Mileage has little impact on pure scrap value but affects parts value significantly. A car with 80,000 miles has the same metal content as one with 250,000 miles. However, the lower-mileage car likely has more valuable engine, transmission, and mechanical components.
When mileage matters:
- Engines under 100,000 miles sell for more than high-mileage units
- Transmissions with lower miles command better prices
- Suspension and drivetrain components wear with mileage
- Parts buyers pay premiums for low-mileage components
When mileage doesn’t matter:
- Scrap metal value (steel is steel regardless of miles)
- Body panels, doors, and glass (mileage doesn’t affect these)
- Catalytic converter value (based on precious metals, not wear)
- Interior parts (condition matters more than odometer reading)
If your car has low mileage but doesn’t run due to an accident or isolated failure, mention it when getting quotes. Buyers pay more when they know the engine and transmission have life left. A 50,000-mile engine from a totaled car is valuable inventory for a salvage yard.
For high-mileage vehicles, focus on buyers who prioritize scrap weight and catalytic converter value over mechanical parts.
