Junkyards typically pay between $100 and $1,200 for cars, depending on the vehicle’s weight, current scrap metal prices, and whether it has valuable components like a catalytic converter, engine, or transmission. Heavier vehicles such as trucks and SUVs usually bring higher offers, while small, non-running cars with missing parts bring less.
At Junk Car Reaper, we buy thousands of junk cars every year across the United States. We see price variations every day, so we know exactly how junkyards value cars and what actually affects your offer.
Average Junkyard Payouts by Vehicle Type
Junkyards buy almost any vehicle regardless of age or condition: end-of-life cars, non-running vehicles, high-mileage cars with no resale value, accident-damaged vehicles, and cars missing major components. Trucks, SUVs, and heavier vehicles are especially desirable because they contain more metal. Here are typical payout ranges for different vehicle types based on standard scrap conditions:
| Vehicle Type / Condition | Estimated Payout Range |
|---|---|
| Small Compact Car (Non-running) | $100 – $300 |
| Midsize Sedan (Running or Non-running) | $200 – $500 |
| SUVs and Trucks (Older Models) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Luxury Vehicles (High-Demand Parts) | $400 – $1,200+ |
| Vehicle Missing Key Parts (Engine, etc.) | $50 – $250 |
Example: A running 2010 Toyota Camry with average mileage might get around $400 at a junkyard, while a non-running 2005 Honda Civic missing its engine might land closer to $150.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for an Old Car?
Junkyards typically pay $150 to $400 for older cars (15+ years), depending on their weight, completeness, and whether high-value parts are still intact. Since older vehicles rarely have retail resale value, junkyards base most of the offer on metal weight alone. Heavier older trucks and SUVs can bring $500 or more.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for a Running Car?
Running cars typically earn $300 to $700 because working engines and transmissions add extra salvage value on top of the scrap metal weight. A junkyard can resell or reuse these components instead of only crushing the car for metal, so they’re willing to pay more.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for a Non-Running Car?
Non-running cars usually sell for $150 to $350, depending on weight and whether key parts like the catalytic converter, engine, and transmission are still present. Since non-running vehicles have no resale potential, their value comes almost entirely from metal and salvageable components.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for a Totaled Car?
Junkyards typically pay $150 to $500 for totaled cars, depending on the type of damage and whether valuable components survived the accident. A car that’s been rear-ended with a working engine and intact catalytic converter is worth more than one with front-end damage that destroyed the motor. Insurance companies total cars when repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value, but that doesn’t mean there’s no salvage value left for a junkyard to extract.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for a Car Without a Title?
Cars without a title typically receive 20-40% less than titled vehicles, bringing most offers down to $100 to $300. Without a title, junkyards have fewer options for reselling the vehicle or its parts, which limits what they can pay. Some states allow junkyards to purchase vehicles with alternative proof of ownership like registration or a signed affidavit, while others have stricter requirements. Call ahead to confirm what documentation the junkyard needs.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay for Trucks?
Junkyards typically pay $400 to $1,200 for trucks, making them some of the highest-paying vehicles to scrap. The reason is simple: trucks are heavier. A full-size pickup like a Ford F-150 weighs around 4,500-5,500 lbs compared to 2,500-3,000 lbs for a typical sedan. Since junkyards pay primarily by weight, that extra 2,000+ lbs of steel translates directly into a higher offer. Larger trucks like the F-250 or Chevy Silverado 2500 can bring even more due to their increased size and heavier frames.
How Do Junkyards Determine the Value of a Car?
Junkyards value cars primarily by vehicle weight × scrap metal price per ton, then adjust based on parts value, title status, and local demand. In simple terms: heavier vehicles with intact components and clean titles get the best offers.
Here are the core factors that affect your quote:
- Vehicle weight
Heavier vehicles contain more metal and bring higher offers. SUVs, trucks, and vans almost always pay more than compact cars. - Scrap metal prices
Metal prices fluctuate weekly. When prices are high, junkyards pay more. Two identical cars can receive different offers in different months based on market conditions. - Condition and completeness
Vehicles with intact engines, transmissions, and catalytic converters are worth more. A complete car will almost always receive a higher offer than one missing major components. - Running vs. non-running
Running cars earn more because the junkyard can resell the engine and transmission instead of only scrapping the metal. - Title status
Cars with a clean, transferable title earn more because they give the junkyard more resale options. No-title cars can still sell in most states but expect 20-40% less. - Towing accessibility
If your car is in a hard-to-reach location, the junkyard may reduce the offer to cover extra towing costs. Many reputable buyers include free towing.
Do Junkyards Pay by Weight?
Yes. Most junkyards base their offer primarily on the weight of your vehicle. The heavier the vehicle, the more metal it contains, and the more the junkyard can earn by crushing and selling it for scrap. Parts value and condition sit on top of that base weight value.
Basic Scrap Value Formula
You can estimate the base scrap value of your car with a simple formula:
Vehicle weight (lbs) ÷ 2,000 × scrap price per ton = estimated base scrap value
Example: A midsize sedan that weighs about 3,000 lbs with scrap at $170 per ton:
- 3,000 lbs ÷ 2,000 = 1.5 tons
- 1.5 × $170 = $255 base scrap value
Your actual offer may be higher or lower depending on parts, demand, location, and the buyer’s business model, but this gives you a realistic starting point.
