Volvo salvage yards are a great place to find used inexpensive parts for your automobile. Most large junkyards should have a section for junked Volvo’s, but if you can find a yard exclusive to the Volvo brand it’s ideal. Below I will share how the Volvo salvage yards near me work, where to find one near you, tips on junking your Volvo, and some guidance on getting cheap auto parts.
Map of Volvo Salvage Yards Near Me
For “Volvo Junk Yards Near Me” or “Volvo Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below…
A Volvo Salvo is a rare find and I only know of a few in the US. The places on the map you see above should be a good start to call around though. You can find auto salvage lots that likely have Volvo in their inventory. You can also try and find a local import junkyard.
How Does a Volvo Salvage Yard Operate
A Volvo scrap yard is run like any local business…probably a bit more similar to a thrift shop. The Volvo salvage yards near me, do both buying and selling. Sometimes they sell whole cars with a salvage title and others they put out for pick-n-pull. The lots are often massive properties with vehicles arranged in a manner of model and year.
How Do Volvos Get in the Junk yard
All car junkers operate similarly with a few variations. For the most part, they all get cars the same way: from the public, an insurance agency, or a junked vehicle auction.
When a car comes from a person, it’s often because the owner figured the repair cost isn’t worth the price or they tried to fix it and it still doesn’t work. When a car comes from an insurance agent, it’s because the car was in an accident. The auto salvo provides a great benefit to the insurance agent because they will buy a wrecked car which the agent will use to offset paying out part of a claim. If the vehicle comes from auction the salvo may have bought several wrecked Volvo’s in a package deal to add to their salvage inventory.
How Volvo Junkyards Process Their Stock
When a Volvo hits the yard on day one it’s not put straight out to stud. First, it has to go through some routine processing to maximize its value and abide by state recycling laws.
In this process drain fluids like anti-freeze and wiper fluid, which get repacked for resale. Gas gets extracted, containerized, and resold. Oil gets drained, containerized, and recycled according to the state laws. These processes are important because if fluids were to leak they can contaminate the local ground water.
A few places will remove the battery for recharging and reselling. Some will also pull the engine out, rebuild it, and resell it with a warranty. When this is done it’s often by a 3rd party vendor who has a contract with the junk yard. The salvo will also pull the most valuable parts out. These are the parts that typically rust and corrode the fastest when left in the elements. This includes parts like starters and alternators. By pulling certain parts out early they can ensure they get the best price for the working pieces and preserve the current condition.
How a Volvo Junk Yard is Arranged
Class, model, and year are typically how a yard is laid out. Not all yards are organized which can make finding what you need pretty difficult. If you are not sure of the schema, you can always ask, but that doesn’t actually mean there is a method to the madness. Since Volvo manufactures more than passenger vehicles and trucks, you can sometimes see Volvo semi trucks or Volvo construction equipment. A majority of what you find though is passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUV’s.
The Volvo salvage yards near me keep the popular models towards the front and other stuff towards the back. At a standard amid to large size junkyard they should have a small section for Volvo’s. Here are a few of the types of models you should find in most lots:
- P1800
- 140 Series
- 164
- 240/260
- 66
- 340/360
- 262C
- 740/760
- 480
- 780
- 440/460
- 940/960
- 850
- S40/V40
- S70/V70
- S90/V90
- C70
- S80
- S60
- V70/XC70
- XC90
- S40/V50
- C30
- C70
- S80
- V70/XC70
- XC60
- S60/V60
- V40
- XC Classic
- XC90
- S90/V90
- XC60
- XC40
- S60/V60
Finding old classic Volvo’s is pretty rare like an old 1955 Duet, 60’s Amazon, or a 1955 PV444. Not saying it’s impossible, but if you do find one, it’s likely picked apart and in pretty bad shape.
If the Volvo salvage yard is well managed, they likely have a website that has a searchable database. This will let you search for vehicles by year and model, and sometimes you can look for parts. If they don’t have an online database, it’s best to call ahead and inquire. This will save you a lot of time in the long run. You can ask questions like: “Do you have a Passenger Side rear door for a 2016 Volvo S80”? or “Do you have any headlight lamps for a Volvo 780, what year and condition are they in”?
What Kind of Used Volvo Parts Can You Find at a Junk Yard?
Your local junkyard is the best place to save on salvage Volvo parts. If you have a place that specializes in Volvo near you, even better. That will make finding parts easier and even more valuable if you are doing a restoration project.
At any auto scrap yard, you can find everything like bumpers, panels, locking mechanisms, seats, wiring harnesses, batteries, exhausts, intakes, etc. Sometimes you may even find brand-new parts. This happens when someone tries to fix their car and throws parts at it. When they can’t get it running they junk it and leave all the new parts on.
What Happens After a Volvo Gets Junked?
When a junkyard has milked all of the value out of a vehicle, it sells off what remains to the local scrap metal plant. This is part of completing the vehicle recycling process. By doing this, they get cash for what’s left of the vehicle and they also make room on the lot for new inventory.
