Dealerships typically pay $100 to $500 for junk cars as straight purchases. Trade-in credits during promotions may reach $1,000 or more, but these amounts often get absorbed into the new car deal. Dedicated junk car buyers usually pay more than dealerships for vehicles in poor condition.
Typical dealership offers:
- Cash purchase (no trade): $100 to $300
- Standard trade-in credit: $200 to $500
- Promotional trade-in (“push, pull, drag”): $500 to $2,000
Promotional trade-in values sound attractive but require scrutiny. The $1,500 “minimum trade” often comes with conditions: specific vehicles, limited inventory, or reduced negotiation room on the new car. Calculate the total deal, not just the trade number.
Dealerships lose money disposing of junk cars. They either pay a salvage company to haul it away or sell it at auction for minimal return. This explains their low offers compared to businesses built around buying junk vehicles.
For maximum cash, sell to a junk car buyer first, then negotiate your new car purchase as a cash buyer with no trade. This approach often nets more total value than bundling the junk car into the deal.
Check current scrap car prices and compare dealer offers to junk car buyer quotes before accepting any trade-in.
