WIW 62 Lancer

@ pishta - I agree there are qualifications on the clunker smog program. My point was to illustrate the maximums the local yards are paying given the best of conditions. After I posted the OP posted the car has no vin plate and no data tag which prevents it's sale to any junkyard in the two states I used for reference. Just the hassle of getting paperwork in the two states I mentioned make it not worth the effort unless owner would take a $200-$300 as a parts car.

@matthon - Walking away in this case is your best move, in my opinion, if your goal was to save the car. With no Vin tags getting paperwork can cost you dearly. Owners (possessors really) tell me all the time paperwork is no big deal and I should offer more for the vehicle I'm trying to buy. I tell them given it's no big deal, you get a title for it and I'll up my offer by $500. That usually ends the conversation and the purchase. Granted the paperwork process varies by state and maybe Georgia isn't so bad I don't know but in AZ or CA it's a pain and can be costly.