What Sturtevant Auto Salvage Does

Sturtevant Auto Salvage is a junkyard in Sturtevant, Wisconsin that buys vehicles, dismantles them, and sells the usable parts and scrap metal. If you have a car that no longer runs or is too damaged to repair, you can sell it to them. If you need a replacement part for your vehicle, you can buy used parts from their inventory at a lower cost than new parts from a dealership.

The yard operates as both a buyer and a seller. On the buying side, they purchase vehicles in any condition — running or not, damaged or intact. On the selling side, they stock engines, transmissions, doors, windows, lights, radiators, and other components pulled from those vehicles. They also sell scrap metal by weight to recyclers and metal dealers.

Key Takeaways

  • Sturtevant Auto Salvage buys vehicles in any condition and pays you based on the vehicle's weight and current scrap metal prices.
  • You can purchase used parts from their inventory, which are typically cheaper than new dealership parts and come with no warranty unless stated otherwise.
  • The yard handles the towing and paperwork for vehicle sales, though you should bring your title and keys to speed up the process.
  • Parts availability changes constantly as vehicles are dismantled, so calling ahead to check if a specific part is in stock saves a trip.
  • Used parts from a salvage yard carry no may provide they will work or last, so inspect them before purchase if possible.

Selling Your Vehicle to Sturtevant Auto Salvage

To sell a car to Sturtevant Auto Salvage, contact them with basic information about the vehicle: the year, make, model, and condition. They will give you a quote based on the vehicle's weight and the current price of scrap metal, which fluctuates. The quote is not binding until they inspect the vehicle in person.

Bring your title and keys when you deliver the vehicle or when they pick it up. If you do not have the title, the process becomes more complicated and may not be possible depending on Wisconsin state law and the yard's policy. Ask them directly about their title requirements before you commit to a sale. Most yards handle the towing at no cost to you if the vehicle is not drivable, though some charge a fee depending on distance.

Once the sale is complete, the yard will handle the paperwork to transfer ownership. You will receive payment, usually by check or cash. The amount depends on metal prices at the time of sale, so two vehicles of the same make and model may fetch different prices weeks apart.

Buying Used Parts from the Yard

Sturtevant Auto Salvage stocks parts removed from vehicles they have dismantled. Common items include engines, transmissions, doors, fenders, hoods, windows, lights, mirrors, bumpers, radiators, alternators, starters, and interior trim. Availability changes daily as new vehicles arrive and old inventory sells.

Call the yard before you visit to ask whether they have the specific part you need. Provide the year, make, and model of your vehicle and describe the part clearly. If they have it, ask the price and whether you can inspect it before purchase. Some yards allow you to remove parts yourself under supervision; others remove parts for you and charge a labor fee on top of the part price.

Used parts carry no warranty unless the yard explicitly offers one. Before you buy, inspect the part for damage, corrosion, or wear. Test it if possible — for example, roll a window up and down, or check that a light bulb illuminates. Ask whether the part came from a vehicle with high mileage or accident damage, as this affects how long it may last in your car.

Understanding Pricing and Payment

When you sell a vehicle, the price is based on the weight of the car and the current market price for scrap metal. Scrap metal prices change weekly or even daily, so the same vehicle may be worth more or less depending on when you sell it. The yard will weigh your vehicle and calculate the payment using the price on the day of sale.

When you buy parts, prices are set by the yard based on the part's condition, age, and demand. A used engine from a low-mileage vehicle costs more than one from a high-mileage car. A part in good condition costs more than one with visible wear. Prices are typically 30 to 70 percent lower than new parts from a dealership, but there is no price may provide — shop around if you are buying an expensive component.

Payment for vehicle sales is usually cash or check. Payment for parts is typically cash, check, or card depending on the yard's policy. Ask about their payment methods before you arrive.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

If you are selling a vehicle, bring your title and keys. If the vehicle is drivable, you can drive it to the yard. If it is not, call ahead to arrange a tow. Have the vehicle's year, make, model, and mileage ready so you can give an accurate description over the phone.

If you are buying parts, bring the year, make, and model of your vehicle written down, along with a clear description or photo of the part you need. Bring a flashlight if you plan to inspect parts in the yard, as lighting can be dim. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants — junkyards have sharp metal edges and hazards. If you are removing a part yourself, bring basic tools like a socket set, wrench, or screwdriver, depending on what you are removing.

Risks and Limitations of Buying Used Parts

Used parts are sold as-is with no may provide they will work or last. A part may fail when ready after installation, or it may fail months later. You have no recourse with the yard once you leave with the part unless they explicitly offer a return window — ask about their return policy before you buy.

Parts from high-mileage vehicles or vehicles that were in accidents may have hidden damage or wear that is not visible during inspection. An engine may run but have internal damage that causes it to fail soon after installation. A transmission may shift but have worn seals that cause leaks. You are taking on the risk that the part will not perform as expected.

Some parts are not returnable once removed from the yard, so inspect carefully before you commit. If you are not confident in your ability to judge a part's condition, bring someone with mechanical knowledge, or consider buying a new part with a warranty instead.

Contacting Sturtevant Auto Salvage

To reach Sturtevant Auto Salvage, search for their phone number and hours online, as these change. Call during business hours to ask about vehicle sales, part availability, or pricing. Many yards also have websites or social media pages where you can find their location, hours, and contact information.

When you call, have your vehicle information ready if you are selling, or your part description ready if you are buying. Ask about their current policies on titles, towing, returns, and payment methods, as these vary by yard and may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a title to sell my car to a junkyard?

Most yards require a title to buy a vehicle, but some will purchase cars without one if you can prove ownership another way. Call Sturtevant Auto Salvage directly to ask their policy. If you have lost your title, you can request a replacement from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, though this takes time.

Can I return a part if it does not work?

Return policies vary by yard. Some allow returns within a few days if the part is defective; others do not accept returns at all. Ask about the return policy before you buy, and get it in writing if possible. Inspect the part thoroughly before you leave the yard.

How much will I get for my car?

The price depends on the vehicle's weight and the current scrap metal price, which changes frequently. Call the yard with your vehicle's year, make, model, and condition for a quote. The final price is set when they inspect and weigh the vehicle.

What if my car does not run?

Junkyards buy non-running vehicles. Most will tow it for free or a small fee. Call ahead to arrange pickup if the car cannot be driven to the yard.

Are used parts from a junkyard safe to use?

Used parts are safe if they are in good condition and installed correctly. Inspect them before purchase and have a mechanic install them if you are unsure. Parts with visible damage, corrosion, or wear may fail sooner than new parts.