How Do Junkyards Work?

Junkyards purchase wrecked vehicles that are not worth the cost to repair and then sell any car parts from the vehicle that are still functional. They get their inventory from sources such as private owners, insurance companies, and auto auctions. Many junkyards offer free towing services to incentivize selling them your junked vehicle.

What Tools Should I Bring to the Junkyard?

Having the right tools on hand is critical when picking parts. Here are my top tool picks for pulling parts: Wrenches Ratchets Sockets SAE and Metric Extensions Impact driver Pliers Hammer Breaker bar Screw drivers Penetrating Fluid Sawsall

Why do Junkyards Charge Entrance Fees?

Some self-service junkyards charge an entrance fee (normally less then $10) to walk around. This is to help cover maintenance and administrative costs that the yard incurs.

Can you Negotiate with a Junkyard?

For standard parts like doors, alternators, fenders, engines, transmissions, mirrors etc junkyards have fixed listed prices that are non-negotiable. In my experience though if you are a regular and are buying multiple parts, you can often ask if they could give you a discount on a certain piece.

How Much do Junkyards Pay for Cars?

There are many factors that determine the price, but most commonly you will get between $250 and $500. The prices fluctuate based on the scrap metal market prices and the weight of your vehicle determines how much scrap metal you have. Other factors to be considered are whether or not you need a tow, the mileage on the vehicle, and any damage. A running vehicle is worth more then one that is totally decommissioned.

Junkyards in Kentucky [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ]

Kentucky auto junkyards are a great place to get used parts at huge discounts. While Kentucky is a large state, some junkyards are definitely worth the drive. In this article, we’ll discuss how Kentucky junkyards operate, the best yards in the state, and some tips for salvaging parts in Kentucky. I will also share my own experience with automobile junkyards in Kentucky.

Map of Junkyards in Kentucky

For “junkyards in Kentucky” or “Salvage Yards in Kentucky”, see the map below…

How do Auto Junkyards in Kentucky Operate

All Junkyards in Kentucky are privately owned businesses, just like any other local business in the state. This means they are subject to the same tax laws as any other business, which is why you pay sales tax on used auto parts.

In KY, all junkyards must be licensed by the Motor Vehicles Commission and meet state ordinances. If the yard sells salvage title vehicles, in addition to salvaging parts, then they must also have a Kentucky dealer’s license. Besides those two state requirements, they must follow environmental protection laws and regulations regarding hazardous material handling.

KY salvage yards follow the same operational model as any other US junkyard. They buy vehicles like cars, trucks, SUVs, etc that are considered junk and then sell off the usable parts. The vehicles they acquire come from different sources such as insurance companies, private owners, businesses, tow truck companies, and salvage auctions.

Once a vehicle is bought, it can be either fixed and put back on the market, auctioned off, or sold with a salvage title. If none of those options are viable, the car will be sent to what’s called a “yard,” where members of the public can pick and purchase parts from it.

Each yard has slight differences in how they operate due to its unique business model; however, they all contribute immensely to recycling old vehicles throughout the state.

Processing of Vehicles at a Kentucky Junkyard

Before a vehicle can be sent to the yard, it must go through some required processing.

This includes emptying all hazardous fluids and removing specific parts to keep them from deteriorating or losing value.

The battery, alternator, starter, and in some instances the motor or transmission are among the parts that might be repurposed. If they’re clean enough, some fluids like windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze will be transferred to new bottles and sold again.

Types of Junkyards in KY

There are over 232 businesses in Kentucky that salvage, dismantle, recycle, scrap, or have some type of junkyard and recycling affiliation. The state is abundant with scrap yards and cash for car buyers, making it the perfect place to sell a junk vehicle. You can explore your options and get the most money possible.

Various Salvage Yard Models in Kentucky

There are several different ways that salvage yards in KY operate. Some are self-service, others offer full service, and there are also hybrids. Some yards sell online only or via a warehouse or used parts online only.

Junk Parts Warehouses: For most of these style yards, they will sell their used auto parts online or via brick-and-mortar warehouses. These businesses are usually 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 compared to other places.

