Junkyards, dealers and private buyers pay between $100 to $950 for the average junk car, though heavy trucks and popular vehicle models may fetch higher offers
Updated:
Jun 30, 2024
Written by:
Daniel Robinson
Daniel Robinson
Writer
Edited by:
Rashawn Mitchner
Rashawn Mitchner
Senior Editor
If your car is damaged beyond repair or doesn’t run due to an engine failure or other issues, you may consider selling the vehicle for junk or scrap. However, the best way to sell your car varies based on details about your vehicle and current scrap prices.
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team look at how much junk and scrap cars are worth. We’ll cover average prices for junk vehicles, how scrap metal car prices work and what you can do to get the best value for your scrap or junk vehicle.
Key Takeaways:
- On average, you can expect to receive between $100 and $950 for a junk vehicle.
- Scrap metal prices change based on supply and demand, location and other factors.
- Selling for scrap is a great way to get value out of older junk cars, but some junk buyers may pay more for newer, inoperable vehicles.
How Much Is a Junk Car Worth?
While some junk cars can sell for higher prices, you should expect to get cash offers between about $100 and $950 for most inoperable, damaged vehicles. Junkyards and scrap yards determine the amount they’ll pay for a vehicle based on the weight of your vehicle, the current price of scrap metal and other factors.
However, how much you’ll ultimately receive for any junk car depends on the vehicle and how, when and where you sell it. While junk car buyers and salvage yards can help you unload a junk car quickly, prices offered by these entities may be less than what you’d receive by parting out your car or selling it as-is to a private buyer. In the case of select classic, luxury or popular vehicle models, buyers may be willing to pay a higher amount.
How To Estimate a Junk Car’s Worth
Get a quote from three or more buyers to get a ballpark idea of your junk car’s value. Start by calling local dealerships or junk buyers in your area and comparing their quotes with those provided by online junk car buyers.
If you’re concerned these buyers aren’t matching what your car is worth, you can follow up on those offers by checking your car’s fair market value. Use a car value calculator or check car pricing guides like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to find this value. Depending on the condition of your vehicle, you should typically expect to receive 15 to 20% of your vehicle’s fair market value when selling it as junk.
Don’t overestimate the condition of your vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair and doesn’t operate, you’ll likely be faced with selling your junk car for cash at scrap prices.
Average Junk Car Prices
While prices vary based on many factors, you can expect to receive anywhere from $100 to $950 for:
- Vehicles that are over 10 years old
- Cars that have high mileage
- Severely damaged vehicles
- Cars, trucks and SUVs that are inoperable
However, some cars may fetch higher prices from junk-buying services if:
- They’re newer
- They have limited damage
- They’re highly sought after
- They’re heavy-duty with higher weights
Our team requested quotes from our top two online junk car buyers to give you a sense of what value you can expect for cars in junk condition. As a note, we chose to request quotes for an older, high-mileage vehicle to better reflect the average car being sold as junk:
| Car Selling Company | 2007 Toyota Camry Quote | 2004 Nissan Altima Quote | 2003 Honda Accord Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peddle | $820 | $400 | $720 |
| Copart | $847 | $303 | $488 |
Photo: reznik_val – stock.adobe.com
How Much Is a Scrap Car Worth?
For an idea of how much money you may get from selling your clunker for scrap, you’ll need to know the weight of your vehicle. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 Automotive Trends Report, the average 2021 model vehicle weighs 4,289 pounds, or just over two tons.
Smaller vehicles may weigh less, while trucks and SUVs can weigh significantly more. Here’s a look at average vehicle weights by body type:
| Vehicle Body Type | Weight (In Pounds) |
|---|---|
| Small sedans | 2,600 |
| Midsize sedans | 3,500 |
| Full-size sedans | 4,400 |
| Small trucks and SUVs | 3,300 |
| Midsize trucks and SUVs | 5,300 |
| Full-size trucks and SUVs | 6,600 |
To get the exact weight of your vehicle, you’ll need to either weigh it, consult the manufacturer or use tools like a VIN decoder to get in-depth make and model information.
If you’re interested in calculating the value of your car as scrap metal, note that the final price you’re offered will likely depend on the price of various scrap metals — not just your vehicle’s weight. As an example, the World Steel Association indicates that the average vehicle contains 2,000 pounds of steel, with 40% of that amount in the vehicle’s body panels, doors and trunk closures.
How To Find Scrap Metal Prices for Cars
After you know the weight of your vehicle, you’ll need to estimate the value based on current scrap metal prices. Local junkyards use current scrap metal prices and your vehicle’s weight to make an offer. You’ll need to contact local scrap yards and junk buyers directly to get these prices. Our team recommends contacting multiple scrap buyers, as some may pay different rates.
Average Scrap Metal Car Prices
Scrap metal prices fluctuate frequently, but you can generally expect scrap metal prices to be between $100 and $200 per ton for steel, aluminum, iron and other valuable metals found in automobiles. However, you may be able to increase your return on your junk vehicle by selling individual parts before scrapping the frame.
