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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 Tennessee
Learn when to salvage or junk, what your components are worth, and how to get the most value from your old car in Tennessee with Wheelsaway’s ultimate scrap car prices guide!
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How much can you make?
From your car’s body to its alloy wheels, each component holds hidden value. With the average scrap price per ton ranging between $100-$500, the true scrap price of your vehicle might surprise you!
To negotiate a fair price for your ride, you’ll need to know what factors affect your payout. These include:
-Age
-Condition
-Weight
-Scrap metal rates for each material
As a general rule, larger vehicles = more materials = a higher payout.
How Do You Calculate Scrap Car Prices?
Plenty of buyers want to take your car, but not all of them want to give you a fair deal. Before you sell up, get a rough idea of your vehicle’s scrap value to help you negotiate a fair price.
Multiplying the weight of the metals in your car by current scrap rates is a good method. Most cars are made up of 60-65% steel, with other metals such as aluminum and copper making up the rest.
- Identify your car’s main metals.
- Find the latest scrap metal prices per pound or ton.
- Estimate the weight of each metal.
- Calculate each value: Value of Metal = Weight (lbs) × Price per lb
- Total it up and subtract any costs like towing or processing.
While this can give you a ballpark figure, it won’t bee 100% accurate – especially as you may not know the exact weight of the metals in your car. We can give you a faster, more accurate estimate based on current rates in just 60 seconds.
The Price of Scrap Metal
Scrap metal prices can fluctuate daily, depending on economic conditions, metal purity, supply and demand, and other factors. Knowing ro
Scrap metal prices are driven by factors like global demand, market fluctuations, and the quality and purity of the metal. In other words, they’re ever-changing. Knowing the rough value of the most common metals can help you estimate your payout.
Steel, copper, and aluminum are some of the most common. If your vehicle contains rarer metals with even higher values, expect a larger payout!
Here’s a quick look at the most common metals, their average values, and where you can expect to find them in your car.
Note: These 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?
Before you get rid of your old car, learn the differences between salvaging and junking, when to part out, and how you can increase the scrap price of your vehicle.
Does Salvaging or Junking Get You More Money?
Whether you can junk or salvage your car will depend on its age and condition. Both options pay well, but salvaging can get you a higher return.
Salvaging
Vehicles can be salvaged if they’re damaged, but still have some life left. (Think insurance write-offs, minor crash damage, and repairable vehicles). Some vehicles can be repaired, rebuilt, and put back on the road, and/or usable parts can be removed for resale. If your car still has some of its most valuable components, like its catalytic converter in good condition, you can expect a higher cash offer. Buyers like Wheelsaway aways aim to salvage rather than junk.
Junking
If your car is at the end of its life, it may need to be junked. If it’s not worth saving, the car is taken out of circulation, crushed as-is, and sold according to the weight of its materials. Tennessee’s environmental regulations, overseen by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), ensure that junked cars are handled responsibly – anything that can be recycled will be, and all hazardous materials are disposed of safely.
Which pays more? Typically salvaging, because the vehicle is in better condition with more valuable components. However, if your car is too damaged, you may have no choice but to junk it – in which case, the offer you get will be based on the weight of its metals.
We can help you figure out the best option for your car, depending on the value and conditino of its parts.
Environmental Impact of Junking A Car
Each year, between 12-15 million vehicles reach the end of their life in the U.S.
If your car has to be junked, not only will you still get a reasonable price for your junk car, you’ll also be doing your bit to dispose of your vehicle safely.
That’s because junking (aka scrapping), is always better than abandoning a car. While salvaging has a lower environmental impact, strict disposal regulations ensure junking is as safe as possible.
With that in mind, junking should be a last a resort rather than the go-to option. Some of the reasons we aim to salvage rather than junk are:
-Junking uses more energy (extreme heat), often powered by fossil fuels
-Complex materials, like composites, are often burned or landfilled
-The car’s remaining life is cut off, not extended
In short? Junk if you have to, but preferably salvage.
If your car does need to be junked, we’ll make sure one of our vetted junk buyers disposes of it responsibly.
Should I Sell It in Parts?
Selling in parts can often get you a higher price for your scrap car – but it’s not always possible. So, when is parting out worth it?
If your vehicle’s core components are in good condition, parting out can bring in more cash than scrapping. Some particularly valuable components in the U.S. market include:
- Catalytic converters – contain precious metals, making them highly valuable.
- Alloy wheels & quality tires – always in demand and easy to sell; note that removing wheels can lower the car’s overall junk value.
- Engine & transmission – usually the most valuable parts when in good working condition.
- AC compressors & radiators – commonly resold for repairs.
- Airbags – can be sold if intact and undamaged.
- Infotainment & GPS systems – modern units often command strong resale prices.
- Body panels (doors, bumpers, fenders) – sought after for collision repairs.
- Seats & interior electronics – particularly leather or premium/upgraded options.
If your parts are in good condition, selling them separately can earn more – but selling the whole car is faster and hassle-free. Choose cash or convenience.
What Else Can You Do?
You can get the best valuation for your scrap car by:
- Giving a clear and honest description – Share accurate details about your car’s condition when requesting a quote.
- Comparing offers – Don’t settle for the first price you see. Checking multiple local junkyards ensures you get the highest payout possible.
Ready to trade your old ride for cash? Share a few quick details about your car, and we’ll tell you what it’s worth – no hassle, no obligation!
Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today
Don’t leave your old car abandoned or gathering dust. We’ll get rid of it for you for free, and pay you in cash! Get an instant, no obligation offer today and let us take care of the rest.
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