Buying a car that doesn't run can be a great deal — a project, parts, a first car to fix up, or a family vehicle that's been sitting. Getting it home is the part people forget to plan. A few checks before pickup day make the move quick and avoid surprises.
Paperwork first
Before anyone loads the car, make sure you have:
- The title, signed over to you (or the seller's paperwork in progress)
- A bill of sale with the VIN, price, date and both signatures
- Permission to pick up if the car is at someone else's property or a storage lot
Title and registration rules are different in North Carolina and Virginia. If you're moving a car across the state line, check with the NCDMV or Virginia DMV about what you need to title it in your name.
Keys and steering
A car without keys can still be towed, but it's harder:
- Steering wheel lock: many cars lock the steering without a key, which makes loading tricky.
- Park lock: automatics can be stuck in Park without a key or battery.
- Ask the seller for every key and fob they have.
Tell us ahead of time if there's no key. That changes how we load the car.
Can it roll?
Find out if the car rolls freely:
- Are the tires holding air, or flat and cracked?
- Are the brakes seized from sitting?
- Is the parking brake stuck on?
A car that doesn't roll can still be moved, but we need to know in advance. Our vehicle recovery & transport page explains how we handle non-runners.
Where is it parked?
Describe the spot honestly:
- Gravel or grass driveway? Soft ground after rain?
- Tight backyard, low tree branches, a gate?
- Parked behind other cars?
In the Piedmont, a car that's been sitting on red clay for months can be sunk in more than it looks. If it needs to be pulled out before it can be loaded, see our winch-out page.
Take photos before it's loaded
Photograph all four sides, the interior and the odometer before pickup. It's good practice for any tow and gives you a clear record of the car's condition.
Plan the destination
Have the address ready: your home, your mechanic, a storage unit. If you're moving a car between the Triad and Danville or Martinsville, tell us when you call so we can plan the trip. // CONFIRM Virginia towing
Call to schedule
Non-runner pickups aren't emergencies, so you can pick a time that works for you and the seller. Call (888) 383-0095 with the year, make, model, location, key status and whether it rolls.
