The amount a junkyard pays for a junk car depends primarily on the weight of its scrap metal and the value of any salvageable parts. On average, you can expect $175 to $500 for a typical non-running vehicle. However, a car with desirable parts or a valuable catalytic converter can fetch $1,000 or more. The final price is a calculated offer based on current market rates.
The core calculation is the vehicle's scrap value. Junkyards weigh the car and pay based on the current price per ton of crushed steel and other metals. As of late 2023, this rate fluctuates between $150 and $300 per ton. A standard sedan weighs about 1.5 tons, setting a baseline price.
What can significantly increase the offer are reusable parts. A junkyard will pay more if your car has high-demand components like engines, transmissions, alloy wheels, or electronic modules. The single most valuable part is often the catalytic converter, which contains precious metals. Certain models have converters that can be worth several hundred dollars alone.
Your location, the vehicle's condition, and market demand also play a huge role. A rusty car in a remote area will be worth less than the same model in good condition in a major city with a robust used parts market. Having a clear title also streamlines the process and can lead to a slightly better offer.
| Factor | Low-End Impact on Price | High-End Impact on Price | Example Vehicles / Conditions |
|---|
| Scrap Metal Value (Weight) | $150 - $200 | $200 - $300 | 1.5-ton sedan vs. 2.5-ton SUV |
| Catalytic Converter | +$50 | +$800+ | Standard vs. hybrid/Toyota/Lexus |
| Salvageable Engine/Transmission | +$0 (seized/broken) | +$400 - $800 | Non-running vs. low-mileage unit |
| Body Panels & Interior | +$0 (damaged) | +$200 - $500 | Rusty vs. clean, accident-free |
| Make/Model Popularity | Below Average | +$300 - $600 | Rare model vs. high-demand (Honda/Toyota) |
| Location & Local Demand | -$100 (rural) | +$200 (urban) | Sparse vs. dense population center |
| Title Status | -$100 (no title) | +$50 (clean title) | Complications vs. easy transfer |
To get the best price, get quotes from multiple buyers: local junkyards, national scrap car services, and part-out specialists. Remove personal items and be ready to provide the year, make, model, and condition.
