How Much Are Dead Cars Worth?

In most of the United States, a non‑running “dead” car is typically worth $200–$1,500, depending on weight, scrap and parts value, towing, title status, and current metal prices; repairable late‑model vehicles can fetch $1,000–$5,000, while stripped or very light hulks may bring only $100–$400. That range reflects 2025 market conditions, in which scrap steel commonly trades around $150–$300 per short ton at local yards, with catalytic converters and desirable parts often adding meaningful value.

What Do People Mean by a “Dead” Car?

“Dead car” usually refers to a vehicle that doesn’t run or isn’t economical to repair. It may still have value as scrap metal, as a parts donor, or as a repairable salvage vehicle. The exact category determines how much you’ll be offered and by whom.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

Here’s how offers commonly break down in today’s market across the U.S., assuming the vehicle is intact and you have a clear title. Location, towing distance, and commodity prices can move these figures up or down.

• Pure scrap value (small car): $200–$400
• Pure scrap value (mid‑size sedan/SUV): $300–$600
• Scrap value (full‑size truck/large SUV): $400–$900
• Non‑running but repairable late‑model car (private or dealer wholesale): $1,000–$5,000
• Heavily stripped shell or flood total: $100–$300
• Catalytic converter impact: intact converters can add roughly $100–$800+ to offers, model‑dependent; missing converters often cut offers by $100–$400+

These ranges reflect common cash‑for‑cars and yard quotes. Larger, heavier vehicles and those with high‑value parts (e.g., undamaged body panels, engines, or hybrid cats) skew higher, while incomplete or remote vehicles skew lower.

A Quick Way to Estimate Scrap‑Only Value

If your car has little resale or parts interest, you can approximate a scrap offer using weight and local scrap rates.

1. Find curb weight (door jamb sticker or online spec) in pounds.
2. Multiply by $0.07–$0.12 per lb (equivalent to ~$140–$240 per short ton after yard overhead).
3. Adjust for towing: subtract $75–$150 if not included; add if the yard offers free tow.
4. Adjust for major items: intact catalytic converter (+$100–$800), aluminum wheels (+$20–$100), missing drivetrain (−$50–$300).

Example: a 3,200‑lb sedan at $0.09/lb yields ~$288. If towing is included and the catalytic converter is intact, an offer around $300–$450 is common; without the converter, expect closer to $200–$300.

What Most Changes the Price

Multiple variables affect how much a buyer pays for a dead car. Understanding these helps you anticipate and negotiate a fair offer.

• Weight and body style: trucks/SUVs are heavier and usually pay more than small cars.
• Catalytic converter type: hybrids and some imports have higher precious‑metal content; missing converters reduce offers.
• Title status: a clean title can add $50–$300 to offers, and some buyers refuse no‑title vehicles.
• Completeness: missing wheels, battery, or drivetrain lowers scrap and parts value.
• Local metal prices: scrap steel commonly ranges ~$150–$300/ton at yards; aluminum and copper parts can add value.
• Demand for parts: popular models with interchangeable parts fetch more from dismantlers.
• Towing distance and access: free, easy pickup improves your net; rural tows may incur fees.
• Damage type: flood/fire damage often limits value to scrap; collision damage can leave valuable driveline/components.

Because these factors stack, two “dead” cars of similar age can produce very different offers depending on their configuration, completeness, and location.

Where to Sell and What They Typically Pay

Different buyers value dead cars differently. Matching the vehicle’s condition to the right buyer can materially change your payout.

• Local junkyard/scrap yard: pays by weight and completeness; fast removal; $200–$700 typical.
• Cash‑for‑cars services: convenience and free towing; pricing similar to or slightly above local yards due to networked resale.
• Auto dismantlers/recyclers: better for parts‑rich, popular models; may beat scrap offers.
• Private buyers/mechanics: best for repairable late‑model vehicles; $1,000–$5,000 possible.
• Salvage auctions (via dealer/broker): viable for high‑value late models; fees apply.
• Charity donation: low cash value but potential tax deduction; verify IRS‑qualified organizations.

