Perhaps that ancient car in your driveway—the one that hasn’t been driven in months—is worth more than simply a sentimental item. It’s simple to believe that a car that isn’t in use is worthless, but that couldn’t be further from the reality. The scrap car market is going smoothly, and your junk car could sell for the best price. Prices usually range from $150 to $700. The value of scrap cars may vary depending on how much they weigh, how well they work, and how much the scrap metal prices are.
This information will help you understand the car scrapping procedure. You’ll view the current scraping of car prices by vehicle type, find out exactly what impacts your car’s scrap value, and learn how to get the most money. By the end, you’ll understand how to transform that piece of metal into cash and where to sell your automobile for the greatest price.
What determines the Scrap Cars value?
A scrapyard sees a collection of precious materials when it examines your car. A few important elements determine the final price you are quoted.
Weight, Metal Content, and Completeness of the Vehicle
The weight of the car has the biggest impact on your compensation. Steel, which is sold by the tonne, makes up the majority of an automobile’s weight. As a result, your car’s overall value increases with its weight. The completeness of an automobile is also important; a car that has been stripped of all its components is worth less than one that has not.
The metals it contains also change how much it is worth. Here is a short list of the estimated prices for auto scrap metal that you might find (these prices may change):
- $0.075 to $0.10 per pound for steel
- $0.40 to $0.80 per pound for aluminium
- $2.45 to $3.10 per pound for copper
The average market price for scrap cars as of 2025 is between $150 and $200 per tone.
Where you live can unexpectedly affect the price you get. Scrapyards in places have lot of demand for recycled metal, and a lot of buyers tend to have lower prices. If your yard is close to ports or steel mills, it might be cheaper to move things around, which could be a better deal for you.
Current Scrap Car Prices by Vehicle Type
Here is a table with predicted scrap car values based on typical vehicle weight and a rate of $150 to $200 per tonne to help you better understand what to expect.
| Vehicle Class | Average Weight (lbs) | Estimated Scrap Value |
| Compact Cars | 3,250 | $244–$325 |
| Mid-Size Cars | 3,750 | $281–$375 |
| Full-Size Cars | 4,500 | $338–$450 |
| SUVs | 4,750 | $356–$475 |
| Pickup Trucks | 5,000 | $375–$500 |
To get the weight of your car in tons, divide the weight in pounds by 2,000 and then multiply that by the current price per tons.
Prices vary a lot from one region to another. For example, California and Michigan, which have strong industrial sectors, may charge more than more remote places like Alaska or Idaho, where processing and shipping costs are higher.
Which Pays More: Scrap Value or Parts Value?
Should you take the time to sell important parts separately or sell your car to a scrapyard in its current condition?
It’s quick and simple to sell for scrap. You only have to pay once for the whole car. In contrast, if you have the time, resources, and expertise, parting out a car can be far more rewarding. High-value elements consist of:
- Precious metals like rhodium and platinum are abundant in catalytic converters.
- Wheels made of aluminum can be sold for a fair price to metal recyclers.
- All throughout the vehicle’s electrical system is copper wiring.
- If the engine and gearbox are operational.
If you have a desirable model and the patience to sell, negotiate, and ship individual parts, then parting out makes sense. It’s best to sell the car intact if all you want is to get rid of it.
How to Calculate Your Car’s Scrap Worth
It’s easy to calculate the price of scrapping an automobile and your possible profit.
Determine the Weight of Your Car: Check the curb weight of your car online.
- Find Out the Scrap Rate Right Now: Find out the current price per tonne for full vehicles by giving a few nearby scrapyards a call.
- Calculate the cost of scrapping cars: Use this formula: (Weight of vehicle in pounds for every 2,000) × Cost per Tonne = Rough Value
- For example: For a mid-size car that weighs 3,750 pounds and costs $175 per tonne: $328.13 = (3,750 / 2,000) × $175
- Don’t forget to ask about the costs of towing, since these may be taken out of your payment. Also, make sure you have the papers you need to prove you own the car, like the title.
Maximizing Your Scrap Car Payout
Getting the best value can be achieved by taking a modest approach.
- Select the Appropriate Time: In the summer and during periods of economic prosperity, car scrap metal prices often rise. If you can wait, watch market patterns.
- Prepare Your Car: As much as possible, make sure the car is complete. Remove personal belongings and any non-metal trash. If you can safely remove easily available copper, you can increase your total by a small amount.
- Negotiate: Don’t accept the first offer. Obtain quotations from three or more buyers. Find out whether they can match a competitor’s price or provide free towing by using these comparative offers as leverage.
- Prepare your documentation: The deal will go more smoothly, and the buyer will know you’re serious if you bring your ID and the title of your automobile with you.
Where to Get the Scrap My Car Best Price
Your payout may be greatly impacted by the buyer you select. This is a brief comparison of your possibilities for scrap cars.
Conventional Scrap Yards:
These are actual places where you can dispose of your vehicle. Although they frequently have affordable costs, you might need to make your own travel arrangements.
Services that allow you to scrap your car for cash online are known as online scrap car buyers. In order to maximize convenience, they usually set up pickup and offer immediate quotes.
Services for trash Car Removal:
These businesses are experts at collecting trash automobiles. Although their rates may be marginally less than those of a direct-to-scrapyard sale, their primary selling points are convenience and free towing.
Auto Recyclers vs. Metal Recyclers:
If your car has usable parts that they can sell, auto recyclers, often known as “pull-a-part” yards, might pay more. The weight of the raw materials is all that matters to metal recyclers.
Red signs include buyers who have hidden costs, rush you into making a decision quickly, or refuse to give you a written price.
Ready to Turn Your Clunker Into Cash?
You now understand that even an automobile that isn’t in use has actual monetary worth. Understanding the elements that affect price, such as location, weight, and the state of the scrap metal market at the time, is essential to a successful sale. You have the upper hand in any discussion if you obtain several quotations and are aware of the estimated value of your car.
Your next actions are easy: To determine the approximate value of your automobile, get estimates from a few local and internet purchasers, and get your paperwork ready, use the trash cars for cash. There has never been a better moment to clear your driveway and have some cash in your pocket, thanks to favorable car scrap prices.