Donate, sell, or scrap?

[numbnuts240]

so my 2001 explorer sport needs to go. it runs, but it's got a bent intake valve (spark plug change gone wrong) and it should have a timing chain job done before the guides give out (the tensioners are already causing chain rattle at start-up). i will not be fixing it, as it's not worth my time or money. i've already purchased a replacement explorer and will be scavenging parts to swap over to the "new" one this weekend. the 2001 will be left complete and "running" except it'll be missing the radio.

i know it's worth nothing, but i would like to get the highest return possible getting rid of it. so my options are bring it to the scrap yard/junk yard for maybe $150, sell it privately for idk what, or donate it for a tax credit. idk much about donating vehicles, but i do know it''l be the easiest and quickest way to rid myself of it. what do you guys think?

2001 ford explorer sport
210k miles. like i said, it will start and run, but it will likely need a rebuild or a swap.
black exterior. paint is not in the greatest condition at all, and there's some quality rot starting at the top of the rear wheel wells.
gray interior. it's gray. behind the rear seats is trashed
auto transmission, trans cooler is leaking
4wd, works fine
disc brakes all around, one rear caliper is leaking
power sunroof, no issues

what i'm keeping:
wheels and tires
shocks
stereo receiver
plugs and wires
abs sensor
probably a couple other things i randomly think of while i'm swapping things over

[float_6969]

I'm not in the "scene", but don't they have some off road appeal? Maybe you could find a guy wanting to build a mudder or a crawler that might want a project car. Seems like you'd get the most money for it that way.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Scrap metal prices are in the toilet, so you probably wont get much for it that way. If you need the boost on your taxes and can't find anyone else to buy it, maybe just donate it.

[Bubba1]

Given you're planning to strip the dang thing of everything valuable, you're not likely to get much for it selling what remains of it privately. And if you attempt to sell it privately, you need to add in the hassle of dealing with bunch of weirdos trying to beat you down more on price. I suggest either scrapping or donating it, neither of which will net you much money, but at least you wash your hands of the old Exploder quickly and permanently. Plus, in both cases, they'll pick it up free. The bigger question is whether you prefer receiving a smaller amount of cash now by scrapping, or waiting til next spring to save perhaps a teensy bit more on your taxes. Since we're talking about such a small amount of money, I think you should scrap it, get the cash, close the book on it, and move on.

[elwesso]

As James said scrap is terrible right now.. About 1.5 years I scrapped a car (3700lbs) for about $450 (so about $250/ton). A few weeks ago I scrapped about 2000 lbs and I got $50, and last week a friend of mine scrapped about 1000 lbs and got $7, so yeah, don't scrap it. About 2 years ago it would have been a great move.

Personally I'd list it on CL for $100, and take the first $500 you get offered, and just move on with life.

[numbnuts240]

Well the final verdict is to just scrap it. We beat it up pretty good stripping parts, and had to destroy some things on the "new" exploder getting them off. We salvaged a few items that we're going to bring to the swap meet next weekend (lights, oem stereo, some switches). I cut the grill out for a garage decoration and memento.
The plan before bringing it to its grave will be to drain the fluids, and grenade the engine. My buddy tossed a bolt into the oil filler next. Bouncing on the rear bumper without shocks provided plenty of entertainment for a while. It's like a gearhead bouncy house

[frapjap]

Glad youre having fun with it and letting it entertain you and provide some good stories before scrapping.
I suggest one thing though- drain the radiator, pee in it for a week, and see how long the engine runs on the new "coolant."

[Bubba1]

Glad youre having fun with it and letting it entertain you and provide some good stories before scrapping.
I suggest one thing though- drain the radiator, pee in it for a week, and see how long the engine runs on the new "coolant."

Sounds like a good idea for the next time Tita runs into Nala....

[numbnuts240]

before:




after:




plans for after winter are a new hop shock, sway bar bushings and end links, and whatever other maintenance items pop up. i do want to change the gear oil in the transmission before winter, though.

the urine in the radiator isn't a bad idea. i may put together a competition to see who can guess how long the engine lasts running dry with a bolt in the valve train. i have to see what i can take off as a good prize for the wiener.

[numbnuts240]

oh, and i want to find some cheap muffler at the swap meet this weekend too. preferably purple hornies. you know, to keep the whole barney theme it's got going on. but i'd be happy with some cherry bombs. i need something to drown out the whine from the p/s pump.

[Heavy]

Dont blow it up without me. Ill be up this weekend