Scrap yards pay $100 to $500 for most junk cars, with the amount determined by vehicle weight and daily scrap metal prices. Larger, heavier vehicles bring more money. A compact car might yield $150, while a full-size truck could bring $400 or more at the same scrap rate.
Typical scrap yard payouts by vehicle size:
- Compact cars (2,500 lbs): $100 to $200
- Mid-size sedans (3,200 lbs): $150 to $275
- Full-size cars (3,800 lbs): $175 to $325
- SUVs and crossovers (4,500 lbs): $200 to $400
- Trucks (5,000+ lbs): $250 to $500+
These ranges assume current average scrap prices. When steel prices spike, payouts increase across all vehicle types. When prices drop, offers decrease.
Scrap yards calculate payment using a simple formula: vehicle weight multiplied by their per-pound rate, minus any processing or towing costs. They profit by selling crushed metal to recycling mills.
If your car has valuable parts (working engine, good transmission, intact catalytic converter), a salvage buyer often pays more than a scrap yard. Scrap yards don’t resell parts, so they won’t pay extra for them. Check current scrap car prices and compare to salvage buyer quotes.
