Selling a dead or junk car in Lake Elsinore

We buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, and pickup is free anywhere in the US, whether the car is parked near the lakeshore or up a hillside driveway.

The way out of the five-day rule

Section 8.18.150 leaves alone a car "completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property." Business storage for a dismantler or dealer holding the proper license is carved out as well. A car cover or a carport roof is neither of those.

Notice, then 15 days to appeal

In most cases removal comes after "at least 10 days' notice of intent to abate and remove," mailed certified to two people: whoever owns the land, and the car's last registered or legal owner. That notice must tell both of them they "may appeal the notice within 15 calendar days of the date of the notice by filing an appeal with the City Manager or designee."

Ignoring an order is a misdemeanor too, under Section 8.36.120, separate from the five-day one. And under 8.18.150, people the city authorizes may come onto private land, within the law, to look the car over, learn whose it is and take it.

Removal with no notice at all

Section 8.36.010 drops the notice for a car "inoperable due to the absence of a motor, transmission, or wheels and incapable of being towed," valued under $200, and found to be "a public nuisance presenting an immediate threat to public health or safety," provided the landowner signed a release. That dollar line only sets legal status.

The city reports each removal to DMV within five days: when it happened, where the car went, and which car it was.

Selling it legally in California

Normally the seller hands the buyer a passing Smog Check. Selling for wrecking or dismantling removes that duty. Lake Elsinore sellers should also know Vehicle Code 24007. If a Lake Elsinore car misses Air Resources Board standards, its buyer must be a dealer or a lawful wrecker or dismantler. At the handoff, the seller gives a certificate of compliance or noncompliance.

You sign the title over; the buyer submits it and covers DMV's $15 charge. Within 5 days you send DMV your REG 138 release. Regular plates stay on a Lake Elsinore car when it's sold. For a fee, personalized, environmental or special plates can go on your next car. When a Lake Elsinore car won't crank, read car doesn't run. Engine or wheels already pulled: missing parts.

Towns near the lake

By straight line, Wildomar is 6.5 miles, Menifee 8.7, Perris 9.7 and Murrieta 11.4. See California for the whole state.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or ask online. In Lake Elsinore, the offer form is the fastest way to tell us about your car. Your 15 days begin on the date printed on any city notice.