Junk car questions, answered straight

Most junk cars in the Pontiac area pay between $300 and $2,500. Weight sets the floor and parts demand sets the ceiling, so a complete truck or SUV pays more than a stripped-out compact. Our online form gives you an instant estimated range in about 60 seconds.

Yes. Our driver hands you cash when the vehicle is loaded. No mailed checks, no holds, no payment apps required.

Yes, inside our 10-mile radius of Pontiac. We own our tow trucks, so there's no third-party towing bill to deduct from your offer.

Same day is normal if you call before mid-afternoon. Otherwise next day. We give you a time window so you're not waiting around.

A Michigan title is the cleanest path and gets you the most money. Without one, we can often still buy the car if you can prove ownership with a matching photo ID and current registration. Duplicate titles from the Secretary of State are fast and inexpensive.

That's most of what we buy. No-starts, blown engines, bad transmissions, wrecks, and cars that haven't moved in years are all normal for us. Don't repair anything first.

Because we're the end buyer, not a broker. Most "cash for cars" websites sell your lead to a yard and keep a cut. We own the yard at 986 Cesar E Chavez Ave in Pontiac, we part the cars out ourselves, and we tow with our own trucks — so there's no cut and no tow fee.

The title (or proof of ownership), your photo ID, the keys if you have them, and your personal belongings removed. Leave the battery, tires, and catalytic converter on — removing parts lowers your offer.

Yes — after the sale, remove your license plate and cancel or transfer the insurance. Michigan plates belong to you, not the vehicle.

Everything within about 10 miles of Pontiac, MI 48340 — including Waterford, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Troy, Birmingham, Clarkston, Lake Orion, White Lake, Commerce Township, and Clawson. We also serve some cities 10 to 15 miles out on request.

No — it's an estimated range based on your vehicle's size, year, and condition. The firm offer comes after a quick call to confirm the title and the details, and that number is what our driver pays.

Yes. Acme Junk Car Buyers is the vehicle-buying division of Acme Auto Parts, the family-owned Pontiac salvage yard and used-parts store that has operated since 1948 and holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 517 reviews.

Most vehicles land between $300 and $2,500. Size and weight set the floor, and demand for the specific parts sets the ceiling. A complete truck or SUV pays more than a stripped compact.

Yes. Our driver pays you in cash when the car is loaded — there is no mailed check and no waiting period.

Yes. We run our own tow trucks, so towing is never deducted from your offer inside our 10-mile radius.

Michigan shredded-scrap pricing moves weekly. Rather than quoting a raw ton price, we quote the whole vehicle — weight plus the parts we can resell — which is almost always higher than metal alone.

No. Leave the car complete. Removing parts lowers the offer because those items have resale value to us.

Yes. Plates are not required. We do need proof you own the vehicle.

Yes, but less than most people expect. A rear-hit car with a good engine and transmission often pays more than an undamaged car with a blown motor.

Yes. Our flatbeds and wheel-lifts handle cars with seized brakes, missing wheels, or bent suspension.

No. We just need the title or acceptable proof of ownership.

Compare the salvage deduction on your settlement to our cash offer. If our offer is higher than the deduction, retaining the car and selling it to us puts more money in your pocket.

Michigan issues a salvage or scrap title on retained total losses. We buy either.

Usually the same day or next day, including from a body shop or storage lot.

Somewhat — we can't verify the engine runs, so we price conservatively. But if you know the cause (bad starter, dead fuel pump), tell us; a cheap fix on a good engine raises the offer.

No. Don't bother. Our driver loads it as-is.

Flat tires, dead battery, and a rusted-in-place brake system are all normal for us.

Almost never on an older vehicle. A used engine plus labor often costs more than the car is worth running, so selling as-is is usually the better financial move.

Slightly more, actually — a knocking engine can still yield usable internal parts. Either way we buy it.

Tell us. A head-gasket car often carries a salvageable engine block, which improves the offer.

A used automatic install commonly runs $1,800 to $3,500 locally. If your car's running value is below that, our cash offer plus no repair risk is the better outcome.

Constantly. Failed CVT Altimas, Rogues, and Sentras are among our most common pickups.

No. We load non-driving vehicles every day.

Yes — the drivetrain, body panels, glass, and wheels are usually unaffected by water in the cabin, and those parts carry the value.

No. Remove personal belongings and leave the rest. Mold and standing water are not a problem for us.

Yes, flood and salvage brands are fine.