Dealerships pay $100 to $1,000 for most junk cars taken as trade-ins, depending on the vehicle’s condition and the dealership’s policies.
Factors that affect dealership offers:
| Factor | Higher Offer | Lower Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Runs and drives | Non-running, major damage |
| Title | Clean title | Salvage or junk title |
| Promotion | Trade-in event or sale | No current promotion |
| Purchase | Buying expensive vehicle | Buying cheap vehicle |
Some dealerships offer minimum trade-in guarantees ($500 to $1,000) during sales events, regardless of the car’s condition. This works in your favor if the vehicle is worth less than that amount.
Dealerships typically pay less than junkyards or scrap buyers for true junk cars. The trade-in value is often rolled into the deal as a discount on your new purchase rather than a cash payment. Check how much your junk car is worth from other buyers before deciding.