Junkyards typically pay $100 to $1,200 for cars, with most vehicles bringing $200 to $500. Your payout depends primarily on vehicle weight, current scrap metal prices, and whether valuable parts are intact.
Junkyards make money by crushing cars for scrap metal or reselling usable parts. What they pay depends on which option makes them the most profit.
Junkyard Payouts by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Weight | Junkyard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car Civic, Corolla, Focus | 2,500-3,000 lbs | $100 - $350 |
| Midsize Sedan Accord, Camry, Altima | 3,000-3,500 lbs | $150 - $450 |
| Small SUV CR-V, RAV4, Escape | 3,400-4,000 lbs | $200 - $550 |
| Full-Size SUV Tahoe, Expedition | 5,500-6,500 lbs | $350 - $900 |
| Pickup Truck F-150, Silverado | 4,500-6,000 lbs | $300 - $1,000 |
| Heavy-Duty Truck F-250, 2500 Series | 6,000-8,000 lbs | $450 - $1,200 |
Payouts by Vehicle Condition
Engine and transmission can be resold.
Engine has value even if transmission is bad.
Standard junkyard purchase. Weight + parts value.
Rear-end (engine intact) pays more than front-end.
Many parts unsalvageable. Mostly scrap value.
Missing engine, trans, cat. Pure scrap weight.
Junkyard Scrap Value Calculator
Formula: Vehicle Weight ÷ 2,000 × Price Per Ton = Base Scrap Value
Junkyard vs. Online Junk Car Buyers
Real Junkyard vs. Clunqr Payouts
How to Maximize Your Junkyard Payout
Get 3-5 Quotes
Never accept the first offer. Compare to get 20-30% more.
Ask About Towing Fees
A $300 offer with $100 towing = $200 in pocket.
Have Your Title Ready
Clean titles get better offers.
Be Accurate About Condition
Exaggerating backfires at pickup.
Sell Sooner
Cars lose value sitting. Waiting rarely pays off.
Negotiate
Mention competing quotes. Larger vehicles have room.
Get More Than Junkyard Prices
Before you accept a junkyard's lowball offer, see what your car is really worth. Clunqr typically pays 20-50% more.
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