A junk car is a vehicle that is no longer safe, legal, or cost-effective to drive. The term applies to cars that are worth more as parts or scrap metal than as functioning transportation.
A car is typically considered junk when it has:
- Mechanical failure: Blown engine, bad transmission, or seized motor
- Structural damage: Frame damage, severe rust, or collision damage
- Title issues: Salvage title, junk certificate, or branded title from insurance
- Failed inspection: Cannot pass emissions or safety inspection
- High repair costs: Repairs exceed the vehicle’s market value
- Age and mileage: Old vehicles with high miles and little resale demand
Legal definitions vary by state. Many states issue a “junk certificate” or “certificate of destruction” for vehicles that cannot be legally registered or driven again. This is different from a salvage title, which allows for rebuilding and re-registration.
Junk cars are sold to junkyards, scrap yards, salvage buyers, or junk car buyers for cash.