Junkyards determine the value of a junk car by evaluating its parts, scrap metal weight, condition, and current market demand.
Factors junkyards and salvage yards use to calculate offers:
- Year, make, and model: Common vehicles with high parts demand (Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevy) are worth more because the parts sell faster.
- Vehicle condition: Running cars with working engines and transmissions bring higher offers than non-running vehicles.
- Parts completeness: Cars with all components intact (catalytic converter, wheels, battery, electronics) are worth more than stripped vehicles.
- Scrap metal weight: Heavier vehicles contain more steel, aluminum, and copper. Junk yards weigh these metals at current scrap prices.
- Current scrap prices: Steel, aluminum, and precious metal prices fluctuate. Higher metal prices mean higher offers.
- Local demand: Parts for popular vehicles in your area sell faster, increasing the car’s value to local buyers.
- Title status: Clean titles are preferred. Salvage titles, junk certificates, or no title may reduce the offer.
- Towing distance: Farther pickups cost more, which can lower your quote.
Most junkyards run your vehicle through a valuation system that combines parts value and scrap value to generate a quote or estimate. Getting offers from multiple buyers helps you find who pays the most. Check current junk car values to understand what your vehicle should bring.