If time and hassle are critical, cash‑for‑cars and local yards offer speed with average pricing; if maximizing value matters, targeted private sale or a dismantler can pay more for the right car.

Documents and Logistics

Having the right paperwork and preparing the car can prevent delays and deductions.

• Title: most buyers require it; obtain a duplicate if lost.
• Photo ID and keys: standard for release of interest and pickup.
• Lien release: needed if any lien is recorded.
• Plates and insurance: remove plates; cancel insurance and registration after sale.
• Access and tires: rolling access and inflated tires ease towing and can avoid fees.

Confirm in writing whether towing is included, what fees apply, and how payment is made (check vs. cash) to avoid surprises.

How to Improve Your Payout

Small actions can add up to a better bottom line when selling a non‑runner.

• Get at least three quotes: provide VIN, mileage, condition, and whether the catalytic converter is intact.
• Sell to the right buyer: dismantlers for parts‑rich cars; scrap yards for bare shells.
• Disclose honestly: accurate details prevent on‑site price drops.
• Remove personal property and aftermarket items you want to keep (stereo, roof rack).
• Consider parting out only if you have space, tools, and time; incomplete shells can be harder to tow and may net less in the end.
• Time the market if possible: metal prices fluctuate; waiting can help if quotes are unusually low.

In most cases, shopping quotes and choosing the best‑fit buyer yields the largest and quickest improvement without heavy effort.

Real‑World Examples

2009 Compact Sedan, blown head gasket, intact cat

Weight ~2,800 lb. Scrap math at $0.09/lb ≈ $252. Dismantler wants parts (doors, ECU), offers $400 with free tow. Acceptable range: $250–$450.

2005 Half‑Ton Pickup, won’t start, aluminum wheels, intact cat

Weight ~4,800 lb. Scrap at $0.09/lb ≈ $432. Truck demand and parts bump to $650–$900 from recyclers/cash‑for‑cars.

2016 Mid‑Size Sedan, engine seized, clean title, light body damage

Repairable salvage interest: $1,500–$3,000 from private buyers or wholesalers; scrap alone would be ~$300–$500, so targeting repair‑minded buyers is key.

Legal and Environmental Notes

Be aware of regulations around emissions components and hazardous materials.

• Catalytic converters: many states restrict sale of loose converters; selling the whole car with the converter attached is usually compliant.
• Fluids and batteries: reputable buyers handle proper disposal; avoid draining fluids at home unless you can dispose of them legally.
• Title fraud/stolen parts: only sell parts you own; requests to buy just a catalyst can be a red flag.

Using licensed recyclers protects you legally and ensures environmentally responsible handling of your vehicle.

Bottom Line

Dead cars usually trade for a few hundred dollars on scrap value alone, with heavier vehicles and intact catalytic converters lifting offers. If the car is a popular late model with fixable issues, seek repair‑minded buyers for four‑figure offers. Gather multiple quotes, confirm towing and fees, and match the vehicle to the right buyer to maximize your payout.

Summary

Most dead cars are worth $200–$1,500, driven by weight, metal markets, parts demand, and title/towing. Use a simple weight‑times‑rate estimate ($0.07–$0.12/lb) to gauge scrap value, then factor in catalytic converters and parts. For repairable late models, private or wholesale buyers can pay $1,000–$5,000. Shop multiple quotes and confirm logistics to secure the best deal.

What is a scrap car worth today?

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 .

Is it better to scrap or sell a car?

Unless your car is a complete pile of junk, there is no reason to sell it to a junkyard. Even if it’s rusty and the engine and transmission are messed up, you can still make some decent money off it. If that’s the case, part it out instead. You will make more money doing that then you would selling it to a junkyard.

Can you sell a car that’s dead?

Legal Considerations: There are no laws that outright prohibit the sale of a car where a death occurred, but the dealership must ensure that the vehicle is legally cleared for sale. This includes addressing any potential liens or legal claims related to the car.

How much is my car worth with a dead engine?

Blown Engine Car Values

Make	Price
Ford	$939.56
Honda	$949.22
Toyota	$1,103.06
Subaru	$1,270.88