Scrap Car Prices Per Ton (December 2025)
Scrap car prices in December 2025 range from $145 to $195 per ton, with a national average of $170 per ton. Most complete vehicles sell for $150 to $650 depending on their weight and the local scrap price.
How Scrap Prices Are Determined
Your car's scrap value comes down to two primary factors: weight and current metal prices. Since vehicles are 55-65% steel by weight, scrap metal rates directly determine what junkyards pay.
If you want to sell your vehicle for more than its scrap value, compare offers on our cash for junk cars page. You can get an instant offer based on your car’s weight, condition, and local scrap prices.
Vehicle Weight (tons) × Scrap Price Per Ton = Base Scrap Value
Example: A 3,000 lb sedan (1.5 tons) × $170/ton = $255 base value
However, this formula only calculates the base metal value. Several factors can push your car's actual worth higher or lower:
Factors That Increase Value
- Catalytic converter present: Adds $50-$450 depending on type and precious metal content
- Aluminum components: Wheels, engine blocks, and radiators boost value ($0.65-$0.75/lb)
- Copper wiring: Wire harnesses and radiators contain valuable copper ($3.50-$3.80/lb)
- Complete vehicle: All parts present = maximum weight = maximum payout
- Regional demand: States near steel mills and ports pay 10-25% more
Factors That Decrease Value
- Missing catalytic converter: Reduces offer by $50-$450
- Stripped vehicle: Missing engine, transmission, or doors = less weight
- Rural location: Fewer buyers = lower competition = lower prices
- Flood or fire damage: Contaminated materials are harder to recycle
Scrap Value and Vehicle Weight Primarily Determine Junk Car Worth
The current scrap price and your vehicle’s weight primarily determine how much your junk car is worth because most buyers calculate offers from the vehicle’s metal value.
Scrap Value by Vehicle Weight (December 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Typical Weight | Base Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla |
2,500 - 3,000 lbs | $210 - $255 |
| Midsize Sedan Honda Accord, Toyota Camry |
3,200 - 3,600 lbs | $270 - $305 |
| Full-Size Sedan Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus |
3,800 - 4,200 lbs | $320 - $355 |
| Compact SUV Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 |
3,400 - 3,800 lbs | $290 - $320 |
| Full-Size SUV Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition |
5,500 - 6,000 lbs | $465 - $510 |
| Pickup Truck Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado |
4,500 - 5,500 lbs | $380 - $465 |
| Minivan Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna |
4,300 - 4,800 lbs | $365 - $410 |
Scrap Car Prices by State (December 2025)
States with steel mills and ports pay 10-25% more than rural states.
| State | Price Per Ton | Complete Car Value* |
|---|---|---|
| California | $185 - $195 | $185 - $585 |
| Michigan | $180 - $190 | $180 - $570 |
| Illinois | $175 - $185 | $175 - $555 |
| New York | $175 - $185 | $175 - $555 |
| New Jersey | $175 - $185 | $175 - $555 |
| Ohio | $170 - $180 | $170 - $540 |
| Indiana | $170 - $180 | $170 - $540 |
| Pennsylvania | $170 - $180 | $170 - $540 |
| Massachusetts | $170 - $180 | $170 - $540 |
| Connecticut | $170 - $180 | $170 - $540 |
| Texas | $165 - $175 | $165 - $525 |
| Washington | $165 - $175 | $165 - $525 |
| Arizona | $165 - $175 | $165 - $525 |
| Colorado | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Virginia | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Maryland | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Minnesota | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Wisconsin | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Florida | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Georgia | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| North Carolina | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Tennessee | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Missouri | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Kentucky | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Oregon | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Nevada | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Utah | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Oklahoma | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Louisiana | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| Iowa | $155 - $165 | $155 - $495 |
| New Hampshire | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Rhode Island | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Delaware | $160 - $170 | $160 - $510 |
| Alabama | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| South Carolina | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| Arkansas | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Mississippi | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Kansas | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| Nebraska | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| North Dakota | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| South Dakota | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Montana | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Wyoming | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Idaho | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| New Mexico | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| West Virginia | $145 - $155 | $145 - $465 |
| Maine | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| Vermont | $150 - $160 | $150 - $480 |
| Alaska | $140 - $150 | $140 - $450 |
| Hawaii | $140 - $150 | $140 - $450 |
*Complete Car Value based on vehicles weighing 2,000-6,000 lbs. December 2025 estimates.
December 2025 Market Conditions
What's Driving Prices in Late 2025
Scrap steel prices have softened from summer highs due to reduced construction activity and global oversupply. Here's what's affecting the market:
- Seasonal slowdown: Construction and manufacturing typically slow in Q4, reducing steel demand
- Global steel supply: Increased production from Asia has put downward pressure on prices
- Interest rates: Higher borrowing costs have slowed new construction projects
- Copper and aluminum stable: Non-ferrous metals holding value better than steel
Best months: May-August (10-15% higher prices)
Current: Moderate prices—if your car is costing you money, selling now beats waiting 6+ months for a rebound.