FAQs
Wondering how to scrap or junk a car in Illinois? Get simple answers on titles, liens, and registration from our complete FAQ guide.
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Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
Scrap Car Prices In Illinois
Learn how much your scrap car is really worth in Illinois with Wheelsaway’s scrap car prices guide. Discover which components hold the most value, how to maximize your payout, and more!
Wheelsaway can give you a fast and accurate valuation – no bargaining, no hassle.
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How much can you make?
Want the highest price for your scrap car?
The price you can get for your scrap car depends on several factors, including its age, weight, and condition. The metals in your vehicle – most commonly steel, aluminum, and copper – also play a key role in determining its value.
You can expect to make $100-$500 per ton for your scrap vehicle, depending on the factors above and current scrap metal prices. If you have a larger vehicle, you could get paid even more!
For a fast and accurate quote, use Wheelsaway. We’ll tell you how much cash you can get for your old junk car, based on current metal prices, in less than 2 minutes!
How Do You Calculate Scrap Car Prices?
You can calculate your car’s value by:
- Compare quotes from different buyers
- Use scrap prices and metal weights to get a rough valuation
- Use a broker to collect and compare offers for you
Knowing the value of your car before you commit to a sale helps you avoid a low offer. You can get a rough figure yourself using the formula below:
1. Figure out which metals your vehicle contains.
2. Check current scrap prices, per pound or per ton.
3. Estimate how much of each metal your car has.
4. Do the math: Value of Metal = Weight (lbs) × Price per lb
5. Add it up, then subtract any fees like towing or disposal to see what’s really in your pocket.
You’ll get a more reliable estimate by comparing quotes from different buyers. Using a broker like Wheelsaway makes the process even faster – there’s no negotiation or admin, and the process takes just a few minutes.
A vehicle’s scrap value is calculated, not guessed. Factors like weight, age, condition, and the presence of valuable components like catalytic converters or alloy wheels are key. Metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper are the primary contributors to its market worth.
The Price of Scrap Metal
The current price of scrap metal will make up a big part of your scrap car’s valuation – and they’re ever-changing. Values can swing weekly – sometimes daily, so knowing the averages of each metal in your vehicle will help you get the best price for your old ride.
Your body panels, wheels, engine blocks, and wiring likely contain aluminum, steel, and copper – the three most common. However, some vehicles contain rarer materials like platinum. If your vehicle has rarer materials and the components are in good condition, the scrap yard could pay you even more!
We’ve compiled a list of the most common metals and their approximate values per pound. Check them out 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 |
How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Scrap Car?
Want the highest payout for your old vehicle? Learn the difference between salvaging and junking to help you boost your payout.
Does Salvaging or Junking Get You More Money?
Salvaging: Take apart your car and sell or repurpose the valuable bits. This method often nets more cash, especially if key components are in good shape. Perfect for vehicles that still have life left.
Junking: Ready to retire your car? Junking crushes it as-is, sending all its materials back into the recycling loop. It’s the easiest route for cars that are damaged, totaled, or past their prime.
Quick guide: Salvage = higher value. Junk = fastest, simplest option.
Environmental Impact of Junking A Car
When your old car makes it to the scrap yard, it’s disposed of responsibly and in accordance with federal laws and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hazardous waste program.
Here’s how junking your car can benefit the environment:
- Valuable metals like steel, aluminum, and copper get a second life through recycling instead of needing new mining.
- Hazardous fluids and batteries are safely disposed of, protecting soil and water.
- Say goodbye to oil leaks and other toxins from your old car.
- Recycling parts cuts greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources.
Should I Sell It in Parts?
Trying to get the most cash from scrapping? Parting it out sounds like an attractive option, but it’s not always the best.
Why? Dismantling a vehicle yourself takes skill and time. Without the right tools or knowledge, you also risk damaging fragile components, which can lower your payout.
That’s why it’s often easier to sell the car whole. You’ll get paid faster than you would by selling components individually, and there’s minimal work for you to do. Save yourself the stress and still get a quality payout!
Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today
Wheelsaway makes selling your Illinois car simple. Get an offer in under 2 minutes, and we’ll manage pickup and payment so you can relax.
Junk Car Prices
Need to junk your car for cash in Illinois? Get quick payment and free pickup with Wheelsaway. Call us today!
Missing Car Title
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How To Scrap A Car
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.