how much does a junk yard pay for a car

[LeMalachi]

The amount a junkyard pays for a car depends primarily on its weight, the value of its parts, and current scrap metal prices. On average, you can expect $200 to $600 for a typical junk car. However, a vehicle with valuable, reusable components like a catalytic converter, aluminum wheels, or a recently replaced engine can fetch $1,000 or more.

The core calculation is straightforward: junkyards largely base their offer on the car's scrap value. They weigh the vehicle and multiply its tonnage by the current price per ton for scrap metal (often referred to as the "per ton" rate). Beyond this base value, they assess which parts can be resold. A car that was running when parked is worth significantly more than one that's been completely stripped or is non-operational.

Your location also plays a role. Scrap metal prices fluctuate by region, and junkyards in urban areas with more competition might offer better prices than a single yard in a rural area.

To get the best price, your first step should always be to get quotes from multiple yards. Remove any personal items and be prepared to provide the car's make, model, year, and condition accurately.

Factor	Low-End Impact on Price	High-End Impact on Price	Example Components/Scenarios
Vehicle Weight	2,500 lbs sedan	6,000 lbs SUV	Heavier vehicles yield more scrap metal.
Scrap Metal Price	$150/ton	$300/ton	Fluctuates daily based on market demand.
Catalytic Converter	Missing or damaged	Intact, especially for hybrids/SUVs	Can be worth $100-$800 alone due to precious metals.
Engine & Transmission	Seized or non-running	Recently rebuilt, running well	Core value for rebuilding can add hundreds.
Aluminum Wheels	Standard steel wheels	Factory alloy wheels	Can add $25-$100 per wheel to the offer.
Body Panels	Heavily rusted or damaged	Straight, undamaged doors/fenders	Desirable for common collision repair models.
Location & Competition	Single yard in a rural area	Multiple yards in a major city	More competition often leads to better offers.
Title Status	Missing title, salvage title	Clean, easily transferable title	Simplifies the process for the yard; may affect price.

[VonLaura]

Call around. Don't just take the first offer. I had an old Civic that one yard offered $150 for. I made two more calls, and the third place gave me $400 because they needed a transmission for another customer. It’s all about what they can salvage and sell. The number on the scale is just the starting point.

[Isaiah]

Think of it like recycling a soda can, but bigger. They're basically paying you for the raw materials—the steel, aluminum, and copper. If your car has good parts they can pull off and resell, that's like a bonus. For a car that doesn't run and is pretty beat up, you're probably looking at a few hundred bucks based on its weight.

[AdelineAnn]

It's a commodity business. The price is tied directly to the market value of shredded scrap metal. Yards operate on thin margins, so their initial offer will be conservative. To maximize your return, emphasize any working major components. Mention a good transmission, a new alternator, or un-dented body panels. This shifts the negotiation from just scrap weight to part-out potential.