Can You Get Money for Old Car Parts? What Sells, Where to Sell, and What to Expect

Yes—you can often turn old car parts into cash. Usable components, rebuildable “cores,” and even scrap metal have value, though how much you earn depends on the part, its condition, demand, and local regulations. Here’s how to assess what you have, find the right buyers, and stay on the right side of the law.

What’s Worth Money Right Now

Not all parts pay equally. Items that are hard to find, expensive new, or contain valuable materials tend to command the most. The list below highlights common winners and realistic value ranges, which vary by make/model, condition, and market trends.

• Catalytic converters: High variance based on precious-metal content and vehicle. Many OEM units fall roughly in the $100–$400 range; certain hybrid and large-engine units can be higher. Prices track platinum-group metals and have cooled from 2021–22 peaks.
• Engines and transmissions: Running, tested units can fetch a few hundred to several thousand dollars; non-running “cores” may bring $50–$400 to rebuilders.
• OEM alloy wheels: $40–$200 per wheel used; complete clean sets bring more. As scrap aluminum, value is typically by weight.
• Headlights/taillights (especially LED/Matrix units): $50–$400+ each if clean and unbroken.
• Body panels and bumpers: $50–$300+ depending on condition, paint color, and rarity.
• Alternators, starters, power steering pumps, AC compressors: $40–$150 used; $10–$40 each as rebuildable cores.
• ECUs/engine control modules and infotainment units: $50–$300+ if matching part numbers and unmodified.
• Exhaust manifolds and radiators: Mixed—resale if clean; otherwise scrap value for aluminum/copper content.
• Airbags and seatbelts: Can have resale value, but shipping and safety regulations are strict; many buyers avoid them.
• Batteries: Lead-acid batteries typically bring a $10–$30 “core” or scrap payout; hybrid/EV modules are specialized and can be valuable to qualified buyers but require hazmat handling.
• Interior trim and seats: Niche demand—high-value for sought-after trims, sports or luxury models.

Focus on recognizable OEM parts in good condition or components known to be rebuildable. When in doubt, check recent sold listings for your exact part number to gauge demand and realistic pricing.

Where to Sell and Who Buys

Your best venue depends on the part’s size, value, and whether it’s working, rebuildable, or scrap. The following channels cover most scenarios, from retail buyers to industrial recyclers.

• Online marketplaces (eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp): Best reach and pricing for desirable parts; factor in fees, buyer protection policies, and shipping.
• Specialty platforms and forums (Car-Part.com via recycler networks, enthusiast forums, model-specific groups): Strong for rare OEM parts and performance items with informed buyers.
• Local salvage yards and self-service recyclers (LKQ/Pick Your Part, Pull-A-Part): Quick cash for cores and bulk lots; expect wholesale pricing.
• Rebuilders and core buyers: Purchase alternators, starters, ECUs, engines, transmissions, and turbos for remanufacture; typically pay by part number and grade.
• Scrap metal yards: Pay by weight for aluminum wheels, radiators, copper wiring, catalytic converters (subject to strict rules), and mixed metal.
• Independent repair shops and body shops: May buy specific modules, lights, or panels to complete repairs quickly.

Mix channels to maximize return—list prime items where retail buyers shop, and move low-value or bulky items locally or to wholesale/core buyers to save time.

How to Prepare and Price Parts

A little prep goes a long way. These steps help you present parts credibly, reduce returns, and achieve better pricing.

1. Identify and verify: Record the VIN, exact part numbers, and interchange codes. Match to compatible years and trims using parts catalogs or recycler databases.
2. Assess condition: Note mileage, test functionality when feasible, and disclose cracks, corrosion, or missing clips. Clean parts for clear photos.
3. Research comps: On eBay, filter to “Sold” listings for your part number; check Car-Part.com or local yard prices to anchor expectations.
4. Decide channel: Ship small/high-value items; sell bulky/heavy parts locally to avoid freight expense. Group low-value pieces into lots.
5. Price smart: Start slightly above the median of recent sold comps, allow room for offers, and be ready to adjust based on interest.
6. Photograph clearly: Multiple angles, part numbers, connector close-ups, and any damage. Include a ruler for scale if helpful.
7. Ship safely: Drain fluids, cap ports, protect fragile tabs/lenses, and use double-wall boxes for heavy items. Consider freight quotes for engines/transmissions.
8. Document the sale: Keep receipts, buyer details, and the vehicle VIN—especially for regulated parts like catalytic converters.

