Junk Car Removal Jacksonville: Free Tow or Scrap Yard Drop-Off? (2024 Comparison)

You’ve decided to scrap your junk car—now what? Most Jacksonville sellers face two options:

• "Free towing" services (like Peddle or local buyers)

• DIY drop-off at a scrap yard (like Ace Pick-A-Part)

• 
  

But here’s what nobody tells you:

🚛 "Free" towing often means lower payouts (they deduct 200−400 for "tow costs")

💰 Scrap yards pay more upfront—but require you to hire a tow truck

At JAX Cash for Cars NOW, we offer a third option: Free same-day towing AND prices that beat scrap yards.

Here’s how it works.

2024 Jacksonville Scrap Yard vs. Towing Price Comparison

We compared payouts for 3 identical junk cars using different removal methods:

Car Peddle (Free Tow) Ace Pick-A-Part (DIY Drop-Off) JAX Cash for Cars (Free Tow)

2008 Honda Civic (Non-running) $550 $900 $1,100

2012 Ford Escape (Transmission gone) $700 $1,200 $1,450

1997 Chevy Silverado (Engine seized) $1,000 $1,500 $1,800

Key Takeaways:

✔ Scrap yards pay 20-30% more than national "free tow" services

✔ BUT you must pay 150−300 for a tow truck (net profit drops)

✔ We pay scrap-yard-level prices AND tow for free

How "Free Towing" Services Hide Their Costs

National companies advertise "free towing" but reduce your payout through:

1. The "Transportation Fee" Bait-and-Switch

How it works:

They quote $1,000 online

At pickup: "Your car is heavier than expected—new offer: $600"

Our policy: Written, binding quotes before we tow.

2. Delayed Pickups = Missed Scrap Price Peaks

Peddle/Wheelzy often take 3-7 days to pick up your car.

Scrap metal prices can drop 5-10% in that time.

Our guarantee: Same-day pickup in Jacksonville.

3. They Sell to Local Scrap Yards Anyway

These middlemen ship your car to the same Jacksonville scrap yards—after taking their cut.

Scrap Yard Drop-Off: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

-Higher upfront prices (No middleman)

-Instant payment (Cash when you drop off)

❌ Cons:

-You must arrange/pay for towing ($200+ flatbed fee)

-Some yards reject certain cars (No tires? No battery? They’ll deduct $)

-Long wait times (Ace Pick-A-Part often has 2+ hour lines)

Best for:

-Those with working trucks/trailers

-Cars already at repair shops (mechanics may tow cheaply)

How Our Free Tow Process Works (And Pays More)

We cut out the middleman by:

-Parting out usable components (engines, transmissions, etc.) to local shops

-Direct scrap metal sales to Jacksonville recyclers

This lets us:

✔ Pay scrap-yard-level prices

✔ Offer free same-day towing

✔ Give cash on the spot

Recent Example:

*"Ace Pick-A-Part offered 1,200 for my F−150 if I towed it. JAX Cash for Cars paid me1,500 AND picked it up free!"*

— Marcus L., Arlington

3 Signs You’re Getting Scammed:

🚩 1. They Demand Payment for Towing

Legit buyers (like us) never charge for pickup.

🚩 2. No Written Quote Before Pickup

Always get an email/text offer to prevent bait-and-switch.

🚩 3. Out-of-State License Plates on Tow Trucks

Unlicensed "gypsy towers" often resell cars illegally.

FAQs

Q: Do you remove cars from impound lots?

A: Yes! We handle all Jacksonville impound paperwork (additional fee may apply).

Q: What if my car has flat tires/no wheels?

A: No problem—we use wheel dollies. No deductions.

Q: How fast can you come today?

A: Most Jacksonville areas get same-day pickup if you call by 2 PM.

Ready for Fast, Free Removal?

Call today for a no-obligation quote. We’ll beat any scrap yard’s net price (after tow costs).

📍 Areas Served: Downtown Jacksonville, Southside (St. Johns Town Center), Westside (103rd St), Beaches (Atlantic/Neptune)