The value of a junk car depends on various factors. This article from Junk Car Reaper explains what junk cars are worth, based on pricing data from over 20,000 vehicles sold in the past 3 months. We cover average payouts, the factors that increase or reduce value, and how sellers can maximize their offer based on their car’s condition.
What is Junk Car Value?
A junk car’s value is the amount it can generate from usable parts, scrap metal, and resale potential. Value is influenced by condition, weight, title status, and market demand for parts or materials.
Current Junk Car Values
While some junkers can sell for higher prices, you should expect to get between $100 and $1,000 for an old, inoperable, damaged vehicle.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Most Junk Cars Sell for: | $300 – $750 |
| Junk Car Value Range: | $100 – $1,500+ |
| Average Payout | $512 (based on 20,000 quotes, May–July 2025) |
What Affects Junk Car Value?
The value of a junk car is based on these factors.
- Year, Make & Model: Popular or newer vehicles often yield higher offers due to part demand.
- Vehicle Condition: Driveable or complete cars are worth more than inoperable, stripped, or severely damaged (flood, rust, fire) ones.
- Catalytic Converter: Contains precious metals; adds $100–$500 depending on recovery potential.
- Engine & Transmission: Functional components significantly increase value.
- Weight: More metal means higher scrap payout.
- Title Status: Clean, transferable titles add $100–$200.
- Location: Metro areas with more buyers and shorter towing routes often yield higher quotes.
- Parts Demand: Usable wheels, batteries, radiators, etc. increase value.
- Scrap Metal Prices National and regional rates for steel, aluminum, and copper affect the base price of all junk vehicles. Prices fluctuate by region. Check scrap car prices.
Each vehicle is unique and is valued accordingly.
Junk Car Value by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Junk Cars | $100 – $700+ |
| Junk SUVs | $300 – $1,000+ |
| Junk Trucks | $350 – $1,500+ |
| Junk Vans | $350 – $1,500+ |
| Driveable Vehicles | $500 – $2,500+ |
Trucks and vans often have more metal weight, which increases scrap value, and their parts are in higher demand among junk car buyers. Values depend on condition, market, and region. Use our quote tool for exact offers.
How Missing or Damaged Parts Affect Value
| Condition | Estimated Value Reduction |
|---|---|
| Missing catalytic converter | –$50 to –$250 |
| Missing engine or transmission | –$100 to –$500 |
| Missing wheels | –$50 to –$200 |
| Stripped vehicle | Significant reduction (varies) |
How to Get the Best Price for Your Junk Car
Before You Sell
- ✓ Gather your title and registration
- ✓ Remove all personal belongings
- ✓ Keep all original parts intact
- ✓ Document your car's condition
- ✓ Research current scrap metal prices
Value-Boosting Tips
- ✓ Keep the catalytic converter attached (worth $50-$250)
- ✓ Maintain any working parts
- ✓ Keep documentation of recent repairs
- ✓ Clean out the vehicle completely
- ✓ Get multiple quotes for comparison