Even cars that seem worthless have scrap metal value. Contact junk car buyers and request quotes. Most will pay $100 to $300 for vehicles in terrible condition and tow them away for free. You won’t get rich, but you’ll get the car removed without paying for disposal.
Why “worthless” cars still have value:
- Scrap steel brings $0.05 to $0.12 per pound
- Average car contains 2,000+ pounds of recyclable metal
- Aluminum, copper, and other metals add value
- Catalytic converter contains precious metals (if present)
- Some parts may still be sellable
Options for very low-value vehicles:
- Sell to a junk car buyer (they handle everything)
- Contact local scrap yards directly
- Donate to charity (small tax deduction possible)
- Offer free on Craigslist to project car enthusiasts
- Check for municipal recycling or disposal programs
Never pay someone to remove your car if it’s complete. Even the most beat-up vehicle has positive scrap value. If a company wants to charge you, find a different buyer.
Exceptions exist for cars missing major components. A body shell with no engine, transmission, or catalytic converter has minimal value. Some buyers may charge a small fee to remove it, or you can check with metal recyclers who accept drop-offs.
Check current scrap car prices to understand baseline values for vehicles in any condition.
