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Scrap Car Value Calculator

Estimate your junk car's scrap value based on weight, condition, and location. Get realistic pricing before selling to a junkyard.

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Quick Reference (2025 Prices)

Metal Only: $100-$700 • With Parts: $300-$1,500+ • Price Per Ton: $100-$220

🚙 Vehicle Type

📋 Vehicle Condition

📍 Your Location

Estimated Scrap Value

$425 - $1,285

Mid-Size Sedan • 3,500 lbs

📊 Value Breakdown

Vehicle Weight3,500 lbs (1.75 tons)
🔩 Scrap Metal Value$175 - $385
⚙️ Parts Value (est.)$250 - $900
Total Estimate$425 - $1,285

💡 Tip: Get 3+ quotes from local junkyards. Prices vary 20-50% between buyers. Mention if your car still runs or has a good catalytic converter.

📊 Scrap Car Value by Vehicle Type (2025)

Average scrap values based on current market rates of $100-$220 per ton

Vehicle TypeAvg. WeightMetal OnlyWith Parts
Compact Car2,500 lbs$125 - $275$300 - $800
Mid-Size Sedan3,500 lbs$175 - $385$400 - $1,100
Full-Size Sedan4,000 lbs$200 - $440$450 - $1,200
SUV / Crossover4,500 lbs$225 - $495$500 - $1,400
Pickup Truck5,500 lbs$275 - $605$600 - $1,800
Van / Minivan4,500 lbs$225 - $495$500 - $1,300

💰 Current Scrap Metal Prices (2025)

Metal types found in vehicles and their current market values

Metal TypeCurrent PriceFound In
Steel (car body)$100 - $220/tonBody panels, frame, structure
Aluminum$0.50 - $0.80/lbWheels, engine parts, radiator
Copper$3.00 - $4.00/lbWiring harness, radiator
Catalytic Converter$50 - $500Exhaust system (precious metals)

💵 How to Get the Most for Your Scrap Car

1

Get Multiple Quotes

Contact 3-5 local junkyards and online buyers. Prices can vary 30-50% between buyers.

2

Highlight Valuable Parts

Mention if engine runs, transmission works, or catalytic converter is intact. These add $300-$1,000+.

3

Have Your Title Ready

Cars with clean titles get better offers. No title? Get a duplicate from DMV ($15-30).

4

Consider Selling Parts

Selling catalytic converter, wheels, and battery separately can yield 2-3x more than selling whole.

📈 What Affects Scrap Car Value?

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Vehicle Weight — More weight = more metal = higher value
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Scrap Metal Prices — Fluctuates with global steel demand
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Location — States near steel mills pay 15-20% more
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Salvageable Parts — Running engines, catalytic converters add value
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Condition & Title — Complete cars with titles get best offers

⚙️ Parts Value Guide

Working Engine$200-$600
Catalytic Converter$50-$500
Transmission$100-$400
Alloy Wheels (set)$50-$200
Car Battery$10-$30

💡 Pro Tips

  • Never accept the first offer
  • Confirm free towing is included
  • Remove personal items first
  • Get cash at pickup time
  • Keep license plates (required in most states)

Frequently Asked Questions

Most scrap cars are worth $100 to $700 based on weight alone. A typical mid-size sedan (3,500 lbs) brings $175-$385 in scrap metal value. Add $200-$600 if the engine runs, $100-$400 for a good transmission, and $50-$500 for the catalytic converter. Complete running vehicles can fetch $500-$1,500+ depending on make, model, and local demand.

Junkyards primarily calculate value by multiplying your car's weight (in tons) by the current scrap metal price per ton ($100-$220). They then add value for salvageable parts like the engine, transmission, and catalytic converter. Location matters too—yards near steel mills pay more due to lower shipping costs.

As of 2025, scrap car prices range from $100 to $220 per ton depending on location and market conditions. States near steel mills (Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania) typically pay $160-$220/ton, while remote areas may only pay $100-$150/ton. Prices fluctuate based on global steel demand.

Yes, catalytic converters contain precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) worth $50-$500 depending on the vehicle type. Trucks and SUVs typically have more valuable converters than small cars. Many scrap buyers significantly reduce their offer if the catalytic converter is missing.

Yes, running vehicles typically get 10-20% more than non-running ones. A working engine adds $200-$600 in value because it can be resold. However, even non-running cars have scrap value based on weight and remaining parts. The engine's condition matters more than whether the car 'drives.'

Cars without titles typically receive 20-40% lower offers due to additional paperwork requirements and legal risks for the buyer. Some junkyards won't buy vehicles without proper documentation. If you've lost your title, consider applying for a duplicate from your DMV before selling.

Key factors include: 1) Vehicle weight (more metal = higher value), 2) Current scrap metal market prices, 3) Condition and completeness of the vehicle, 4) Presence of valuable parts (engine, transmission, catalytic converter), 5) Your location relative to steel mills and recycling facilities, and 6) Local demand for parts from your vehicle type.

🚗 Disclaimer: Estimates based on 2025 national averages. Actual offers vary by location, buyer, vehicle condition, and current metal prices. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing.