A car’s scrap metal value ranges from $150 to $400 depending on weight and current steel prices. The average vehicle contains about 2,400 pounds of steel, 300 pounds of aluminum, and smaller amounts of copper and other metals. Combined, these materials form the baseline value of any junk car.
Metal composition of a typical car:
- Steel and iron: 55% to 65% of total weight ($0.05 to $0.12/lb)
- Aluminum: 8% to 10% of total weight ($0.30 to $0.60/lb)
- Copper: 1% to 2% of total weight ($2.50 to $4.00/lb)
- Other metals (zinc, magnesium, lead): small percentages
For a 3,200-pound car at average scrap rates:
- Steel (2,000 lbs at $0.08/lb): $160
- Aluminum (300 lbs at $0.40/lb): $120
- Copper (50 lbs at $3.00/lb): $150
- Total raw metal value: approximately $430
Scrap yards don’t pay full metal value. They deduct processing costs, labor, and profit margin. Expect to receive 40% to 60% of the raw metal value when selling to a scrap buyer.
To calculate your specific car’s scrap metal worth, use our scrap value calculation guide. You’ll need your vehicle’s curb weight and current local scrap prices.
