Car parts with the most scrap value include components containing precious metals, high-demand mechanical parts, and items with significant metal weight.
Parts with the highest scrap or resale value:
| Part | Why It’s Valuable | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Catalytic converter | Contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium | $50 to $250+ |
| Engine | High demand for rebuilds and replacements | $200 to $1,000+ |
| Transmission | Expensive to replace; strong resale demand | $150 to $500+ |
| Alloy wheels | Aluminum content and resale demand | $50 to $200 per wheel |
| GPS and infotainment systems | Electronics resell well | $50 to $500 |
| Alternator and starter | Frequently replaced; easy to remove | $20 to $75 each |
| Air conditioning compressor | Aluminum housing and resale value | $30 to $100 |
| Radiator | Copper and aluminum content | $15 to $50 |
| Battery | Lead and acid recyclable | $5 to $20 |
Parts value depends on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. Common vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevy) have higher parts demand. Luxury and hybrid vehicles often have more valuable catalytic converters and electronics. Check current scrap car prices to understand what individual components are worth.
What car parts have the most scrap value?
Car parts with the most scrap value include components containing precious metals, high-demand mechanical parts, and items with significant metal weight.
Parts with the highest scrap or resale value:
| Part | Why It’s Valuable | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Catalytic converter | Contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium | $50 to $250+ |
| Engine | High demand for rebuilds and replacements | $200 to $1,000+ |
| Transmission | Expensive to replace; strong resale demand | $150 to $500+ |
| Alloy wheels | Aluminum content and resale demand | $50 to $200 per wheel |
| GPS and infotainment systems | Electronics resell well | $50 to $500 |
| Alternator and starter | Frequently replaced; easy to remove | $20 to $75 each |
| Air conditioning compressor | Aluminum housing and resale value | $30 to $100 |
| Radiator | Copper and aluminum content | $15 to $50 |
| Battery | Lead and acid recyclable | $5 to $20 |
Parts value depends on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. Common vehicles (Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevy) have higher parts demand. Luxury and hybrid vehicles often have more valuable catalytic converters and electronics. Check current scrap car prices to understand what individual components are worth.
What are the most valuable parts to scrap from a car?
The most valuable parts to scrap from a car are components with precious metals, aluminum, copper, or high resale demand from repair shops and rebuilders.
Top parts to scrap or sell from a junk vehicle:
- Catalytic converter: Contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Worth $50 to $250+ depending on vehicle type. Hybrid converters pay the most.
- Engine: Working engines sell for $200 to $1,000+. Even non-running engines have core value for rebuilders.
- Transmission: Manual and automatic transmissions sell for $150 to $500+. High demand for popular vehicle models.
- Alloy wheels: Aluminum wheels sell for scrap ($1 to $2 per pound) or resale ($50 to $200+ per wheel with tires).
- Doors and fenders: Undamaged body panels from common vehicles sell for $75 to $300 each.
- Headlights and taillights: OEM lights resell for $50 to $200+, especially for newer models.
- Infotainment and GPS units: Factory navigation and stereo systems sell for $100 to $500.
- Seats: Leather seats and power seats resell for $100 to $400 per set.
Selling parts individually takes time but can pay two to three times more than selling the car whole to a junkyard or scrap buyer. If you prefer a faster sale, companies that buy junk cars will purchase your vehicle complete and handle the parts removal themselves.
What is the most valuable part of a scrap car?
The most valuable part of a scrap car is the catalytic converter. This emissions control device contains precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) worth $50 to $250 or more, depending on the vehicle.
Why catalytic converters are so valuable:
- Contain 3 to 7 grams of platinum group metals
- Rhodium prices reached $15,000+ per ounce in recent years
- Palladium and platinum trade at $900 to $1,500+ per ounce
- Hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight) have converters worth $200 to $500+
- Trucks and SUVs often have multiple converters
Other high-value parts in a scrap car:
| Part | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Engine (running) | $200 to $1,000+ |
| Transmission (working) | $150 to $500+ |
| Alloy wheels (set of 4) | $100 to $600 |
| Infotainment system | $50 to $500 |
If your catalytic converter has been stolen or removed, your junk car offer will be lower. Vehicles with intact converters receive higher quotes from junk car buyers, junkyards, and scrap yards. Check how much your junk car is worth with and without a catalytic converter.