Junkyard vs scrap yard: A junkyard (also called a salvage yard) buys vehicles primarily for their parts, paying based on the car's make, model, and condition. A scrap yard buys metal by weight, paying based on tonnage and metal type. For selling a car, junkyards typically pay more because they value usable parts, not just the raw metal.
People often use "junkyard" and "scrap yard" interchangeably, but they're actually different businesses. If you're trying to get rid of an old car, knowing the difference can mean hundreds of dollars more in your pocket.
Which Is Better for Selling a Junk Car?
Junkyards are almost always the better choice. Here's why:
Pays for metal value + salvage parts value
Your car's engine, transmission, catalytic converter, doors, and electronics all add to your payout
Pays for metal value only
Doesn't matter if your engine works or your parts are in demand, they just weigh the metal
Unless your car is completely destroyed or stripped, a junkyard will pay more because they're buying potential inventory, not just raw material.
Quick Comparison
| Junkyard (Salvage Yard) | Scrap Yard | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary business | Buys vehicles for parts | Buys metal by weight |
| What they want | Cars with usable components | Any metal cars, appliances, wiring |
| How they pay | Based on parts value, make/model | Based on weight and metal type |
| Typical car payout | $200-$1,000+ | $150-$400 |
| What happens to car | Dismantled, parts resold | Crushed, metal recycled |
What Is a Junkyard?
A junkyard, also known as a salvage yard, auto recycler, or wrecking yard—buys old vehicles primarily for their parts. They dismantle cars and sell components individually.
How Junkyards Make Money
A car worth $400 as scrap might contain $2,000+ in parts:
- Engine : $500-$2,000
- Transmission : $200-$800
- Catalytic converter : $50-$250
- Body panels : $50-$300 each
This is why junkyards pay more than scrap value, they're buying inventory, not just metal.
What Is a Scrap Yard?
A scrap yard buys metal materials for recycling. They're not interested in parts; just raw metal that can be melted down.
How Scrap Yards Determine Value
Simple formula: weight Ă— current metal price = payout
A 3,000-pound car at $0.08/lb = $240. That's it. Make, model, condition—none of that matters to a scrap yard.
Which Pays More?
Short answer: Junkyards almost always pay more for complete vehicles.
Same Car, Different Buyers
Scrap yard offer: $250-$350 (based on ~3,200 lbs of metal)
Junkyard offer: $400-$700 (based on parts demand)
Difference: $150-$350 more from the junkyard
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Junkyard If...
- You're selling a complete vehicle
- Your car is a common make/model
- The vehicle has intact components
Choose a Scrap Yard If...
- You're selling metal that isn't a vehicle
- Your car is severely damaged beyond parts value
- The vehicle has already been stripped
Or Get Quotes from Both
Better yet, get an online quote too. Online buyers often pay more than both local options because they connect to nationwide networks.
See What Your Car Is Really Worth
Get an instant quote from Clunqr. Compare it to local offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. "Junkyard," "salvage yard," "auto recycler," and "wrecking yard" all refer to the same type of business; one that buys vehicles for their parts.
For complete vehicles, junkyards almost always pay more because they value usable parts, not just metal weight. The difference can be $150-$400 or more.
Cars (mostly steel) typically fetch $0.05-$0.10 per pound. A 3,000-pound car would bring roughly $150-$300. Prices vary by location and market.
At a junkyard, your car is dismantled and parts are sold individually. At a scrap yard, it goes directly to the crusher. Both ultimately recycle the metal.