Selling a dead or junk car in Midland

If it is not worth fixing, we buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Where the rule applies

Section 28-41 makes it unlawful to store, place or "allow to remain" an abandoned, inoperable, dismantled or partially dismantled car, or parts of one, on any city street or public right-of-way. It reaches private land too: "any platted or unplatted parcel of land" that the section ties to a residential district. The text we read sets no grace period in days.

Four kinds of car the code names

Section 28-39 defines each one, and a car can fit more than one:

• Abandoned: left unattended on public or private property "and not having a valid license."
• Dismantled or partially dismantled: a car "from which some part which is ordinarily a component of such motor vehicle has been removed or is missing." A pulled door or a missing wheel qualifies.
• Inoperable: the engine, tires and battery test above.
• Parts: loose parts of a car count under Section 28-41 on their own.

A car stripped for a project or picked over by thieves fits the second label. Missing parts covers selling one in that state.

A nuisance per se, and a permit for more time

Section 28-43 declares a car kept in violation of the article "a public nuisance per se." That means the city does not have to prove harm; the car's presence is the violation. "Any court of competent jurisdiction may order such nuisance abated and the owner guilty of maintaining a nuisance per se."

Midland's fee appendix also lists Section A63, a permit to extend for an abandoned, inoperable, dismantled or partially dismantled car, with a fee. We did not find the amount or the length of the extension. Check with Midland before relying on one.

One city, two counties

Midland sits in both Midland County and Bay County. For a car sale, that line makes no difference: Michigan titles are issued by the state Department of State through its branch offices, not by a county.

Signing over the title

In Midland, the seller completes the odometer statement and the seller's part, signs it, and gives the buyer the original title rather than a photocopy. All named owners sign. No notary appears in the Department of State's seller steps. If it is a single seller and a single buyer, each with a Michigan driver's license or ID, you can transfer online, and approval may take up to 3 days.

Until the buyer transfers it, the title record stays in your name. So the state advises visiting a branch office with the buyer. No branch visit? Then MCL 257.240 makes a Midland seller keep a sale record for 18 months or more. Photocopying both sides of the signed title covers it.

Salvage, scrap and flood brands

Michigan's branded titles are gray and yellow. For a late-model car in Midland, repairs at 75% up to under 91% of pre-damage value mean salvage, and 91% and above means scrap. Salvage cars may be rebuilt and driven again. Scrap cars are only for parts or scrap metal. A flood-damaged car must carry the Flood brand. In Midland, you may request a salvage or scrap title whenever you choose, however old or worn the car is. Salvage title explains more.

The plate

Take it off at the sale. MCL 257.233 lets a Midland plate move to another of your cars. Michigan also lets a Midland owner hand the car to a child, parent, sibling or spouse. A plate left on could leave you answerable for the buyer's parking tickets.

Nearby

Bay City is 17.4 miles away as the crow flies, Saginaw 19.9 and Mount Pleasant 27.3. Statewide rules are on the Michigan page.

Getting an offer

Use the form or call (877) 421-6008. Use our form for your Midland car. Our truck collects Midland cars from garages, driveways and repair shops.