
FAQs
Need to junk your car in Colorado? Our FAQ explains the title laws, paperwork, and steps so you know exactly what to expect.
Planning to sell your junk car in Colorado? Understanding which parts hold value and what buyers want can help you get the best return.
Wheelsaway is here to help. Get a free instant quote for your vehicle — it’s quick and accurate, with zero hassle or negotiation required – just the best scrap car prices, fast.

We make junking simple. The offer you receive is exactly what you’ll get, with no hidden costs or surprises. Get your scrap car valuation today.

We only profit when you do, so we’re motivated to secure the highest possible offer — and we’ve got the experience to make it happen.

Get matched with leading buyers and collectors in just seconds – no more wasting days hunting for offers. Wheelsaway makes it simple!
Ever wondered how much your old scrap car is worth?
Factors like vehicle condition, age, and weight can affect the amount you’ll receive for your car at a scrap yard. Most scrap vehicles sell for around $100 to $500 per ton, with value driven primarily by the metals inside — such as steel, aluminum, and copper. If the vehicle is larger, you can expect to fetch a higher payout. Want the most accurate answer? We can provide a quick quote based on current metal market prices, so you can unlock the true scrap value of your automobile in seconds.

You can get a rough estimate yourself by following the formula below:
Or remove the guesswork and leave it to Wheelsaway’s easy online scrap car calculator to give you the scrap value of your car.
Your car’s value at a scrap yard isn’t random. It’s determined by factors like its weight, age, condition, and any valuable components like catalytic converters or alloy wheels. Metals like steel, aluminum, and copper play a huge role in your rides scrap value.
Selling your car for scrap? Two key factors drive its value: the metals inside and the ever-changing scrap market. Prices can shift daily, so knowing what’s in your car can make a big difference.
Steel, copper, and aluminum are the most common. You’ll usually find them in wiring, frames and body panels, wheels, engine blocks, and more. If your clunker has rarer metals in good condition – great news. You could get even more dollar!
Check out the most common metals and their value below.
Note: the prices in this table are approximate 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 |
Salvaging: Strip out valuable parts for resale or repair and rebuild the vehicle. This approach can often bring in a higher payout, especially if key components are in good condition. Salvaging is used when your car still has some life left.
Junking: If your old clunker is ready to be retired from the road, it’s crushed as-is. All materials – metal, rubber, plastic, and fabric – are recycled. Junking is usually the easiest and most practical option for totaled or heavily damaged vehicles.
In short: salvage for maximum value, junk for convenience and speed.

Junking your car isn’t just about getting cash – it also benefits the environment! When you take your vehicle to a licensed junkyard:
Turn your old car into cash while helping the planet – it’s a win-win.
Selling a car in pieces can sound lucrative, but it’s not always the best option.
Certain components, like alloy wheels, engines, and catalytic converters, are highly sought after and can generate extra cash. However, dismantling a car is time-consuming, may require tools or expertise, and can reduce the overall value of what remains.
Most vehicle owners find that selling the car as a whole – either for scrap or salvage – is the easiest way to turn it into cash quickly. Services that handle the entire process for you can maximize your payout without the stress of managing multiple buyers or dealing with leftover parts.


Selling your old car with Wheelsaway is fast and hassle-free. Get an instant offer in Colorado, and we’ll handle pickup and payment for you.

Need to junk your car in Colorado? Our FAQ explains the title laws, paperwork, and steps so you know exactly what to expect.

Junk car prices in Colorado explained – learn what affects the offer, why scrapping helps the environment, and the top valuable parts.

Need to junk your car in Colorado but don’t have a title? Learn what alternatives exist and how to complete 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.