A car is worth $150 to $500 in scrap metal, depending on its weight and current metal prices. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs can be worth $400 to $700+ in metal value alone.
Scrap metal breakdown for a typical car:
| Metal Type | Approximate Amount | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Steel and iron | 2,000 to 2,500 lbs | $100 to $300 |
| Aluminum (engine, wheels, radiator) | 100 to 300 lbs | $30 to $150 |
| Copper (wiring, radiator) | 25 to 50 lbs | $75 to $175 |
| Catalytic converter (platinum, palladium, rhodium) | 1 to 2 lbs precious metals | $50 to $250 |
| Lead (battery) | 20 to 40 lbs | $5 to $15 |
Total scrap metal value depends on current commodity prices, which change daily. Steel trades at $150 to $250 per ton. Aluminum sells for $0.30 to $0.60 per pound. Copper brings $3 to $4+ per pound.
Scrap yards and metal recyclers pay wholesale rates, not full commodity prices. Their offers account for processing, labor, and transportation costs. Check current car scrap values to estimate what your vehicle’s metal is worth.