Looking for a ballpark figure on how much your junk car is worth? In the current 2026 market, most vehicles fall between $250 and $2,500+. We know that’s a wide range, but that's because we treat every car like a unique asset, not just a pile of scrap.
Why the variation? A 2002 Dodge Neon with a seized engine is essentially worth its weight in steel (currently around $175–$210 per ton), while a 2018 F-150 with a transmission issue is a goldmine for high-demand spare parts. It’s impossible to give a flat rate without knowing your car's specific "vital signs."
Your car's actual value depends on three things: what you drive, its condition, and where you live. One thing you can count on: Clunqr uses 15 years of transaction data to ensure you get the most cash for junk cars nationwide. Below, we break down the exact math behind your offer.
Junk Car Values by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Typical Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car Civic, Corolla, Focus | $200 - $550 | $375 |
| Midsize Sedan Accord, Camry, Altima | $275 - $650 | $450 |
| Small SUV CR-V, RAV4, Escape | $350 - $850 | $575 |
| Large SUV Tahoe, Expedition | $450 - $1,200 | $725 |
| Pickup Truck F-150, Silverado | $400 - $1,100 | $675 |
| Minivan Odyssey, Sienna | $350 - $900 | $550 |
Average Junk Car Value by Make
Japanese makes like Toyota and Honda command premium prices due to high parts demand.
How Vehicle Age Affects Value
What Determines Your Junk Car's Value?
Vehicle Weight
Heavier cars = more scrap metal = higher base value. View the current scrap value of cars.
Condition
Running vehicles sell for 2-3x more than non-runners.
Parts Completeness
Missing cat, engine, or trans significantly reduces value.
Title Status
Clean titles add $50-$200 to your offer.
Location
Urban areas yield 10-20% higher offers.
Market Demand
Popular models (Toyota, Honda) fetch more.
Visit our guide to better understand factors that determine a junk car's value.
How Missing Parts Affect Value
| Missing Component | Value Reduction |
|---|---|
| Catalytic Converter | -$50 to -$400 |
| Engine | -$100 to -$500 |
| Transmission | -$75 to -$300 |
| Wheels & Tires | -$50 to -$200 |
| Title | -$50 to -$200 |
Recent Junk Car Payouts (Real Examples)
Scrapyard vs. Junk Car Buyer
| Factor | Scrapyard | Clunqr |
|---|---|---|
| Valuation | Weight × scrap price only | Weight + parts + resale |
| Typical Payout | $150 - $400 | $300 - $750+ |
| Running Car Bonus | None | 50-100% more |
| Pickup | You deliver or pay $50-$100 | Free pickup |
| Payment | After processing | Cash on the spot |
Use a scrapyard only if your vehicle is already stripped or has severe fire/flood damage. For anything else, a junk car buyer will pay more.