North Carolina DMV.
- Provide your VIN, fill out the NCDMV forms, and pay the fee.
What to Know About Salvage Yards in North Carolina Before You Go
A self-service salvage is great fun but can be extremely humid during North Carolina summers. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring the right tools for the job.
My recommendations for NC auto salvages are
- Clothing choices based on the time of year
- Water and even have extra in your car
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Mechanic-style gloves for pulling parts
- Hand warmers and winter gloves for winter
- Boots, preferably steel toe
- Deicer for winter
- Battery-operated fan for the summer
- Proper junkyard tools and someone to help you if you are pulling engine parts
Checking Junkyards in the Neighboring States
If you live near a state border, check out the junkyards in neighboring states for great deals.
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Junkyards in North Carolina Conclusion
If you’re looking for junkyards in North Carolina, there are plenty to choose from. And if you do your research, you can get a good deal on a salvage vehicle. Be sure to bring the right clothing and tools for the job, and don’t forget to check out junkyards in neighboring states as well. Now find your favorite junkyards in North Carolina and pull some used parts.
