Instant Cash Offer For Your Vehicle
Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
How Much Is A Scrap Car Worth?
Looking to junk your car in the U.S? Wondering how much cash you can get?
The value of a scrap car depends on its condition, weight, and current scrap metal prices. Knowing these details will help you get the best price when selling to a junkyard, salvage dealer, or scrap car buyer.
Fast & Free Pickup
Get fast and free pickup with Wheelsaway. We’ll tow away your vehicle fast. No need to let that junker hang around!
Get Top Offers
We source competitive quotes from junk and salvage buyers across the U.S, making it easy for you to get the best deal for your old car.
Without Title
Lost your title? Didn’t have one other begin with? Don’t worry – we’ll sort the paperwork for you so you can get paid. Junk it with Wheelsaway!
Cash paid out for these vehicles
✅ Non-starters
✅ Damaged vehicles
✅ SUVs, RVs, Vans, Trucks
✅ Gas, diesel, hybrids, EVs
✅ Totaled / write offs
✅ Missing & rebuilt titles
✅ Breakdowns & abandoned
✅ Missing parts*
✅ Expired registrations
* Missing parts: Parts removed or missing from a vehicle can affect/adjust the offer we provide you.
How To Calculate Your Car’s Value
Scrap yards and junk car buyers use a simple formula to determine pricing:
Car weight – More metal means more money.
Current scrap metal rates – Prices change based on market trends.
Condition and parts – A car with resellable parts is worth more.
For example, if steel is priced at $200 per ton and your car weighs 2,500 lbs (1.25 tons), you could earn around $250 in scrap value.
Pro Tip: Vehicles with catalytic converters, aluminum wheels, or a running engine can significantly increase your payout.
How Much Can You Make?
On average, junk car prices range between $100 and $500, depending on the car’s weight, materials, and condition. Larger vehicles or those with valuable components – such as catalytic converters, aluminum wheels, and copper wiring – can fetch a higher payout.
Scrap yards determine prices based on:
✔ Total weight – Heavier vehicles yield more scrap metal.
✔ Material composition – Steel, aluminum, and copper affect value.
✔ Market demand – Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily.
Want an instant quote? Use our online tool to see how much your junk car is worth today!
Price of Scrap Metal
The price of scrap metal plays a significant role in determining your car’s value, and prices fluctuate daily. Here are some of the most common metals and their average values per pound.
*These values are based on average year-to-date 2025 pricing data and are subject to change.
How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Scrap Car
Want top dollar for your junk car, truck, or van? Here’s how to maximize your payout:
✅ Get an Instant Offer: With Wheelsaway, simply enter a few details and get an instant quote.
✅ Leave Your Car Intact: Don’t remove valuable parts like catalytic converters, batteries, or wheels, as removing parts may lower the overall scrap value.
✅ Have Your Paperwork Ready: A title isn’t always required, but having your ID, registration, and VIN makes the process smoother.
✅ Be Honest About Condition: Accurate details about your car’s make, model, year, and condition ensure you get the best, most accurate offer.
✅ Get Free Towing: Choose Wheelsaway for free pickup – zero hidden fees, guaranteed.
Junking vs. Salvaging – Which Pays More?
If you’re deciding between junking or salvaging, here’s what you need to know:
Salvaging
Salvaging is quick and simple. Instead of sending it straight to the shredder, reusable components are salvaged and resold. The car can also be rebuilt and put back on the road. Your salvage car’s value could be even higher if valuable parts like the engine, wheels, and catalytic converter can be resold.
Junking
When you junk your car for cash, you’re selling it to a registered dealer for end-of-life processing. They’ll drain fluids, save anything valuable, and crush the remaining metal. Junking may sound like disposal, but it’s actually car recycling!
Need cash fast? Junking is the quickest option—and with Wheelsaway, you get free pickup and top-dollar offers!
No title? No problem!
Good news – in some cases, you can junk your car without the title! You’ll need:
✅ A valid ID to prove ownership
✅ Basic car details (make, model, year, VIN)
✅ Any available paperwork (registration, bill of sale, etc.)
Note: this will depend on the vehicle’s age, condition, and your state’s requirements. Contact our team for more information.
Pro Tip: Provide a complete and accurate description of your vehicle. Details like the car’s make, model, VIN, and condition help us determine your car’s value.
Our services include
Cash for junk cars
We offer top dollar for unwanted vehicles of any make, model, or condition. Whether your car is running or not, we make the process quick, easy, and hassle-free.
Junk car removal
Say goodbye to that old car taking up space – even if it’s non-running! Our team provides fast, free pickup and removal, ensuring your vehicle is off your property without any stress.
Finding salvage buyers
We connect you with reputable salvage buyers who are looking for vehicles just like yours. Get competitive offers to salvage your car and avoid the headache of finding buyers on your own.
Spares and repairs
We’ll connect you with specialist buyers looking for spares and repair opportunities. Instead of scrapping it for less, get better value by selling to those who can refurbish or reuse key components. It’s a smart way to recover more cash.
We Junk Cars Across America
Our extensive coverage allows us to connect you with the most trusted and competitively priced car buyers operating in your city, county, or state.