Small, lightweight cars with limited parts demand bring the lowest junk prices. Compact vehicles, older imports with discontinued parts, and heavily stripped cars often sell for $100 to $250. If the catalytic converter is missing, values drop further.
Lowest-value junk cars typically include:
- Subcompact cars (Chevrolet Spark, Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage)
- Older European models with scarce parts (Saab, Volvo, Fiat)
- Discontinued brands (Pontiac, Saturn, Mercury, Oldsmobile)
- High-mileage economy cars (Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio)
- Vehicles already stripped of valuable components
Weight hurts these cars. A 2,400-pound subcompact has less metal to sell than a 4,500-pound SUV. At typical scrap rates, the weight difference alone accounts for $100 to $200 less value.
Parts demand compounds the problem. Salvage yards stock parts that sell. If nobody needs parts for a 2006 Saturn Ion, the yard won’t pay much for one. Common, popular vehicles move faster and command better prices.
Missing catalytic converters significantly reduce offers. The converter is often worth $100 to $500 on its own. Without it, buyers calculate based on metal and remaining parts only.
Even low-value cars have some worth. Don’t pay someone to remove it. Legitimate junk car buyers still offer cash and free towing. Check current scrap car prices for baseline values in your area.
