how much are scrap cars worth

[StEzra]

The value of a scrap car is not a single number but a range, typically between $200 and $1,000, with the national average hovering around $500. The final price is determined by a few key factors: the vehicle's weight (as scrap metal), the current price of scrap steel, the location of the vehicle, and whether any parts are still functional. Heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks often fetch more money simply because they contain more metal. The most valuable scrapped cars are those that can be sold for both parts and scrap, maximizing the return.

The primary factor is the scrap metal value, calculated by the car's weight. Scrap yards price this per gross ton (2,000 lbs). When steel prices are high, your scrap car is worth more. Your geographic location matters because transportation costs for the scrapyard factor into their offer. A car in a remote area might be worth less than one in an industrial hub with multiple competing buyers.

A car that doesn't run but has salvageable components—like alloy wheels, catalytic converters, alternators, or even a working infotainment screen—can be worth significantly more than a pure "scrap" vehicle. Selling these parts individually before scrapping the shell is often the most profitable route, though it requires more time and effort. Always get quotes from several salvage yards or online car-buying services to ensure you're getting a fair price based on your car's specific condition.

Factor	Impact on Value	Example/Data Point
Vehicle Weight	Direct correlation; heavier = more valuable.	A compact car (≈2,800 lbs) vs. a full-size SUV (≈5,500 lbs).
Current Scrap Steel Price	Fluctuates with market demand.	Prices can range from $150 to $300+ per gross ton.
Functional Parts	Can add $50 - $500+ to base scrap value.	A working catalytic converter can be worth $150-$500 alone.
Geographic Location	Proximity to scrapyards and industrial centers affects offers.	Offers can vary by 10-30% between rural and urban areas.
Vehicle Condition	Non-running, damaged, or missing parts lowers value.	A car with a seized engine is worth less than one that runs but failed inspection.
Make/Model	Common models have higher parts demand.	A scrap Honda Civic might be worth more than a rare, unsalvageable luxury car due to parts demand.
Titles & Paperwork	A clear title simplifies the process and can lead to a better offer.	Some yards will accept cars without a title but will offer significantly less money.

[StVera]

Call around. Don't just take the first offer from a junkyard. Get quotes from at least three or four different places, including online services like Peddle or Copart. The price can swing a couple hundred bucks based on who you talk to. Tell them the exact make, model, year, and condition. Mention if the engine turns over or if you have the title. It’s a quick process, and a few phone calls can put more cash in your pocket.

[ODakota]

Think beyond just the scrap weight. If you have a Saturday free, you can part it out. That catalytic converter? Even on an old car, it could be worth a few hundred bucks at a recycling center. The alternator, starter, and alloy wheels are easy to remove and sell online. You'll get more for the parts than for the whole car as scrap. Once you've stripped the valuable bits, then call the scrapyard for the shell. It’s more work, but it’s the difference between getting $300 and maybe $700.

[DiKhloe]

My old sedan had been sitting for years. I thought it was worthless. I went online, entered the info on one of those "we buy junk cars" sites, and got an instant offer for $400. I was shocked. They asked if it had a title and if it rolled. It did. A guy came out the next day, towed it away, and handed me cash. It was incredibly simple. The emotional weight of getting it off my property was almost as valuable as the money. Don't assume it's worthless until you check.

[DeAllison]

The value is tied to commodities markets. When demand for steel in manufacturing and construction is high, the price per ton of scrap metal rises. This is why an SUV is often worth more than a compact car—it's heavier. The following table illustrates how weight and a fluctuating scrap price directly determine the base value, before considering parts.

Vehicle Type	Average Weight (lbs)	Scrap Price @ $200/ton	Scrap Price @ $300/ton
Compact Car (e.g., Honda Civic)	2,800	$280	$420
Midsize Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry)	3,300	$330	$495
Full-Size SUV (e.g., Chevrolet Tahoe)	5,500	$550	$825
Half-Ton Pickup Truck (e.g., Ford F-150)	4,500	$450	$675