How Much Will a Scrapyard Pay for a Junk Car?

Most U.S. scrapyards in 2025 pay roughly $150–$500 for a typical end‑of‑life car and $400–$1,000 for heavier SUVs and trucks, depending primarily on vehicle weight, local scrap metal prices, and whether valuable components like the catalytic converter are included. Offers vary day to day with metal markets, towing distance, and paperwork status.

What Determines the Offer

Scrapyard quotes are built around metal value and logistics. The following factors typically move your price up or down.

• Weight and metal mix: Heavier vehicles bring more ferrous metal, the core of scrap value.
• Local ferrous scrap price: Shred/auto bundle rates often swing between about $220 and $380 per short ton (2,000 lb) in many U.S. regions; stronger markets yield higher offers.
• Catalytic converter: Because of platinum-group metals, intact converters can add value. Many yards price the car “with cat,” and deduct if it’s missing.
• Non‑ferrous extras: Aluminum wheels, copper radiators, and batteries can add modest premiums if the yard pays separately for them.
• Completeness: Missing drivetrains, wheels, or large body sections reduce weight and price; flood/fire damage can incur additional handling deductions.
• Towing and access: Free towing is common within a set radius; long or difficult recoveries may be discounted $50–$150.
• Paperwork: A clear title usually secures the best price; no‑title vehicles may be refused or discounted, depending on state law.
• Market timing: Metal prices are volatile; month‑to‑month shifts can change offers by $50–$200 on the same car.

Together, these inputs form the baseline offer you’ll hear on the phone or see in an online quote, with final payment typically confirmed after inspection and weight verification.

Typical Payout Ranges by Vehicle Type

Because scrap is sold by weight, heavier vehicles tend to earn more. Here’s how that translates into ballpark offers in 2025.

• Compact cars (2,500–3,000 lb): About $150–$400.
• Midsize sedans (3,000–3,600 lb): About $250–$500.
• Small SUVs/crossovers (3,600–4,400 lb): About $300–$700.
• Full‑size SUVs/light trucks (4,800–6,500+ lb): About $400–$1,000.
• Stripped shells/rollers: Often $50–$200, depending on remaining weight and local demand.

Expect the high end of these ranges when ferrous prices are firm and the vehicle is complete and tow‑accessible; the low end applies when markets are soft or towing/logistics are costly.

How Scrapyards Calculate Offers

Most yards start with a weight‑based formula, then adjust for towing and components. Here’s the common approach.

• Base metal value = curb weight (lb) ÷ 2,000 × local shred price ($/ton).
• Add or include value for catalytic converter, aluminum wheels, battery, and radiators (varies by yard policy).
• Subtract towing fees or difficult recovery surcharges, if any.
• Apply paperwork/administrative deductions if title issues exist.

Example: A 3,200‑lb sedan at $300/ton yields 1.6 tons × $300 = $480 base. With free towing and an intact converter included, many yards will pay close to that figure; if the market is weaker ($240/ton) or towing is charged (−$100), the net could land around $280–$380.

Where Prices Stand in 2024–2025

Metal markets have eased from pandemic-era spikes but remain active. In many U.S. regions through 2025, ferrous shred/auto bundle commonly trades in the ~$220–$380 per short‑ton range depending on mill demand and export flows. Platinum‑group metal prices—key to catalytic converter values—are well below 2021–2022 peaks (with palladium and rhodium notably weaker), so converter premiums in 2025 are more modest than during the theft surge years. The upshot: overall junk‑car offers are steady but not inflated; local mill buy programs and transportation costs can swing quotes week to week.

Getting the Best Price

A few practical steps can help you capture the full value of your junk car while avoiding surprises.

1. Get multiple quotes the same day from local scrapyards and “cash for cars” brokers; markets move quickly.
2. Know your curb weight; heavier trims and trucks command more—mention exact model/trim and drivetrain.
3. Confirm whether the quote assumes the catalytic converter is attached; clarify deductions if it’s missing.
4. Ask about separate pay for aluminum wheels, batteries, and radiators; some yards pay line‑item premiums.
5. Lock in towing terms (free radius, timing, and any winch fees) in writing or text before pickup.
6. Have your title and ID ready; clear any liens. Lack of paperwork can cut the offer or halt the sale.
7. Schedule pickup when metal prices are firm; end/beginning of month resets sometimes shift yard scales.

Doing this legwork typically narrows quotes and can add $50–$200 to your final payout compared with taking the first offer.

Fees, Paperwork, and Legal Considerations

Avoid last‑minute deductions and compliance issues by checking these points up front.

• Title requirements: Most states require a signed title to scrap a complete vehicle; older vehicles may qualify for alternative paperwork in some jurisdictions.
• Liens: Any recorded lien must be released before sale; yards generally won’t accept liened titles.
• Towing charges: Verify whether towing is free within a set radius; long hauls or winching can add fees.
  
• Plates and insurance: Remove plates and cancel insurance after sale; some states require plate return.
• Catalytic converter laws: Many states require proof of ownership for loose converters; selling a removed converter separately may need documentation.
• Bill of sale: Get a receipt showing VIN, date, and payout; submit a release of liability if your state provides one.

Clear paperwork and agreed terms reduce disputes at pickup and protect you from post‑sale liability or compliance issues.

Quick Estimator You Can Use Today

Use these rules of thumb to ballpark your junk car’s scrap value before calling around.

• Base value ≈ vehicle weight (lb) ÷ 2,000 × $220–$380 per ton (typical 2025 regional range).
• Add-ons: Aluminum wheels ($10–$25 each), battery core ($5–$20), radiator ($10–$40), if paid separately.
• Catalytic converter: Common units often add $50–$300; certain hybrids/trucks can be higher, but 2025 prices are far below 2021–2022 peaks.
• Deductions: Towing or difficult recovery (−$50 to −$150), missing major components, or no title in strict states.

This quick math won’t replace a firm quote, but it helps you spot offers that are outliers—too low or unrealistically high for current market conditions.

Realistic Expectations

In practice, a complete compact or midsize sedan with free local towing commonly nets $250–$450 in 2025, while larger SUVs and pickups often fetch $500–$900 when metal prices are healthy. Exceptional numbers outside these bands usually reflect unusual weight, valuable components, or temporary market spikes.

Summary

Scrapyards in 2025 typically pay $150–$500 for cars and $400–$1,000 for heavier SUVs and trucks, anchored to vehicle weight and local ferrous scrap prices, with modest premiums for intact catalytic converters and non‑ferrous parts. To maximize your payout, gather same‑day quotes, confirm what’s included (converter, towing, extras), and have clean paperwork. Final offers move with metal markets, so timing and details matter.

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.

How much does a scrap yard pay for a car?

Average Junkyard Payouts Based on Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type/Condition	Estimated Payout Range
Small Compact Car (Non-running)	$100 – $300
Midsize Sedan (Running or Non-running)	$200 – $500
SUVs and Trucks (Older Models)	$300 – $1,000
Luxury Vehicles (High-Demand Parts)	$400 – $1,200+

How can I get the most money for scrapping my car?

Be sure to take off your actual tire before scrapping the rim so that you get the most money back. Catalytic Converters: The king of car scrap, catalytic converters are worth more than any other car part. Because of the platinum, rhodium, or palladium inside, “cat’s” can range between $15-$200 each.

Do I need a title to sell a car for scrap?

The first thing you need to sell a junk car is the vehicle’s title. If you happen to lose your car title you can get another copy by contacting your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV). You will need the title before selling the vehicle to a junkyard. Once you have your title, make sure you can sell the vehicle.