How Much Is A Scrap Car Worth?

If you’re looking to junk your car in the US, you’re probably wondering how much cash you can get. The value of a scrap car depends on factors like 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.

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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!

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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.

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Price of Scrap Metal

The price of scrap metal plays a significant role in determining your car’s value. Here are some key factors:

Steel: One of the most common materials in cars, valued by weight (per ton or kilogram)

Aluminum: Found in parts like wheels and engines, typically valued higher than steel

Market rates: Prices fluctuate daily, so checking the current rate for materials can help you understand your car’s worth

For example, if the market rate for steel is $200 per ton, a 2,500-pound car could yield around $250 in scrap value.

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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.
• Free Towing, Always: Choose Wheelsaway for free pickup—zero hidden fees, guaranteed.
• Best Time to Sell: Scrap values fluctuate, but with Wheelsaway, you always get a fair, competitive price regardless of market conditions.

Junking vs. Salvaging – Which Pays More?

If you’re deciding between junking or salvaging, here’s what you need to know:

✔ Junking – A quick, hassle-free sale where you get an instant cash offer based on the car’s scrap metal weight.

✔ Salvaging – A quick, hassle-free sale where you get an instant cash offer, with the potential for higher profits if valuable parts like the engine, wheels, and catalytic converter can be resold.

Need cash fast? Junking is the quickest option—and with Wheelsaway, you get free pickup and top-dollar offers!

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What Else Can You Do?

No title? No problem!

While having a title makes the process easier, you can still sell your junk car without a title in most cases. All you need is:

✔ A valid ID to prove ownership
✔ Basic car details (make, model, year, VIN)
✔ Any available paperwork (registration, bill of sale, etc.)

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.

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Ready to Get Cash for Your Junk Car?

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✔ Top-dollar offers for your junk car
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✔ No paperwork hassle—we handle everything!