Self-Service Junkyards: In self-service junkyards, you pay a small fee to enter and then remove the parts you want from vehicles with your tools. These yards tend to be less organized than traditional salvage yards, but they typically have lower prices.

Full-Service Junkyards: A full-service yard differs from self-service in that they provide the parts or, at a bare minimum, assistance with pulling them. This typically results in higher-quality inventory being available but also means prices will be slightly steeper. However, these yards generally have newer inventory that’s in better condition. If you lack the skills or tools to do the part removal yourself, then going to one of these places would be ideal for you.

Popular Auto Junkyards in Kentucky

The hallmarks of a great salvage yard go beyond simply having good quality reusable parts. You should also factor in aspects like the customer service experience, pricing, warranties, and return policy when selecting a provider. Choosing a reputable salvage company in KY involves taking into account many different factors – from location and inventory to quality control and fair prices.

Kentucky is also home to popular junkyard franchises like U Pull & Pay and Pull-A-Part.

Here are a few popular junkyards with 4.5+ star ratings in Kentucky:

L&D Junkyard 90 Thompson-Tapley Rd, Pine Knot, KY 42635
GC’s Junk Cars 9850 Von Allmen Ct Suite 201-4117, Louisville, KY 40241
Muncy’s Auto Recycle 5216 KY-292, Belfry, KY 41514
Littlefield’s Auto Salvage 112 Moore St, Central City, KY 42330
Key Auto Parts 1850 KY-121, Murray, KY 42071
Hack’s Auto Sales and Salvage 8584 Love Lee Rd, Caneyville, KY 42721
Bardstown Auto Wreckers 3205 Springfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004
Nalley’s Auto Salvage Loretto, KY 40037
Bessler’s U Pull & Save 4700 Strawberry Ln, Louisville, KY 40209
U Pull & Pay 7200 Grade Ln, Louisville, KY 40219

Selling a Junked Vehicle in KY

Private sales are always the best option to get the most money for your car. Kentucky junkyards should only be considered if you cannot find a private buyer.

Oftentimes, salvagers will appraise your vehicle based on its scrap metal value. To negotiate a higher price, you’ll need to prove why your car is worth more than its parts. For instance, if it still runs, that’s a good start. Or even if it doesn’t run, there may be expensive components still attached. Make your argument clearly and confidently to get the best offer possible. To learn how to estimate the value of a junked vehicle, read this.

To junk a vehicle in the state of Kentucky, you will need to have the title. You’ll then need to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the salvage yard and follow all state rules.

Kentucky Procedure for Transferring Vehicle Ownership

Although it may seem like a difficult task, selling your old car for scrap in Kentucky is quite simple if you follow these steps:

Complete the title assignment on the title certificate, and provide a bill of sale and odometer disclosure (if applicable).
Complete the vehicle title application form.
Visit any KY DMV office near you.

Learn more about transferring a title on the Kentucky DMV website.

Buying a Salvage Vehicle in KY

Or, maybe you would like to purchase a car with a salvage title in Kentucky. Here is the intel you need…

When you purchase it, you will pay the Kentucky state sales tax.
You will need a way to transport the vehicle from the junkyard to your location.
The junkyard will sign the title over to you.
A certified inspector must inspect the vehicle to certify it is safe to register as a rebuilt title.
To register your salvage title in Kentucky, take your salvaged title, photo ID, and inspection report to any DMV.
Provide your VIN, fill out the forms, and pay the fee.

What to Know About Salvage Yards in Kentucky Before You Go

A self-service salvage trip can be a blast, but you need to be prepared to deal with the elements. Come prepared by packing the appropriate clothing for the weather and bringing the right tools you will need for the job at hand.

My recommendations for KY 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
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, take advantage of the junkyards in those areas.

Junkyards in Kentucky Conclusion

Scrapping a car is a great way to save money on used vehicle parts, and it’s also a good way to get rid of an old car that you no longer need. Salvage yards are a great resource for car parts, but it’s important to know what you’re doing before you go. Now find your favorite junkyards in Kentucky and pull some used parts.

James

James is an avid junkyarder and mechanic. He has visited Junkyards in every US state and has restored over 30 makes and models of vehicles. He has several automotive and recycling related blogs that generate over 150K views a month.