How Much Is My Junk Car Worth: Instant Junk Car Value & Appraisal
Junk cars are typically worth between $200 and $750, depending on the vehicle's weight, condition, and salvageable parts. Some junk vehicles that still run or have high-value components can fetch up to $1,500.
Our free appraisal tool tells you exactly how much your junk car is worth — in as little as a minute. We won't ask for personal info, and you won't be contacted by third parties.
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A Quick Guide to How Much Junk Cars Are Worth
How Much Are Junk Cars Worth?
Average Value of a Junk Car
Vehicles with a factory catalytic converter (which contains valuable precious metals) may receive a price boost. SUVs and trucks weigh more than sedans and often sell for up to $800 or more due to scrap metal content. Cars that still run, have intact major components, or qualify for resale can be worth $1,000 to $2,500 or more depending on condition and market demand.
If your car is damaged beyond repair, inoperable, or otherwise junk, it still has value and can be sold to a junk car buyer. In this article, the Junk Car Reaper team looks at how much junk or scrap cars are worth and the factors that impact their price. We've gathered data from different types of junk car buyers (junkyards, scrap yards, online buyers) across the U.S. so you can better estimate the value of your clunker.
How Junk Car Value is Determined
A junk car’s value is the amount it can generate from usable parts, scrap metal, and resale potential. The value is influenced by the vehicle's model, condition, weight, title status, and market demand for parts or materials in your location. Each factor either increases or decreases what a buyer is willing to pay.
For example, a working engine or catalytic converter adds value, while a missing title may lower your offer or even disqualify the vehicle. Junk cars in rural areas often receive lower offers due to limited towing options and fewer local buyers. Vehicles with clean paperwork are easier to resell and typically earn higher payouts.
These factors determine whether a junk car is valued for scrap or for its parts and resale potential.
- Year, Make & Model: Popular models fetch more due to high part demand.
- Condition: Driveable, complete, or repairable cars receive higher offers.
- Catalytic Converter: Adds $100-$500 due to precious metals like platinum and rhodium.
- Weight: Heavier vehicles contain more scrap metal, increasing base price.
- Title Status: Clean, transferable titles typically add $100-$200.
- Location: Urban areas with more buyers and towing options often result in higher quotes.
- Parts Demand: Reusable items (battery, wheels, engine, radiators) boost value.
- Scrap Metal Prices: Steel, aluminum, and copper rates impact pricing.
Each vehicle is unique and is valued accordingly.
How Much Do You Junk Car Buyers Pay for Cars?
Junk car buyers usually pay between $200 and $750 for older vehicles that no longer run, have high mileage, or are badly damaged. Some cars sell for over $1,000 if they have useful parts or resale value. Larger vehicles with more metal may also bring higher prices.
Buyers decide how much to pay based on your car’s weight, condition, and whether it has parts that can be reused or sold. If your vehicle is only good for scrap, the offer is based on how much metal it contains and the current market rates for materials like steel and aluminum.
Here's how much junkyards or online buyers pay for cars.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Junk Cars | $200 and up |
| Junk SUVs | $300 and up |
| Junk Trucks | $400 and up |
| Junk Vans | $400 and up |
| Vehicle Shell (No engine or parts) | $100 – $250 |
What Do Buyers Pay for Cars Based on Scrap Metal Prices
If your vehicle has no resale value or usable parts, junk car buyers will pay based on scrap weight. Heavier cars bring more because they contain more steel and other metals. See our scrap car price per ton to estimate what your vehicle may be worth as scrap.
Value of Junk Cars with Resale Potential
If your vehicle still runs, has valuable parts, or is in fair condition, it may qualify for resale or auction instead of being scrapped. These offers are typically higher.
| Vehicle Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Driveable Vehicles | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
| Repairable Cars with Good Parts | $800 – $1,800 |
How Condition and Missing Parts Affect Price
The completeness of parts and the availability of paperwork all impact your offer. Vehicles that are missing key components or legal documents are typically worth less. Here is how missing components or paperwork can impact how much you can sell your junk car for.
| Condition | Estimated Value Reduction |
|---|---|
| Missing catalytic converter | $50 – $250 less |
| Missing engine or transmission | $100 – $500 less |
| Missing wheels or tires | $50 – $200 less |
| Stripped vehicle (multiple parts missing) | Significant reduction (varies) |
| Missing title | Significant reduction or buyer refusal |
Get Your Junk Car’s Value and Sell It Today
Now that you know what your junk car might be worth, it’s time to get your actual offer. We’ll appraise your vehicle for free and give you a cash offer in minutes. No pressure, no hidden fees, and no obligation to sell.
Enter your VIN or vehicle details to get started. We’ll show you how much we can pay based on your car’s condition, location, and market demand.
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