This process builds buyer confidence, reduces disputes, and helps you meet any documentation requirements that may apply to regulated components.

Legal, Safety, and Environmental Rules

Auto parts commerce is regulated, especially around emissions, hazardous materials, and theft prevention. Review the common requirements below and check your local law before selling.

• Catalytic converters: Many U.S. states require seller ID, proof of vehicle ownership, and traceable documentation; buyers may mandate VIN and a bill of sale. Expect waiting periods or payments by check. Selling stolen or tampered converters is a crime, and federal law prohibits defeating emissions controls.
• Proof of ownership: Keep the title (or dismantler paperwork) for the source vehicle and receipts for parts. Some yards won’t buy regulated parts without documentation.
• Airbags and pyrotechnic devices: Classified as hazardous/dangerous goods for transport; most carriers require special contracts, labeling, and ground-only shipping. Never ship undeployed airbags without proper hazmat compliance. Don’t sell or install recalled safety components.
• Fluids and refrigerants: Drain oil, coolant, and fuel; dispose of all fluids at approved facilities. Refrigerant service requires certification; don’t vent to atmosphere.
• Batteries: Lead-acid and high-voltage packs are hazardous waste if mishandled. Use proper terminals covers and follow Class 9 hazmat rules for shipping EV/hybrid modules. Many states require recycling.
• Data and security: Wipe personal data from infotainment units; reset or code modules per manufacturer procedures to avoid immobilizer issues.

Regulations have tightened in recent years to combat theft and environmental harm. When in doubt, ask the buyer about required paperwork and comply with shipping and disposal rules.

When Scrapping Beats Parting Out

Parting out takes time, tools, and storage. If parts are worn, damaged, or slow-moving, scrapping may be the faster, safer exit. Here’s what typically makes sense for scrap.

• Aluminum wheels: Often worth more by weight than as rough used wheels without center caps or with curb rash.
• Radiators and condensers: Aluminum or copper/brass units carry scrap value if not resale-grade.
• Wiring harnesses: Copper content has value; remove non-metal when required by your yard.
• Catalytic converters: Legitimate sales with full documentation only; prices fluctuate with precious metals.
• Lead-acid batteries: Paid core value almost everywhere; always recycle.
• Complete shell: After pulling high-value items (lights, cats where legal, wheels, ECU), selling the remainder by weight to a yard can be efficient.

Call multiple yards for current rates, ask about material preparation (e.g., stripped vs. mixed), and bring ID. Market prices for non-ferrous metals change weekly.

Practical Tips to Maximize Return

Small improvements can increase your net and reduce hassle. Consider the following tactics when you start listing and selling.

• Bundle intelligently: Offer sets (e.g., left/right headlights, complete wheel sets) to lift average order value and save on shipping.
• Seasonality matters: Tires and 4×4 parts often move faster before winter; AC components before summer.
• Use interchange info: Note cross-compatibility in listings to broaden your buyer pool.
• Local pickup for bulky parts: Engines, transmissions, seats, and glass are best sold within driving distance.
• Be responsive: Quick answers and clear policies build trust and lead to faster sales.

Treat your listings like a storefront: accurate details, prompt communication, and fair pricing drive higher conversion and fewer returns.

Summary

You can absolutely get money for old car parts. High-demand OEM components, rebuildable cores, and scrap metals all have buyers—online, at local recyclers, and through specialty core markets. Verify part numbers, present honest condition, choose the right sales channel, and follow regulations for emissions parts, airbags, batteries, and fluids. If parts aren’t worth selling individually, scrapping by weight after pulling the best items is often the quickest path to cash.

How much can you get for scrap car parts?

Metal Content
Steel, aluminum, and copper are commonly found in cars and have varying market prices. For example, as of March 2025, scrap car prices range from $140 to $190 per ton, with complete vehicles typically selling for $175 to $665 in scrap, depending on weight, metal content, and location .

How to get money for car parts?

You can sell a car for parts and quick money by stripping the car on your own and selling parts individually to private buyers or selling the entire car to a local scrap metal yard. The amount of money you can make depends on various factors, such as whether your car is new or old.

Does AutoZone take old parts for money?

What’s more, those materials are still worth something, and auto-parts stores will typically pay you for them. Just show up at your local AutoZone with a dead battery and you’ll receive a gift card for your troubles.

Can you sell car parts for scrap?

When selling your car for parts, you can sell those parts to a local junkyard or salvage buyer, or list your parts for sale online. While local salvage buyers may provide faster sales, you may receive lower offers or even offers for scrap metal price only.