How Scrap Metal Prices Affect Your Payout
Most of your junk car’s value comes from its metal. A typical vehicle contains a mix of steel, aluminum, and small amounts of copper and other metals:
- Steel – Makes up the majority of the vehicle’s weight and forms the core of the scrap value.
- Aluminum – Found in engine blocks, wheels, and some body panels. It is lighter than steel but usually worth more per pound.
- Copper – Found in wiring and certain electrical parts. It adds value, but there is less of it by weight.
Scrap yards look at the overall weight and metal composition of your vehicle, then factor in current scrap prices in your region. For current rates, see our scrap car prices page. This is why two similar cars might bring different offers in different locations or at different times.
How Scrap Metal Prices Translate into Offers
Here’s a simplified look at how vehicle weight translates into scrap value estimates. These ranges assume average scrap pricing and do not include additional value from desirable parts:
| Vehicle Type | Average Weight (lbs) | Estimated Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | ~2,500 lbs | $190 – $230 |
| Midsize Sedan | ~3,000 lbs | $230 – $280 |
| SUV | ~4,500 lbs | $340 – $420 |
| Pickup Truck | ~5,000 lbs | $380 – $460 |
| Full-Size Van | ~6,000 lbs | $460 – $550 |
Note: These numbers are rough estimates to show how weight affects value. Actual offers vary based on current scrap prices, location, vehicle condition, and buyer demand.
Can You Get More Than a Junkyard Pays?
Yes. Online junk car buyers like Junk Car Reaper often pay more than local junkyards because we evaluate vehicles differently.
Most junkyards only consider scrap metal weight. We look at the full picture: resale potential, parts demand, and auction value. This allows us to pay 10-35% more for many vehicles.
Why Online Buyers Pay More
- Multiple revenue streams. We can resell vehicles at auction, sell parts to rebuilders, or process cars for scrap. More options means more value to extract.
- Nationwide network. We connect your vehicle with buyers across the country, not just in your local area. More competition for your car means higher offers.
- Lower overhead. Processing thousands of vehicles monthly gives us economies of scale that single-location junkyards can’t match.
- Free towing included. Many local junkyards charge $75-$150 for towing. We include it free, so you keep more of your payout.
If a junkyard offers you $300 for your car, it’s worth checking what an online buyer will pay. The same vehicle might bring $400-$500 from a buyer who sees value beyond just scrap metal.
Tips to Maximize Your Junkyard Offer
If you want the highest possible payout from a junkyard, a few simple steps can make a real difference:
- Provide accurate information
Be honest and detailed when describing your vehicle. Mention if it runs, if it has a clean title, and whether major parts like the catalytic converter, engine, and transmission are still in place. Accurate information leads to accurate quotes and fewer price changes at pickup. - Get multiple quotes
Don’t settle for the first offer. Contact several licensed junk car buyers and junkyards and compare quotes. Sellers who get 3-5 quotes often receive significantly more money than those who accept the first number they hear. - Ask about towing fees
Always confirm whether towing is included. If a junkyard charges for towing, that cost comes out of your payout. At Junk Car Reaper, we include towing at no extra cost so you keep more of your offer. - Have your title ready
A clean, transferable title usually increases your offer and makes the process faster. If you can replace a lost title for a modest fee, the higher payout often justifies the effort. - Sell sooner rather than later
Cars tend to lose value as they sit: parts rust, batteries die, and mechanical issues get worse. Scrap prices can also drop. If you know you’re done with the vehicle, selling sooner usually leads to a better payout. - Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Some junkyards have flexibility in their pricing, especially if your vehicle has high-demand parts or if it’s a larger vehicle. Mention competing offers to see if they’ll match or beat them.
Get a Higher Offer from Junk Car Reaper
Before you accept a junkyard’s offer, see what your car is worth to a buyer who values more than just scrap metal. At Junk Car Reaper, we offer competitive rates, free towing, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Get your instant cash offer in minutes, or call 877-451-4417 to speak with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my junk car worth in scrap?
The scrap value depends on your vehicle’s weight and current metal prices. A typical car weighing 3,000 lbs is worth roughly $230-$280 in pure scrap value. Add in parts like the catalytic converter, engine, and transmission, and the total value is usually higher.
Do junkyards pay cash?
Most junkyards pay cash on the spot when they pick up your vehicle. Some may pay by check. Always confirm the payment method before accepting an offer so there are no surprises at pickup.
Will a junkyard buy a car without a title?
Many junkyards will buy cars without a title, but the rules vary by state. You’ll typically need to prove ownership through registration or other documentation. Expect a lower offer for cars without a clean title.
How do I know if I’m getting a fair offer?
Get at least 3 quotes from different buyers, including local junkyards and online buyers. Research your car’s approximate weight and check current scrap metal prices in your area. If an offer seems unusually low, keep shopping around.
Should I remove parts before junking my car?
It depends. Removing valuable parts like a newer battery, good tires, or aftermarket accessories can sometimes net you more money if you sell them separately. However, removing the catalytic converter, engine, or transmission will significantly lower your junkyard offer. For most people, selling the car complete is simpler and often pays about the same.
How fast can I get my car picked up?
Most junk car buyers, including Junk Car Reaper, can pick up your vehicle within 24-48 hours of accepting an offer. Some offer same-day pickup depending on your location and schedule.
