Yes, most scrap yards and auto recyclers will buy cars, even those that are non-running, severely damaged, or very old. The primary factor is the vehicle's weight in scrap metal, but the value can increase significantly if key components like the catalytic converter, alternator, or ECU are still intact and can be resold as used parts.
The process typically begins with you contacting the yard, often through an online form or phone call, to provide basic details about your car: the year, make, model, mileage, and overall condition. Based on this, they will give you an initial quote. To get the final offer, you usually need to bring the car to their location for a physical inspection. They will assess the weight of the recyclable metal and inventory any salvageable parts. Before completing the sale, you must provide the vehicle's title to prove ownership. If you've lost the title, many states have a process for obtaining a duplicate, but you must arrange this beforehand, as most reputable yards will not purchase a car without a clear title.
The price you receive is not arbitrary; it's based on current market rates. The most significant factor is the weight of the car and the prevailing price of scrap steel, which is measured by the ton. However, certain parts can be more valuable than the car itself. For example, catalytic converters contain precious metals like rhodium and platinum, making them highly valuable to recyclers. A non-functional luxury car might be worth more in parts than as scrap metal.
| Factor Influencing Price | Low-End Value (Typical "Scrap" Car) | High-End Value (Car with Salvageable Parts) | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Base Scrap Metal Value | $150 - $300 | $400 - $600 | Tied to current market price per ton of steel. |
| Catalytic Converter | $50 | $500+ | Value depends on the specific model and precious metal content. |
| Aluminum Alloy Wheels | $0 (steel wheels) | $100 - $400/set | Intact, undamaged wheels from popular models are desirable. |
| Engine/Transmission | $0 (seized or damaged) | $200 - $1000+ | Rebuildable units from common cars have high part-out value. |
| Electronic Modules (ECU) | $0 | $50 - $300 | Modules from late-model cars are often in demand. |
| Brand Desirability | Low (e.g., obscure model) | High (e.g., Toyota, Ford) | Common cars have a larger market for used parts. |
Selling to a scrap yard is a straightforward solution for disposing of a vehicle that is no longer drivable or too expensive to repair. It provides a small financial return while clearing space on your property.
