Scrap Car Prices (Per Ton) by State and Vehicle Type
As of February 2026, scrap car prices fall between $140 to $175 per ton nationwide, reflecting the metal value of a vehicle at the end of its useful life. Based on these prices, you can expect to get between $140 to $612.50 to scrap a complete vehicle.
Complete vehicles are worth more than incomplete ones because they contain more salvageable metal. Larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs are worth more than cars for the same reason.
In order to pay the best prices, we track scrap car prices nationwide on an ongoing basis.
Scrap Car Prices Per Ton Across the USA (Estimates as of February 2026)
Scrap car prices vary by state and region due to factors such as demand, competition among metal recycling facilities, and proximity to regional ports. The table below shows current weight based pricing for scrap metal in cars, with the national average sitting at $165 per ton ($0.0825 per pound).
| Estimated Price (Per Ton) | Estimated Price (Per Pound) | States |
|---|---|---|
| $140 to $170 | $0.070 to $0.085 | Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming |
| $145 to $175 | $0.073 to $0.088 | Alabama, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia |
| $150 to $180 | $0.075 to $0.090 | Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin |
| $155 to $185 | $0.078 to $0.093 | Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington |
| $160 to $190 | $0.080 to $0.095 | Connecticut, Indiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas |
| $165 to $195 | $0.083 to $0.098 | Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York |
| $170 to $200 | $0.085 to $0.100 | California, Michigan |
How did we come up with these prices?
Our team tracks pricing on an ongoing basis in order to provide fair and current prices. The above prices reflect accurate prices for complete cars. Vehicles with missing parts such as the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, or battery are priced about $40 to $70 per ton lower than complete cars.
What is a "complete car" for scrap purposes?
A complete car means it still has all of its major components, including the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, battery, radiator, wheels, and tires. A vehicle is classified as an "incomplete car" if it is missing any of its major components.
Scrap Car Prices by Vehicle Class
When scrap prices are high, scrapping your car can earn you $300 to $500 or more, depending on the vehicle's class. When prices are low, you may want to consider parting it out or holding onto it, if possible, until prices bounce back. The scrap value of a car varies based on several factors:
- Nearby Prices: Prices vary by region and location.
- Vehicle Weight The heavier the vehicle the more recyclable metal it will contain.
- Metal Content: Vehicles containing more aluminum will be worth more.
See the table below to get an idea of how much you can get for scrapping a car based on it's size.
| Vehicle Type (Approx. Weight) | Complete Car Payout | Incomplete Car Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car (2,500–3,000 lbs) | $250 to $400 | $150 to $250 |
| Midsize Sedan (3,200–3,600 lbs) | $300 to $500 | $180 to $320 |
| Full-Size Sedan (3,800–4,200 lbs) | $325 to $550 | $200 to $350 |
| Compact SUV (3,400–3,800 lbs) | $350 to $600 | $225 to $400 |
| Full-Size SUV (5,500–6,000 lbs) | $450 to $800 | $300 to $550 |
| Pickup Truck (4,500–5,500 lbs) | $400 to $750 | $275 to $500 |
| Minivan (4,300–4,800 lbs) | $350 to $600 | $225 to $400 |
How Do I Get The Best Scrap Price for My Vehicle?
- Keep the car as complete as possible: Scrap yards and junk car buyers pay more when a vehicle has all of its key parts.
- Get multiple quotes: Shop around and compare scrap yards, junkyards, and online buyers for prices.
- Monitor prices monthly: Keep track of prices if you know you'll be scrapping a car in the near future.
We hope you've found this page helpful in determining how much your junk car is worth for scrap. We invite you to request an instant cash offer to see how much we'll pay for your vehicle. There is no cost and no obligation to sell.