How Much Do Junkyards Pay for Cars? The Complete Guide

Thinking about selling your old vehicle to a junkyard but not sure what to expect? Whether you have a compact car, a midsize sedan, a full-sized SUV, or even a pickup truck, junkyards pay cash for cars of all types—even if they’re no longer running or missing key parts. On average, junkyards pay anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per vehicle, with larger, heavier models and those with in-demand parts typically earning more.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how junkyards determine the value of a vehicle, covering:

  • Average Junkyard Payouts Based on Vehicle Types: A quick look at what different vehicle types can earn.
  • The Types of Cars Junkyards Buy: From end-of-life vehicles to heavy trucks, learn what kinds of cars junkyards prefer.
  • Factors That Influence Junkyard Payouts: From vehicle type and condition to local scrap metal prices.
  • The Role of Weight and Scrap Metal Prices: Why larger vehicles generally yield higher payouts and how current metal prices impact your offer.
  • Tips to Maximize Your Offer: How to get the best possible price by understanding what junkyards value most.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what junkyards pay for cars, how different factors affect pricing, and actionable steps to ensure you get the most cash for your old vehicle. Let’s dive into the details of what to expect and how to turn your clunker into cash!


Average Junkyard Payouts Based on Vehicle Type

To give you a clear idea of what to expect, here’s an estimated range for how much junkyards typically pay based on vehicle type and condition:

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 could fetch closer to $150.

What Types of Cars Do Junkyards Buy?

Junkyards buy a wide range of cars, from completely non-running vehicles to those that are slightly damaged but still operational. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cars they typically buy:

  1. End-of-Life Vehicles (EOL)
    These are vehicles that have reached the end of their operational life and are only worth their metal and remaining parts. Typically, these include cars over 15 years old, with significant wear and high mileage.
  2. Non-Running Vehicles
    Junkyards readily buy non-running vehicles, as their value is primarily in the metal. A car with a blown engine, dead transmission, or electrical issues is still valuable for scrap.
  3. Vehicles Missing Parts
    Cars missing key parts, like the engine, transmission, or catalytic converter, will get lower offers, but junkyards will still accept them. Vehicles missing valuable parts often receive lower payouts due to the reduced metal and resale value.
  4. High-Mileage Vehicles
    Even if a car runs, high mileage reduces its market resale value, making junkyards an ideal option for owners looking to offload these cars quickly.
  5. Older Trucks, SUVs, and Heavy Vehicles
    Trucks and SUVs, even if old or damaged, often fetch higher prices simply due to their weight. The more metal, the higher the payout, and many junkyards are specifically interested in these larger vehicles for this reason.

Factors That Determine How Much Junkyards Pay for Cars

When you take your car to a junkyard, the offer you receive is based on several core factors. Here’s a breakdown of what junkyards look at when calculating how much they’ll pay:

  1. Vehicle Weight and Scrap Metal Value
    Junkyards primarily pay for the metal in your car. Larger, heavier vehicles such as SUVs and trucks will naturally yield higher prices because they contain more scrap metal. Scrap metal prices are typically calculated in net tons (NT) in the U.S., with average rates currently ranging from $155 to $185 per net ton.
  2. Vehicle Type and Size
    The type of vehicle you’re selling makes a significant difference. Here’s a look at how different vehicles are valued in junkyards:

    • Compact Cars (e.g., Honda Civic): These lighter vehicles usually bring in lower offers due to their smaller size and reduced metal content.
    • Midsize Sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry): Midsize sedans tend to be slightly more valuable than compacts, as they weigh more and often have parts in demand.
    • SUVs and Trucks (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevy Tahoe): Large vehicles are highly valued for their metal and their high-demand parts, so they typically yield the highest offers.
    • Luxury or High-Demand Models (e.g., BMW, Audi): High-demand or luxury models may get better offers if parts are in demand, though this varies.
  3. Condition of the Car
    The car’s condition also plays a role. Junkyards will typically pay more for cars that have intact engines, transmissions, or other valuable components, even if they’re no longer operational. A running car or one with high-demand parts may fetch higher offers.
  4. Local Scrap Metal Market
    Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on market conditions. During periods of high demand, prices increase, and junkyards can offer more. Conversely, when prices dip, offers may be lower.
  5. Accessibility and Towing Costs
    If your car is easy for the junkyard to tow and access, you may get a slightly better offer. Some junkyards factor towing costs into their quotes, so confirm whether towing is included.

Scrap Metal Pricing: How It Impacts Your Car’s Value

The primary factor driving the value of a junk car at a junkyard is scrap metal pricing. Most of your vehicle’s value comes from its metal components, which can be recycled and resold. Here’s a closer look at the metals found in junk cars and how they affect pricing:

  • Steel: The largest component in most vehicles, making up around 65% of the car’s weight. With steel prices fluctuating between $155 and $185 per net ton, it serves as the main contributor to the junk car’s value.
  • Aluminum: Used in certain parts, like the engine block or transmission, aluminum has a higher value than steel. This is often factored in separately if your vehicle has more aluminum components.
  • Copper: Found in wiring and certain electrical components, copper can boost a junk car’s value due to its higher market value per pound.

Note: Each of these metals has a market rate that fluctuates. Junkyards pay based on the current scrap metal price, which is why prices can change over time. Heavier cars, like trucks and SUVs, generally yield higher returns since they contain more metal.

How Scrap Metal Prices Impact the Value of Different Vehicles

Here’s how the weight of various vehicle types translates into scrap value based on current average rates of $155 to $185 per net ton:

Vehicle Type Average Weight (lbs) Estimated Scrap Value
Compact Car ~2,500 lbs $193 – $231
Midsize Sedan ~3,000 lbs $231 – $277
SUV ~4,500 lbs $346 – $415
Pickup Truck ~5,000 lbs $385 – $462
Full-Size Van ~6,000 lbs $462 – $554

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on exact weight, metal composition, and market rates. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks generally bring higher offers due to their increased metal content.

Maximizing Your Offer from a Junkyard

Want to get the best price for your junk car? Here’s how to make sure you’re maximizing your offer:

  1. Provide Accurate Information
    Make sure to give the junkyard accurate details about the car’s condition. Mention if it has recently replaced parts, like a new battery, tires, or alternator, as this might add value.
  2. Check Scrap Metal Prices
    If possible, keep an eye on scrap metal market trends. Junk car prices are often tied to scrap rates, so selling during a peak in metal prices could yield a better offer.
  3. Sell Larger Vehicles When Possible
    Heavier vehicles typically fetch higher offers because they contain more metal. If you’re debating between junking a car or a truck, know that the truck is likely worth more in scrap.
  4. Ask About Towing Fees
    Some junkyards charge for towing, which can reduce your total payout. Always confirm whether towing is included in the offer. At Junk Car Reaper, we include towing at no extra cost, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
  5. Negotiate
    Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Some junkyards may have flexibility in their pricing, especially if your vehicle has high-demand parts or if it’s a larger vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Selling your car to a junkyard can be an efficient way to turn an old, unused vehicle into quick cash. By understanding the factors that go into junkyard pricing—such as vehicle weight, metal type, and condition—you’ll be better prepared to get the best possible offer.

At Junk Car Reaper, we pride ourselves on offering competitive rates and transparent, hassle-free service. Whether you’re selling a compact car, a midsize sedan, or a full-sized truck, we make sure you get a fair offer based on real-time scrap metal prices.

Ready to turn that old car into cash? Contact Junk Car Reaper today for an instant, no-obligation quote. With our experience and customer-focused approach, you can count on us to give you the best deal and make the process as smooth as possible.