
FAQs
Ready to junk your vehicle in Alabama? Our FAQ explains everything from junking without keys and titles to how the process works.
Looking to sell your junk car in Alabama? knowing which components can be salvaged and the demand from nearby specialist buyers is key to getting the best price.
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Curious to know what your car is really worth as scrap?
The cash you can get from selling your car to a scrap yard depends on several things, including the vehicle’s age, condition, and weight. Scrap cars typically sell for $100 to $500 per ton. The value is mostly based on the car’s weight and the metals it contains, such as steel, aluminum, and copper. Bigger vehicles often bring in more, and we can give you a precise quote using the latest metal prices.

Estimate your car’s scrap value yourself by multiplying weight by rate for a ballpark figure:
You’ll also need to consider weight, age, condition, and any missing parts like alloy wheels or catalytic converters. Local scrap metal prices- especially for steel, aluminum, and copper – will largely set your payout. You’ll also need to deduct fees like towing costs from your final calculation.
Short on time? We’ve got you covered. Get it done in seconds with Wheelsaway’s easy online scrap car calculator!
If there’s one thing you should know about scrap metal prices, it’s that they’re constantly changing. There’s also a whole host of metals that could be lurking in your old vehicle – some worth more than others.
Copper, aluminum, and steel are the most common, and they’ll determine a large part of your payout. If you’re lucky, you might just find some rarer metals in your old clunker that could get you some serious dollar.
Need a better understanding? Check out the table below, which shows some of the most common scrap metals and their values.
Remember: these are constantly fluctuating and subject to change.
| Metal | Value (per pound, unless otherwise stated) | Common Car Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium | High (per ounce) | Catalytic converters |
| Copper | $3.00–$4.22 | Wiring, alternators, starters, radiators |
| Brass | $2.00–$2.30 | Radiators, fittings |
| Gold | $14.00 | Electronic components |
| Silver | $4.00 | Electronic components |
| Aluminum (Scrap prices vary by type – sheet, cast, extrusion, copper unit, wire). |
$0.67–$1.81 | Wheels, engine blocks, body panels |
| Stainless Steel | $0.30–$1.35 | Exhaust systems, trim |
| Lead | $0.80–$0.95 | Car batteries |
| Steel (per metric ton) | $620-$900 | Frame, body panels |
Whether you choose salvage or junk, you’ll walk away with cash – but the final amount depends on your vehicle’s condition.
Salvaging involves removing valuable parts for resale or rebuilding the car so it can hit the road again. If your old car is damaged but still has some life left, this is a great option.
Junking means the vehicle is crushed intact, with all materials—metal, rubber, plastic, and fabric—recycled.
While salvaging can often fetch a higher payout, junking is usually the more practical choice for severely damaged or totaled cars.

Responsibly junking a car benefits the environment by recycling valuable materials, reducing the need for mining, and protecting the environment. Here’s a closer look:
1. Keep Dangerous Fluids Out of Nature
Old cars contain hazardous fluids that can contaminate soil and water. Recyclers handle them safely.
2. Save the Planet’s Resources
Steel, aluminum, copper – why mine more when we can reuse what’s already in our junk cars? Junkers will remove what can be saved and put it back into circulation, so it becomes a useful part in another ride!
3. Lower Energy Use & Pollution
Recycling car parts is way less energy-intensive than making new ones, which means fewer emissions.
4. Give Parts a New Life
Engines, transmissions, and panels can be refurbished instead of tossed – good for the planet and your wallet.
5. Reduce Landfill Clutter
Cars are huge! Recycling keeps most of that metal and plastic out of landfills.
Breaking a car down and selling it in pieces can be complicated and doesn’t always pay off.
High-quality wheels, especially alloys, can fetch a nice return, but this often lowers the car’s overall salvage or junk value. Engines, catalytic converters, and doors may hold value too, but for most people, selling the vehicle intact is quicker and less hassle.
Honesty is key: Share all details about your vehicle to receive the most accurate quote.
Check for pending recalls or repairs: Resolving them can make your car more desirable and raise your payout.
Get top value for your car – secure your Wheelsaway quote today!


With Wheelsaway, selling your old junk car is easy, fast, and hassle-free- get your instant offer in Alabama today, and we’ll handle the collection and payment.

Ready to junk your vehicle in Alabama? Our FAQ explains everything from junking without keys and titles to how the process works.

Scrap car prices in Alabama explained – see how offers are made, why it’s good for the planet, and what parts are most valuable.
Need to junk a car with no title in Alabama? Discover state requirements, and how Wheelsaway can support you through the process.

Many people struggle with the question, ‘How to junk a car?’ Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert to make the process simple, profitable, and stress-free.