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Scrap Car Prices In Ohio

Take the guesswork out of junk car pricing with Wheelsaway’s scrap car prices guide! Our guide covers scrap price insights, key factors that affect value, and a free, no-commitment quote to help you get the best return for your Ohio junker.

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How much can you make?

Got an old clunker taking up space on your driveway? Is it old or barely running? Your junk car could still be worth more than you think.

Many scrap vehicles sell for between $100-$500 per ton!

The final scrap value of your automobile will depend on a few things, including:

  • Metal Content: The metals in your vehicle and its size matter. Larger vehicles fetch larger payouts.
  • Age & Mileage: Older cars with higher mileage may fetch less.
  • Condition: Whether it’s lightly worn or non-operational plays a role in pricing.

Want to get the most value from your old car? Of course you do! We’ll share a few key insights and tips below to help you boost your payout.

You can also unlock your car’s scrap value in under 60 seconds with Wheelsaway’s free, no obligation calculator!

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How Do You Calculate Scrap Car Prices?

Using the formula below and some knowledge of current scrap values, you can get a rough estimate of your vehicle’s value.

  1. Find your car’s specifications to determine what metals are in your car.
  2. Check the current scrap prices for each metal (using pounds for accuracy), then estimate their value with this formula:
    Metal Value = Weight (lbs) × Price per pound
  3. Once you total the value of all metals, subtract any additional costs like towing to get a rough estimate of your car’s worth.

You can also contact local junkyards yourself, providing accurate information about your vehicle to get fair offers. Or, save yourself the admin and use our free tool to get a faster valuation for your ride!

The Price of Scrap Metal

Scrap metal values are the biggest factor influencing your payout. Values change often. Higher metal prices = a higher payout, so knowing what metals are in your ride and what the current trends are can help you determine when to sell your vehicle.

It’s best to check the most up-to-date figures, but you can also use averages for a rough estimate.

If you’re unsure what metals are in your car, check its specifications. However, most vehicles contain the same metals, with a few exceptions. Aluminum, steel, and copper are the most common, and they’re found in locations like the frames, wheels, engine blocks, panels, and more.

The figures below are averages for the most common metals.

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?

Learn the differences between salvaging and junking, and which can get you the most cash for your old ride.

Does Salvaging or Junking Get You More Money?

Salvaging might fetch you more cash, but junking is more convenient. Plus, not all vehicles can be salvaged. What method you use will depend on the condition of your vehicle.

Salvaging: Salvaging involves removing and reusing the vehicle’s reusable components. Salvage yards can sometimes pay more as they sell components individually. Sometimes, these vehicles can be completely restored and returned to the road, so only cars that still have some life left can be salvaged.

Junking: If your vehicle is at the end of its life, it will be junked. Junking is used when the vehicle and its components have no reusable value left. The car will be crushed as-is, with all materials recycled and fluids drained responsibly. Because the value of a junk car depends largely on current scrap prices, it still has the potential to fetch you a high payout depending on metal values at the time of junking.

Environmental Impact of Junking A Car

Junking your car is also a great choice for the environment. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has strict rules that junkyards must follow to protect the surrounding environment and ensure the correct management of universal and hazardous waste.

These high standards ensure all waste is handled responsibly. Here are some of the environmental benefits of junking your car:

  • Metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper are salvaged from old vehicles and recycled, cutting down the need for new mining.
  • Reclaiming and reusing car parts lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps conserve valuable natural resources.
  • Dangerous materials like automotive fluids and batteries are safely extracted and disposed of, protecting soil and waterways from contamination.
  • Properly dismantled vehicles stop the release of oil and other hazardous substances, keeping the environment safe.

Junking with Wheelsaway is a great way to guarantee a competitive payout, and responsible junking – a win-win for you and the environment!

Should I Sell It in Parts?

You may get more cash for selling individual parts such as catalytic converters instead of selling the car whole, but the risk isn’t always worth the reward.

Without expert knowledge or tools, you risk damaging components and lowering the vehicle’s value, leaving you worse off than if you’d initially sold the car whole.

If you don’t have the time or knowledge to remove components yourself, you can sell the car as-is and still get a fair, competitive offer. You’re guaranteed to receive a faster payment than if you sold parts individually, and you won’t have to source buyers yourself – especially if you’re using a service like Wheelsaway!


Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today

Wheelsaway makes cashing in your old car simple. Grab an instant offer for your Ohio junk car, and enjoy quick payment with no-hassle pickup.


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