We buy junk cars from Ames residents in neighborhoods like West Ames and Bloomington Heights. Our team comes directly to your location, and towing is always free. We pay you on the spot when we pick up your vehicle, no matter its condition. Our service covers a wide area, including places near Lincoln Way. If you have an old or damaged car, we’re ready to offer a fair price and handle the removal.

Instant Cash Offer for Your Used Vehicle in Ames

Just give us a call any time, day or night, and we will provide you with a cash offer for your vehicle. Share the make, model, mileage, and condition with us. There is no need to upload photos or wait for callbacks. Our live operators are ready 24/7 to help you get an instant offer.

We buy a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. Our purchases cover cars of all ages and mileage. We accept vehicles that run well and those with mechanical problems, body damage, or worn-out parts. We handle cars with clean titles as well as those with accidents or overdue maintenance. Our team evaluates each vehicle’s type and condition to provide an accurate offer.

Here are some of the common issues we purchase with, reflecting the variety of conditions our sellers trust us to handle:

  • Damaged Mass Airflow
  • Missing Flywheel
  • Failed Thermostat Housing
  • Frame Rail Crack
  • Control Arm Corrosion
  • Missing Axle Bolt
  • ECU Processor Failure
  • Rusted Rocker Panel
  • Loose Dashboard Mounts

Free Towing in Ames Iowa and on the Spot Payment

In Ames, you can schedule a pickup time that works for you, and we will send our team to your home or workplace. We provide free towing for every vehicle, so you don’t pay a thing when we collect your car. When we arrive, we complete the paperwork and pay you on the spot. Towing usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of your scheduled time.

👍 Good to Know


Ames Junk Car Buyers Data – RunBidSell (Dec 2025)

$3889
Average Junk Car Offer

25 Hours
Average Pick Up Time

YES
Same Day Service Available

RunBidSell Junk Car Removal Service Areas in Ames

We buy junk cars everywhere in Ames, including these Ames Iowa Neighborhoods: Bloomington Heights, Edwards, Old Town Historic District, Somerset, Stone Brooke, Teagarden, and West Ames. We also serve the following ZIP codes: 50010, 50011, 50014.

Ames FAQs About Cash for Junk Cars

Q: Do you buy junk cars in the Campustown area?
A: Yes, we cover all of Ames, including the Campustown area.

Q: Are there specific registration or title requirements for selling my junk car in Ames Iowa?
A: In Ames Iowa, we require a clear title to buy your vehicle for cash, but if your car is junked and the title is lost, we can often assist with local Polk County DMV resources to obtain a duplicate. Ames has streamlined processes for transferring titles, reducing wait times compared to other areas, so we help make this step quick and easy for sellers.

Q: How does local pickup work for vehicles in neighborhoods like Campustown or North Ames?
A: Neighborhoods such as Campustown have tighter parking restrictions and busy streets, so we schedule pickups during off-peak hours to avoid traffic issues. North Ames often has easier access for towing. We know the best times and routes to pick up cars quickly and safely anywhere in Ames Iowa to minimize disruption for sellers and neighbors.

Q: Does RunBidSell buy cars in other locations?
A: We buy junk cars throughout Iowa. Locations near Ames include Ankeny, Urbandale and Des Moines.

Ames Insights: Junk Car Values and Trends

Across Ames, we often buy a wide range of vehicles, with trucks and SUVs remaining the most requested. Older pickups like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, typically 10 to 15 years old, are common because they often have engine or transmission issues after high mileage. Many of these trucks come in with worn out shocks or rust, making repairs costly, so sellers sometimes choose to move them quickly for cash. Compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are still popular, especially models from the early 2010s. These vehicles tend to have issues like transmission slipping or electrical problems, especially as they age past 150,000 miles. Meanwhile, newer SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Rogue are increasingly in demand, often because they are still running well and haven’t yet experienced heavy wear. Over the past few months, we’ve seen a slight increase in the purchase of hybrid vehicles, like the Prius and Honda Insight, driven by rising fuel prices. Conversely, older hatchbacks and economy cars are trending downward, since many of these models are hitting the 20-year mark with significant rust or engine wear. The market is holding steady, with prices for used vehicles staying pretty consistent over the last few months. If you’re thinking about selling, it’s a good idea to jump in soon before values shift or decline further.

 

Recent Offers

2018 GMC Sierra 3500 - Accident - $3095
2019 Kia Sorento - Junk - $3605
2015 Chevrolet Silverado - Inoperable - $790
2018 Mazda 6 - Junk - $4910
2005 Kia Sedona - Salvage - $4125
2019 Toyota 4Runner - Total Loss - $4070
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 - Accident - $4035
2007 Kia Telluride - Damaged - $3755
2000 Ram 1500 - Totaled - $2695

Ames Resources for Selling Your Junk Car

Ames Government Portal
Ames’ official portal offers guidelines and resources for managing abandoned and junk vehicles within the community.
Ames Government Address: 515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010

Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles
The Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles website provides information on title transfer requirements, necessary forms, and seller obligations related to the legal sale of motor vehicles in the state.

Guide to Vehicle Sales in Iowa
This detailed guide provides essential information on the process of selling a vehicle in Iowa, covering all necessary steps for a smooth and compliant transaction.

What Cash for Junk Cars Customers in Ames Are Saying

Had a Nissan Juke with damage. The offer came over the phone. They picked it up from my location in Ames. Towing was included, and I chose the pickup time. – Randy I.


Had a broken-down Toyota Avalon. Called for an offer, and there was no charge for towing. – Jessica J.


Selling my car with a bad transmission was something I dreaded, but their fast service in Ames was a game changer for me. – Calvin H.


Selling my non-running van was surprisingly simple. I thought it would be a hassle, but I filled out the online form, and an offer came swiftly. I decided to accept it and arranged for them to pick it up the next day. The towing was free, and I received cash at pickup. Not bad at all. – Joshua K.