A well-managed and run junk yard business, will clear out cars between 3 and 6 months. Most yards though aren’t quite that efficient and some let the cars rust on the lot. If you are curious about how the parts are recycled, read this.
Buying Used Volvo Parts at a Salvage Yard
Getting salvage parts has both its pros and cons. You can save significantly, but how much quality are you sacrificing? In some cases like doing a Volvo restoration, the salvage yard may be your only option for original parts.
Pros of Buying Salvage Volvo Parts at a Salvage Yard
The biggest pro is the great deals you can get at a car junk yard. Often you can get deals like a rearview mirror for $6, A driver-side front door for about $70, or a battery for $12.
For a long time, I used to go get cheap used parts and then sell them online. If you know how to do this it’s advised, because it’s easy to make a few extra bucks and turn your pick and pull into a profit. The better you know the brand and what Volvo collectors and enthusiasts are looking for, the more money you can make.
Most, but not all, salvage lots offer a warranty. You can purchase it separately for about $10 to $15. I advise you to get one on any part that you feel is expensive. This way if you get the part home and it doesn’t work, you can return it within 30 days for credit or exchange.
Another advantage is that you will find factory-assembled parts. This is much better than going to your local auto store and getting parts.
Cons of Buying Salvage Volvo Parts
Used parts might save you money, but there is always one slight downside; reliability. You have no idea if the piece you ripped off that 780 has any life span left in it. Sure you can visually inspect, check the odometer, or even hook a portable battery up to it, but you never know. That’s why a warranty is often a good idea.
Another disadvantage is that most yards are a mess. You can spend hours wandering around and never find what you are looking for. This is why I recommend calling ahead. Even if they don’t know what they have in their inventory they can at least tell you how the lot is arranged.
Tips For Selling Your Volvo to an Auto Salvage
Ready to junk your Volvo for cash?…follow this guidance before you negotiate a price with the auto salvo:
- Siphon the gas out and save it for personal reuse
- Ensure all your personal belongings are out (don’t forget under the seats)
- Cancel the insurance, registration, and plates (Don’t ask them to do…it will cost you)
- If the vehicle is newer clear all the PII data.
- Know the value of your Volvo before you negotiate.
The first offer any salvage yard will make to you will be scrap metal price. This will be a number based on the vehicles curb weight and the going rate of scrap steel. If your vehicle is in running condition or has functioning parts still on it, you should negotiate. Even if it’s not running and recently has been taken off the road. If it is truly a junker, you will not have much negotiation leverage.
You should also be aware of some of the tactics junk yards use like delayed payment or charging for a wrecker. Read our article on scams and tricks at car salvos. You can also check out How to Junk a Car.
Resources for Volvo Vehicles
The Volvo community is pretty big and there are many resources available. Here are a few that you could reference to get more information or connect with other Volvo owners:
Volvo Salvage Yards Near Me – Wrap-Up
Volvo junk yards are the perfect place to get used parts cheaply. They are great for mechanics, enthusiasts, Volvo owners, or restoration projects. Even if there isn’t a Volvo scrap yard near you, likely your local car junk yard should have some on the lot. If you are looking for Volvo semi trucks or construction equipment, these lots are really not the best place for that.
If you are selling your Volvo, know the negotiating tactics and best practices before you negotiate. Most places are fair, but there are certainly shady places out there. That’s what I’ve learned from the Volvo salvage yards near me. I wish you the best in going and getting some cheap used parts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Volvo Salvage Yards Near Me
Are there any ongoing sales at Volvo salvage yards?
Sales and promotions vary among salvage yards. It’s recommended to check with local Volvo salvage yards directly to inquire about current sales, best deals, discounts, or any upcoming promotions.
What do customers say about Volvo salvage yards near me?
Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights. Check online review platforms or ask the salvage yard directly for feedback from previous customers. Positive reviews can be a good indicator of customer satisfaction.
Are there any ongoing sales at Volvo salvage yards?
Sales and promotions vary among salvage yards. It’s recommended to check with local Volvo salvage yards directly to inquire about current sales, discounts, or any upcoming promotions.
How can I find information about parts that have been sold previously?
Salvage yards may keep records of sold parts. You can inquire with the yard staff to check if they have information on specific Volvo parts that have been sold in the past.
Do Volvo salvage yards offer wheels for sale?
Yes, many Volvo salvage yards have a variety of wheels available for sale to customers. Whether you’re looking for alloy wheels or steel rims, inquire with the salvage yard about their current inventory.
Can I find Volvo parts on eBay from local salvage yards?
Some salvage yards may list their Volvo parts on eBay for wider reach. Check the yard’s online presence or contact them directly to inquire if they use eBay as a platform for selling Volvo parts.
How quickly can I expect delivery of Volvo parts from your salvage yard?
We prioritize quick delivery to ensure your Volvo gets back on the road as soon as possible. Our efficient shipping process aims for prompt service.