Photo: Joshua Rainey – stock.adobe.com
Factors That Affect Scrap Car Prices
How much you can get for your scrap car will be influenced by factors such as:
- Current scrap metal prices: Scrap metal prices for steel, aluminum, copper and other metals will significantly impact how much junk buyers are willing to pay for your vehicle.
- Vehicle weight: Vehicles like SUVs, trucks and vans are heavier and made of more metal than lightweight sedans or compact cars.
- Region: Scrap metal markets and demands differ by location, and prices in one state may be higher than in another.
- Distance from junkyard: If a salvage buyer has to tow your vehicle a significant distance to scrap it, expect your final payout to be lower.
- Car’s condition: As noted above, newer cars in good condition can fetch a higher price at some junk buyers, while vehicles in older, inoperable or poor condition will go for bare-minimum scrap metal prices.
- Salvageable parts: If critical components like the catalytic converter, engine or transmission are in good condition, you may be able to get more for your junk vehicle.
Tips To Get the Most Money for a Scrap Car
If you’re selling your non-running car for scrap, you’re likely at the mercy of an auto salvage yard. However, there are some steps you can take to get the best price possible for your car.
Prepare Your Car
First and foremost, remove all personal belongings and other items of value from the vehicle. Next, get all of your vehicle’s documents in order, including title or proof of ownership, a list of any missing parts and any loan information, if applicable. This will help keep the car selling process hassle-free.
Salvage and Sell Valuable Parts
If your scrap or junk vehicle is less than 10 years old, you may get good value from it by selling its valuable components individually. Consider selling the following parts if they’re in good condition:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Catalytic converter
- Wheels
- Doors
- GPS devices
- Windows
- Airbags
- Car seats
- Body panels, including fenders and bumpers
Remember that parting out your scrap vehicle could take longer than selling it for scrap and will reduce the overall scrap value of the vehicle.
Compare Prices
Before you commit to selling your car for scrap, be sure to check its potential for sale on private markets. Classic, luxury and older models are worth more to select buyers for parts or restoration. Newer vehicles that won’t drive but are otherwise in good condition can also get surprisingly high offers.
If your car is ultimately only good to sell as scrap, compare prices from different junk buyers in your area before committing. You can also get free quotes from online dealerships and junk-buying services. Remember, if your car requires a tow truck for transportation, your buyer may deduct that cost from your final payout, so consider your options for junk car removal as part of this process.
Scrap Car Prices: The Bottom Line
How much your car is worth as junk or scrap depends on the type of vehicle, its weight, current scrap metal prices and other factors. You can expect to get anywhere from $100 to $950 on average for most vehicles in junk condition. However, heavier vehicles, newer vehicles and classic makes and models may receive higher offers.
Our team recommends comparing the sale potential of your vehicle through multiple marketplaces, including dealers, private buyers, junkers and scrap yards. This information can help you get the most for your vehicle.
Our Junk Car Selling Recommendations
Get an instant quote from Peddle and Copart if you’re considering selling your junk car online.
Peddle: Good Choice for Older Vehicles
Peddle is our first recommendation for selling an older or junk vehicle online. Peddle’s online car selling service is tailor-made for old vehicles and the company buys cars in almost any condition, with or without a car title. Peddle offers free towing and pays by cash or check during vehicle pickup, pending a final vehicle inspection.
Keep reading: Peddle review
Copart: Quick Payments
Copart offers a simplified process and fast payments for junk vehicles. Copart has over 30 years of experience in the industry and now boasts over 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Vehicle pickup can be completed in as little as one to two days after the initial quote process.
Keep reading: Copart review
Junk Car Prices: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about scrap prices for cars:
Most vehicles in junk or inoperable condition can sell for between $100 and $950, though some buyers may make higher offers on newer, heavier, luxury or classic vehicles.
Current scrap metal prices, vehicle type, location and other factors determine the value of any scrap vehicle. Get quotes from local and online junk buyers to get the most accurate picture of your car’s current scrap value.
Our team found that online junk buyers like Peddle offer reasonably high offers for cars in various conditions. Local junk and scrap buyers also offer reasonable prices for sellers trying to get cash for their junk vehicles. Always review multiple quotes from these services when considering how to sell your scrap vehicle.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best platforms to sell your car. We collected data on several providers to grade each company in five key areas. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the car selling platforms that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Industry Standing: Our research team considers ratings from industry experts and years in business when determining this score.
- Platform: Platforms that offer a variety of features, including instant offers and multiple sales options, are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
- Cost: To compare providers’ average offer prices, our team conducted a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicle types. We also considered the fees companies charge to use their platforms.
- Support: Car selling companies that offer strong transaction support received the highest scores in this category. This includes offerings like free pickup service as well as how quickly you receive your payment.
- Customer Experience: This score is based on customer satisfaction ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot as well as our team’s experience reaching out to each platform.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
