Scrap Car Parts Value Guide

Know what your junk car parts are actually worth in scrap value

Quick Value Guide

High Value Scrap $100-$400 Catalytic Converter, Engine Block
Medium Value Scrap $50-$100 Transmission, Aluminum Wheels
Basic Value Scrap $10-$50 Radiator, Battery, Alternator
Minimal Value Scrap Under $10 Small Parts, Wiring, Sheet Metal

Catalytic Converter

$50-$250
Scrap Value Up to $250

Contains precious metals like platinum and palladium

  • Size affects value
  • Metal content varies by model
  • Market prices fluctuate

Engine Block

$100-$400
Scrap Value Up to $400

Heavy cast iron or aluminum construction

  • Weight determines value
  • Aluminum blocks worth more
  • Must be drained of fluids

Transmission

$50-$150
Scrap Value Up to $150

Mixed metal content including aluminum and steel

  • Size affects value
  • Must be drained
  • Aluminum cases worth more

Aluminum Wheels

$30-$100
Scrap Value Up to $100

Pure aluminum wheels have best value

  • Set of 4 wheels
  • Must be aluminum (not steel)
  • Weight affects price

Radiator

$10-$50
Scrap Value Up to $50

Copper and aluminum content

  • Must be drained
  • Copper core worth more
  • Size matters

Battery

$10-$30
Scrap Value Up to $30

Lead acid content determines value

  • Weight based pricing
  • Must not be cracked
  • Lead prices vary

Alternator

$5-$20
Scrap Value Up to $20

Copper windings provide main value

  • Small but dense
  • Copper content varies
  • Size affects price

Wiring Harness

$5-$15
Scrap Value Up to $15

Copper wiring wrapped in plastic

  • Labor intensive to strip
  • Must remove insulation
  • Copper grade matters

Steel Body Panels

$5-$25
Scrap Value Up to $25

Sheet metal and steel components

  • Bulk metal pricing
  • Must be cleaned
  • Weight-based value

Exhaust System

$10-$40
Scrap Value Up to $40

Steel pipes and muffler components

  • Stainless steel worth more
  • Size affects value
  • Excludes catalytic converter

Understanding Scrap Values

  • Market Fluctuation: Metal prices change daily, affecting scrap values
  • Location Impact: Local scrap yards may offer different prices
  • Condition Matters: Parts must be reasonably intact to get full scrap value
  • Weight Based: Most scrap is purchased by weight, not part

Pro Tips for Maximizing Value

1

Know What's Intact

Before you scrap your car, take inventory of the parts that are still in good condition.

2

Sell Parts Separately

Valuable parts like catalytic converters, aluminum rims, and batteries can often fetch higher prices if sold separately.

3

Understand Market Trends

Keep an eye on the current prices for metals like copper, aluminum, and steel to ensure you're scrapping at the right time.