The most you can get for your junk car depends on maximizing its parts value, comparing offers from multiple buyers, and timing your sale when scrap prices are high.
Ways to get the most money for your junk or scrap vehicle:
- Get multiple quotes: Contact at least three to five junk car buyers, junkyards, or scrap yards. Offers can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same vehicle.
- Keep the car complete: Vehicles with all parts intact (engine, transmission, catalytic converter, wheels, battery) receive higher offers than stripped cars.
- Have the title ready: Cars with clean titles are easier to sell and bring better prices. Salvage or rebuilt titles lower the value.
- Sell when scrap prices are up: Steel and aluminum prices change monthly. Selling when metal prices are high increases your payout.
- Mention if it runs: Running and driving vehicles are worth more than non-running cars, even to scrap buyers.
- Consider parting out: Selling valuable components separately (catalytic converter, engine, transmission, wheels) can pay more than selling whole, but takes time and effort.
Most junk car sellers receive $200 to $500. With the right buyer and timing, some vehicles sell for $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Contact multiple junk car buyers to compare offers and find who pays the most.