Sell a Car That Failed Inspection or Emissions
A car that failed a safety inspection or emissions test can be sold as-is; the offer depends on the vehicle and the problem behind the failure, not the failed sticker. Price depends on model year, make and model, whether it runs or drives, and title status. Across all conditions, JunkUrCar instant offers (Feb–Sep 2026) had a median of $5,475 for 2018+ vehicles vs $325 for pre-2008, and 86% of accepted 2018+ offers were $1,000 or more. Offers are not guaranteed.
Updated
What sets the offer
- Model year and make/model set most of the offer.
- What failed matters: a bad catalytic converter or a check-engine code affects price differently than worn brakes.
- Whether it runs and drives.
- A clean title in your name gets the best offer.
Real offers by model year (all conditions)
JunkUrCar instant offers for all vehicles, Feb–Sep 2026. Our data does not record vehicle condition, so these figures cover all conditions — not only cars with this problem. Groups with fewer than 5 offers are hidden. Offers are not guaranteed.
| Model years | Median offer | Middle half | Offers (n) | Accepted offers $1,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018+ | $5,475 | $2,950–$8,525 | 1,061 | 86% (of 7) |
| 2013–17 | $825 | $450–$1,800 | 1,883 | 37% (of 67) |
| 2008–12 | $400 | $300–$625 | 2,266 | 20% (of 91) |
| pre-2008 | $325 | $225–$450 | 3,890 | 6% (of 140) |
Repair or sell?
- Your inspection report lists what failed — get a quote for exactly those items.
- Some states offer emissions repair assistance or waivers; check your state's program before paying for repairs.
- If the fix is the catalytic converter or engine work on an older car, selling as-is is often the better deal.
Title and paperwork
- You don't need a passing inspection to sell a car as-is to a buyer who tows it.
- Title in your name and a matching photo ID; keep the inspection report handy to describe the problem.
Rules vary by state. See the paperwork guide and title requirements by state.
Value pages for popular 2013+ vehicles
- 2015 Toyota RAV4 junk value (2015–2019 median $5,525, all conditions)
- 2017 Toyota Camry junk value (2015–2019 median $3,500, all conditions)
- 2017 Toyota Tacoma junk value (2015–2019 median $8,200, all conditions)
- 2019 Toyota Highlander junk value (2015–2019 median $8,675, all conditions)
- 2019 Toyota Corolla junk value (2015–2019 median $3,925, all conditions)
- 2013 Toyota Avalon junk value (2010–2014 median $3,075, all conditions)
- 2013 Toyota Prius junk value (2010–2014 median $2,400, all conditions)
- 2015 Chevrolet Equinox junk value (2015–2019 median $1,000, all conditions)
Questions
Can I sell a car that failed inspection?
Yes. It's sold as-is and towed, so it doesn't need to pass.
Does a failed emissions test lower the offer?
It depends on the cause. Tell us what failed so the offer reflects it.
Should I fix it first?
Only if the repair costs clearly less than the value it adds. Check for state repair assistance too.
Do I need a valid registration?
No, but you need the title or your state's accepted proof of ownership.
Get your instant offer
Enter your vehicle and describe the problem. Free towing. Offers are not guaranteed.
(833) 313-6425