To get the most money out of your junk car, maximize its parts value, compare offers, and avoid unnecessary deductions like towing fees.
Ways to increase your junk car payout:
- Compare quotes: Get offers from multiple junk car buyers, junkyards, salvage yards, and scrap yards. Prices vary significantly between buyers.
- Sell complete: Keep the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, wheels, battery, and other parts attached. Each missing component reduces the offer.
- Provide accurate information: Honest details about condition, mileage, and damage help buyers give accurate quotes. Surprises at pickup can lower your final payment.
- Have the title: Clean titles bring higher offers. If you lost the title, get a replacement from your DMV before selling.
- Consider parting out: If you have time and tools, selling high-value parts separately (catalytic converter, infotainment system, wheels, body panels) can pay more than selling whole.
- Time your sale: Scrap metal prices rise and fall. Monitor steel and aluminum prices and sell when rates are higher.
- Sell to the right buyer: Salvage yards pay for parts value. Scrap yards pay for metal weight. Choose based on your vehicle’s strengths.
Parts worth selling separately if parting out:
| Part | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Catalytic converter | $50 to $250+ |
| Engine (running) | $200 to $1,000+ |
| Transmission | $100 to $500+ |
| Alloy wheels with tires | $100 to $400+ |
| Infotainment or GPS system | $50 to $300 |
Check how much you can sell your junk car for before contacting buyers so you know what offers to expect.