FAQs
Our Virginia junk car FAQ explains how titles, liens and salvage rules work—so you don’t run into surprises.
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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 Virginia
Ready to part ways with your old junk car in Virginia? Our scrap car prices guide is here to help! Wheelsaway can support you through the process – from quote to collection – by providing a free, no obligation quote. Zero hassle and zero negotiation. Check out our full guide below and see how we can help.
No Hidden Fees
Junking is simple with Wheelsaway. What we quote you is what you receive – absolutely no hidden costs. Get your scrap car valuation with us today.
Get Top Offers
Our team is driven to secure you the best possible cash offer for your vehicle. With years of experience in the industry, we know how to make it happen.
Simple, Fast, Easy
Our process connects you with the best buyers and collectors in seconds. That’s right – no need to hunt for offers yourself, we’ll handle it for you!
How much can you make?
How much is your scrap car worth? It could be more than you think. Let’s explore what factors determine its value.
Your old ride is made up of a whole host of individual components. These components and their metals, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, hold the true value of a vehicle. Its weight, age, and condition will also influence the scrap value of a car.
On average, scrap cars in the U.S. sell between $100-$500 per ton, and if the vehicle is larger, you can expect a bigger payout.
There’s no need to calculate the value yourself – we can give you an instant quote based on current metal prices in the U.S!
How Do You Calculate Scrap Car Prices?
Estimate your car’s value by multiplying its weight (in tons or pounds) by the current value of the metals in your car. Remember to factor in any damaged or missing components. Here’s a quick formula:
- List the main metals in your car.
- Find current scrap prices per ton or pound.
- Estimate the weight of each metal.
- Calculate the value of each metal: Value of Metal = Weight (lbs) × Price per lb
- Add them up and subtract any fees (e.g. towing and disposal).
or skip the guesswork and use Wheelsaway’s convenient online scrap car calculator for an instant and accurate scrap car valuation!
Current metal prices will have the biggest impact on your scrap car’s value. The value of these metals, like steel, aluminum, and copper, shifts all the time due to global, domestic, and industry-specific factors.
Whether you see its value or not, your old ride will inevitably house some pretty valuable components like catalytic converters or alloy wheels. Some are more valuable than others due to demand, rarity, and the cost of production. Universally compatible components can fetch you a bigger payout due to their wider resale value. Some of the most valuable include:
- Catalytic converters
- Engines
- Wheels and rims
- Transmission
- Radiator/AC compressor
And many more.
The Price of Scrap Metal
Selling your car for scrap? Remember: scrap metal prices vary constantly, so always check for the most up-to-date values.
Knowing what metals are in your car and what they’re worth can help you yield the biggest return for your old ride. Steel, metal, and copper are the most common. Other metals, if found in large quantities and in a reusable condition, could fetch you a higher payout. Here are some of the most common metals, where they’re found, and how much they’re worth per pound.
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 |
At Wheelsaway, we make sure you get the best price for your car — whether it’s being sold for scrap or used parts. Our network of trusted buyers ensures a fair deal for every salvageable component. Don’t accept a low offer; let us help you find buyers who truly value your vehicle. Sell your car for spares or repairs with confidence today.
How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Scrap Car?
Want to get the highest return for your old scrap car? Make sure you understand the difference between salvaging and junking your old car. We break it down for you below.
Does Salvaging or Junking Get You More Money?
If your old ride is damaged or near the end of its life, you’ll have two main options for disposal: selling it for salvage or junking it.
Salvaging can sometimes fetch you a higher return, but junking is easier. It depends on the quality and condition of the car.
Salvage: Instead of being thrown away, these cars are taken to salvage yards where usable parts, like engines, transmissions, and electronics, are removed and resold. In some cases, the car is rebuilt and sold on.
This process helps extend the life of quality components, reduce waste, and make affordable used parts available for repairs. Salvage vehicles are often damaged, but not a total write-off.
Junking: Vehicles that are junked are at the end of their life and will be permanently removed from the road. When a car is junked, parts that can be reused are salvaged, fluids are safely drained, and the rest of the vehicle is crushed and recycled – but the majority of it is unusable. The primary goal of junking is safe disposal and recycling.
We’ll help you determine which method can get you the most cash for your old car. Get in touch today!
Environmental Impact of Junking A Car
Junking your car is a win-win for you and the environment. Not only can you get rid of your old vehicle safely and efficiently, but junking it helps promote the circular economy – reuse, repair, remanufacture, and recycle, which has a myriad of benefits for the USA and beyond.
Here’s just a few of the environmental benefits of junking a car, so you can feel confident and positive about your decision:
1. Keeps hazardous materials out of the environment
Old vehicles contain fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid that can leak and pollute soil and water. Licensed U.S. recyclers can safely drain and dispose of these substances, preventing contamination.
2. Conserves resources and reduces raw material demand
Cars contain steel, aluminum, copper, and plastics. Recycling can reclaim these materials and reduce the need to mine and manufacture new materials. Producing parts from recycled metals uses significantly less energy than starting from scratch with raw materials.
3. Cuts energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
Recycling and reusing car parts requires less energy than making new ones, which lowers carbon emissions. Every car that is recycled helps reduce the environmental footprint of auto production – by junking your car, you can play your part!
4. Supports part reuse and the circular economy
Many car components can be refurbished and reused, extending their life. This reduces the need to manufacture new parts and keeps materials circulating in the economy rather than going to waste.
5. Reduces landfill waste
Old vehicles are bulky and take up significant space at the landfill. By recycling an old vehicle, you can recover metals, plastics, and other materials, helping to keep most of the old vehicle out of the landfill.
6. Prepares for a sustainable automotive future
Responsible recycling helps the U.S. meet environmental goals, manage waste, and handle newer technologies like hybrid and electric vehicle batteries safely.
Should I Sell It in Parts?
Parting out can yield higher returns, but consider these factors:
- Time investment: Separating and selling parts individually is labor-intensive. Selling whole is faster.
- Technical skill required: Removing components without damaging them demands expertise and the right tools.
- Risk of damage: Delicate parts can lose value if mishandled.
For most owners, selling the car as a complete unit to a scrap or salvage service maximizes value while minimizing stress.
Turn Your Junk Car Into Cash Today
Get cash for your car fast with Wheelsaway. Instant offers in Virginia, plus we handle pickup and payment – no hassle, no stress.
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