To get rid of a worthless car, sell it to a scrap yard, junkyard, or junk car buyer. Even vehicles with no resale value have worth in scrap metal and recyclable materials.
Ways to dispose of a car that seems worthless:
- Sell for scrap metal: A typical car contains 2,000 to 4,000 pounds of steel, aluminum, and copper. Scrap yards pay based on weight and current metal prices.
- Sell to a junkyard: Salvage yards buy vehicles for parts. Even worthless cars may have a working starter, alternator, doors, or other components with resale value.
- Sell to a junk car buyer: These buyers purchase vehicles in any condition. Most offer $100 to $500 for complete cars, regardless of whether they run.
- Donate: Charities accept vehicles with little or no value. You may receive a small tax deduction.
- Contact your city: Some municipalities remove abandoned or junk vehicles for free.
No car is truly worthless. The minimum value equals the vehicle’s metal weight multiplied by current scrap prices. A 3,000-pound car at $200 per ton is worth at least $300 in metal alone.
Check current scrap values for cars to understand your vehicle’s baseline worth before contacting buyers.