How Much Are Junk Cars Worth? 2025 Values by Type, Make & Model
Junk cars typically sell for $300 to $750, with the average payout around $512 in November 2025. However, your actual offer depends heavily on your vehicle's make, model, year, and condition. Popular models like Toyota and Honda often command higher prices due to parts demand, while vehicle age and completeness significantly impact final offers.
Below you'll find average junk car values by year, make, and model, plus real transaction examples to help you understand what your specific vehicle might be worth.
Average Junk Car Payouts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Price Range | $100 - $2,500+ |
| Most Common Range | $300 - $700 |
| Average Payout | $512 |
These values reflect transactions across all vehicle types in the last 30 days.
Average Junk Car Values by Vehicle Type
Junk cars typically sell for $200 to $1,000 when you factor in the salvage value of parts, in addition to the vehicle's scrap value. Generally, you can expect the following price ranges for different types of junk cars
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Small to Mid-Size Cars (sedans and compacts) | $150 – $700 |
| SUVs and Trucks | $350 - $1,000+ |
| End-of-Life Vehicles | $130 to $630 (based on scrap weight) |
| Stripped Vehicles | $130 to $630 (based on scrap weight) |
| Vehicles with Salvageable Parts | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Driveable Vehicles (with resale potential) | $1,000 – $3,500+ |
Trucks and vans often have more metal weight, which increases scrap value, and their parts are in higher demand among used auto buyers.
Note: These prices represent current market averages as of October 2025. Your specific offer may vary based on condition and location. Calculate your junk car's value →
How Condition Affects Junk Car Value
When evaluating a junk car, buyers typically deduct value for missing or damaged components. These adjustments reflect both the lost parts value and increased processing costs for the salvage yard.
| Condition | Value Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Missing catalytic converter | -$50 to -$250 |
| Missing engine/transmission | -$100 to -$500 |
| Missing wheels | -$50 to -$200 |
| Stripped vehicle | Significant reduction |
Average Junk Car Values by Year
| Year | Average Value |
|---|---|
| 1998 | $344.48 |
| 1999 | $360.13 |
| 2000 | $373.58 |
| 2001 | $397.85 |
| 2002 | $405.57 |
| 2003 | $420.32 |
| 2004 | $438.45 |
| 2005 | $458.57 |
| 2006 | $457.45 |
| 2007 | $513.20 |
| 2008 | $543.25 |
| 2009 | $564.98 |
| 2010 | $663.69 |
| 2011 | $783.24 |
| 2012 | $857.00 |
| 2013 | $1,046.37 |
| 2014 | $1,133.54 |
| 2015 | $1,291.96 |
| 2016 | $1,371.44 |
| 2017 | $1,459.34 |
Average Value by Make
| Make | Average Value |
|---|---|
| Toyota | $784.51 |
| Kia | $718.56 |
| Hyundai | $706.49 |
| BMW | $664.13 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $661.48 |
| Subaru | $589.56 |
| Volkswagen | $564.02 |
| Honda | $556.44 |
| Jeep | $561.95 |
| Nissan | $543.78 |
| Ford | $536.01 |
| GMC | $524.02 |
| Mazda | $515.65 |
| Chevrolet | $500.83 |
| Dodge | $463.73 |
| Chrysler | $408.45 |
| Cadillac | $415.87 |
| Buick | $397.06 |
| Saturn | $347.08 |
| Pontiac | $346.57 |
Average Junk Car Price by Model
Below are the average prices for the 20 most commonly junked cars. These estimates reflect recent market data and vary based on condition, location, and parts value.
| Vehicle Model | Average Price | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | $386.06 | $290 - $480 |
| Honda Civic | $461.30 | $350 - $575 |
| Nissan Altima | $377.14 | $280 - $475 |
| Toyota Camry | $465.00 | $350 - $580 |
| Chevrolet Impala | $318.50 | $240 - $400 |
| Ford Explorer | $818.21 | $615 - $1020 |
| Ford Escape | $409.17 | $305 - $510 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $360.00 | $270 - $450 |
| Toyota Corolla | $736.46 | $550 - $920 |
| Ford Focus | $266.19 | $200 - $330 |
| Ford F-150 | $515.75 | $385 - $645 |
| Ford Ranger | $515.28 | $385 - $645 |
| Jeep Liberty | $461.18 | $345 - $575 |
| Ford Taurus | $231.88 | $175 - $290 |
| Pontiac G6 | $229.69 | $170 - $285 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $278.75 | $210 - $350 |
| Chevrolet Cobalt | $242.33 | $180 - $300 |
| Honda Odyssey | $797.33 | $600 - $995 |
| Pontiac Grand Prix | $255.67 | $190 - $320 |
Model value depends on demand for replacement parts, curb weight, and powertrain resale potential. For example, SUVs and vans typically have higher payouts than compact cars due to size and part demand.
What Affects Junk Car Prices?
Junk car value is based on weight, condition, demand for parts, and your location. Below are the most important pricing factors:
- Scrap Metal Rates: Current scrap car prices range from $130-$180 per ton nationwide. Your vehicle's base scrap value is calculated by multiplying its weight by the local per-ton rate. See current scrap car prices.
- Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles contain more recyclable metal and yield higher scrap payouts. A 1.5-ton car might bring $250-$300 in scrap value alone, while a 2.5-ton truck could fetch $400-$500.
- Vehicle Year, Make, and Model: Newer or popular models like Toyota, Honda, and Ford receive higher offers due to parts demand.
- Vehicle Condition: Cars that still drive or are complete typically get higher payouts.
- Catalytic Converter: Contains valuable metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) that can add $100-$500.
- Engine and Transmission: Functional powertrain components increase your payout.
- Title Status: Cars with a clean, transferable title often receive $50-$150 more.
- Valuable Parts: Components like aluminum wheels, batteries, and starters can increase your payout.
- Location: Vehicles in metro areas often get higher offers due to buyer competition and lower towing costs.
Real Junk Car Payout Examples (Updated Daily)
Here’s what we’ve recently paid for junk cars across the U.S.
| Vehicle | Price | Condition |
|---|---|---|
|
2005 Suzuki Swift
50005
|
$240
|
Used CarClean TitleDamaged Car
|
|
2012 Dodge Journey
37043
|
$355
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
1999 Ford Taurus
23464
|
$300
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML
32043
|
$565
|
Used CarClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2008 Chevrolet Equinox
18104
|
$290
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2004 Kia Optima
34653
|
$365
|
Used CarClean TitleDamaged Car
|
|
2008 Cadillac DTS
85331
|
$375
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
49505
|
$475
|
Used CarClean TitleDamaged Car
|
|
2003 Buick LeSabre
60154
|
$385
|
Starts OnlyClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2013 Dodge Dart
21040
|
$420
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
1998 Ford F-150
37725
|
$340
|
Used CarClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2002 Honda Civic
40505
|
$335
|
Used CarClean TitleDamaged Car
|
|
2012 Honda Civic
40505
|
$550
|
Used CarClean TitleDamaged Car
|
|
2011 Nissan Sentra
51503
|
$450
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
|
2007 Ford Focus
41011
|
$275
|
Scrap ValuedClean TitleGood Condition
|
All offers shown are actual cash amounts paid to vehicle sellers in the local area. Data updated weekly.
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