Compare cash offers worksheet
This free worksheet helps you compare buyers or parts sellers side by side before you say yes. It is simple, printable, and made for real people who want clear numbers, clear terms, and fewer surprises.
What this worksheet is for
When you talk to more than one buyer, the numbers can get confusing fast. One person says "$500," another says "free towing," and another changes the price when the truck arrives. The worksheet gives you one place to write down the details so you can compare them fairly.
It also helps if you are looking for affordable used parts. A low price is not always the best deal if the part grade is unclear, mileage is high, or pickup and warranty details are missing.
Use it to compare:
- Cash buyers for a junk, damaged, flooded, or non-running car
- Licensed salvage yards and auto recyclers you may choose to contact
- Used parts sources when you need an engine, transmission, or another recycled part
ScrapRoute is a free matching service. We do not buy cars, sell parts, tow vehicles, or set prices. We help you get connected so you can compare and decide. If you want to start matching first, use Get Offer or learn how prices usually work on How Junk Car Prices Work.
What to write down for each offer
Do not just write the top number. Write the terms too. That is where people often get burned.
For a car sale, include:
1. Buyer or yard name
2. Phone, text, or email contact
3. Vehicle year, make, model, and condition you described
4. Typical cash range or number discussed
5. Whether towing is included or if any fee may apply
6. Earliest pickup time
7. Payment method at pickup
8. What documents they said they need
9. Any notes about title, keys, missing parts, flat tires, or damage
For used parts, include:
- Part name and fitment details
- Used, rebuilt, or recycled condition
- Mileage if known
- Warranty length if any
- Pickup, shipping, or delivery cost
- Return policy
- Installed-ready or part only
A few honest market ranges can help you stay grounded. An older running car sold whole may bring roughly $300-$1,500. A non-running car with a dead engine is often around $150-$600. A wrecked or flood car may be around $150-$900. Scrap-only cars are often $100-$500. Heavier trucks and SUVs may bring roughly $250-$1,200 by scrap weight. Real numbers depend on the year, make, model, condition, weight, location, and current scrap and parts prices.
How to use it the smart way
Print it or keep it open on your phone while you make calls.
- Fill in the same vehicle facts each time so you compare apples to apples.
- Ask each company the same questions.
- Circle anything that is vague, like "maybe free towing" or "we will see when we get there."
- Put a star next to anything they confirm in writing.
Before you hand over the car, protect yourself:
- Deal only with licensed, insured buyers and verify the license yourself
- Keep your title and ID safe
- Never hand over the title or keys until you are paid
- Confirm the final amount, towing, and any fees in writing before pickup
- Title and lien rules vary by state, so confirm your state's rules with the DMV
This is general information, not legal or DMV advice. If you are worried about title steps, read Title Transfer Guide and learn more about junk car scams.
Download the free worksheet
The file is a free PDF: compare-cash-offers-worksheet.pdf.
Use it if you are:
- Selling a junk car for cash
- Comparing buyers for a non-running or wrecked car
- Shopping for a used engine, transmission, or other recycled part
It is meant to help you slow down, write down the details, and make a cleaner decision. That matters most when one offer sounds high but the terms are weak.
If you still need to find options first, start here:
- Sell a junk car
- Sell a non-running car
- Find used parts
Download the free worksheet, write each buyer or parts quote on one page, and compare the real details: price, towing or delivery, payment, documents, and any fees. Do not rush. Get terms in writing, verify the license yourself, and do not give up the title or keys until you are paid.
Common questions
Does the worksheet tell me what my car is worth?
No. It is a comparison tool, not an appraisal or offer. Typical value depends on the year, make, model, condition, weight, location, and current scrap and parts prices. You can use it with the estimate ranges on ScrapRoute to compare what different buyers say.
Can I use this for used engines or transmissions too?
Yes. It works for parts shopping as well. Write down the part condition, mileage if known, warranty, shipping or pickup cost, and return policy so you can compare the full deal, not just the headline price. For common ranges, see [used engines and transmissions](/parts/used-engines-transmissions/).
What is the biggest mistake people make when comparing cash offers?
They focus only on the top number and ignore the terms. A higher number can turn into less money if there are towing fees, changes at pickup, unclear title requirements, or delayed payment. Always verify the buyer is licensed and insured, keep your title and ID safe, and never hand over the title or keys until you are paid.