FAQs
Getting ready to junk your car in Massachusetts? This FAQ explains the entire process, including what to do if you’re missing the keys or title.
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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 Massachusetts
Discover your car’s true scrap value with Wheelsaway.
From identifying valuable components to tips to help you increase your payout, we’ll help you get the most cash for your old car!
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How much can you make?
Wondering what price you can get for your old scrap car?
Your scrap car valuation can vary depending on your car’s age, weight, and condition. However, most scrap vehicles sell for between $100-$500 per ton. The bigger your vehicle, the more cash you’re likely to get!
The value of the scrap metals in your ride will also affect your payout. Copper, steel, and aluminum are the most common. Some components contain even rarer metals, which can increase the price a junk yard will pay for your car. We’ll explore this more below.
How Do You Calculate Scrap Car Prices?
Need an accurate junk car appraisal? There are a few ways you can get one. For a ballpark estimate, you can use 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 (manufacturer specifications can help with this!)
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.
Remember: this is just an estimate. If you need a faster solution, Wheelsaway’s easy online calculation tool will give you an accurate scrap price instantly.
The Price of Scrap Metal
There are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best price for your scrap car. Unfortunately, one of the biggest factors is out of your control: the price of scrap metal.
Values fluctuate constantly, and current rates will play a big role in how much you can get for scrapping your car. Thankfully, we have some averages to work with. These will give you an idea of how much each metal is worth per pound.
The table below also includes rarer metals. If your vehicle contains these, and its components are in good working order, your scrap car valuation could increase!
If you’re unsure what metals are inside your car, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. Some metals are found in almost every vehicle, such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper, so it’s safe to add these values to your ballpark figure. A scrap yard or junk car buyer will be able to give you more insight into the exact worth of the metals and components in your vehicle.
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?
Ready to scrap your old ride? Now you need to decide between salvaging and junking. What’s best for your car, and what pays more?
Does Salvaging or Junking Get You More Money?
Salvaging: This involves dismantling your car and selling or reusing its valuable parts, such as running engines, catalytic converters, and wiring. Salvaging can often get you more money, especially when major components are still working well. Salvaging is an option if your car is still nearing the end of its life, but still has parts in good working order (e.g., minor mechanical issues or cosmetic damage).
Junking: If your car has reached the end of the road, junking sends it off whole to be crushed and recycled. It’s the simplest option for cars that are wrecked, heavily worn, or no longer worth repairing. In these cases, the majority of the car’s value is in its metal rather than its components. Your valuation will be based largely on scrap metal prices rather than individual parts.
If you can salvage your car, you’re likely to get more cash for it. However, you can still get a decent payout from junking – even if your old clunker is no longer roadworthy!
Wheelsaway can help determine which is best for your car by asking specific questions about its age and condition. We’ll then connect you to salvage and junk buyers in your area offering the best prices for its exact condition!
Environmental Impact of Junking A Car
When your old car reaches the scrap yard, it’s handled in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Junking your car can have several eco-friendly benefits:
- Metals like steel, aluminum, and copper are recycled, reducing the need for new mining.
- Harmful fluids and batteries are properly disposed of, keeping soil and water safe.
- Old oil leaks and other toxins are eliminated.
- Recycling car parts helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and preserves natural resources.
Should I Sell It in Parts?
Parting out your ride to get the best price for your scrap car might sound tempting, but it’s not always worth it.
Why? You’ll need the tools, knowledge, and budget to remove parts safely. Any damage you cause will lower your payout. It’s also harder to find buyers for individual parts, so if you need a faster payout, this won’t be the method for you.
You can still get a fair valuation for your car and its valuable components by selling it whole. With Wheelsaway, you’ll get paid fast. All you need to do is tell us about your car, and we’ll do the rest. That’s less stress for you and extra cash in your pocket. Sounds like a great deal!
Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today
Selling your car in Maryland is easy with Wheelsaway. Get a fast offer, and we’ll handle pickup and payment. No stress, no hassle, just a simple and efficient process from quote to collection!
Junk Car Prices
Get the scoop on how junk car prices work in Massachusetts, the environmental advantages of recycling, and which parts are worth top dollar.
Missing Car Title
Need to sell your junk car in Massachusetts but missing the title? Here’s what documents you can use and how to complete the sale.
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.