Junk car buyers will buy a car with frame damage. Frame-damaged vehicles are commonly sold to junkyards, salvage yards, and scrap buyers for parts and metal recycling.
How frame damage affects value:
| Damage Severity | What It Means | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor frame damage | Bent brackets, minor bends in rails | Moderate reduction; some parts still salvageable |
| Moderate frame damage | Bent frame rails, misalignment | Larger reduction; fewer usable body parts |
| Severe frame damage | Crumpled structure, twisted unibody | Significant reduction; value mostly in metal and drivetrain |
What buyers look for in frame-damaged cars:
- Working drivetrain: Engine and transmission can be salvaged even if the frame is damaged
- Undamaged body parts: Doors, fenders, hood, trunk lid, and bumpers from the undamaged side have resale value
- Catalytic converter: Still valuable regardless of frame condition
- Scrap metal weight: The frame itself contains steel that can be recycled
Frame damage often results from collisions that total the vehicle. Insurance companies issue salvage titles for these cars, which can still be sold to junk car buyers and salvage yards.
Buyers who pay cash for junk vehicles purchase frame-damaged cars regularly. Get quotes from multiple buyers to find the best offer.