2024 Scrap Car Prices & Value Per Ton Near You
Scrap car prices per gross ton range from $145 to $195. Determine the scrap value of any car now.
Starting with your VIN will get you the most accurate offer.
Starting with your VIN will get you the most accurate offer.
Current Scrap Car Prices
Currently scrap car prices range between $217.50 to $292.50 ($145 to $195 per gross ton) for the standard mid-size car. Scrap car pricing is used to calculate the value of junk cars. A car's scrap value is determined by its weight and local scrap metal prices and calculated on a per ton basis. Vehicles with valuable components will have higher values. Most junk cars are valued between $100 to $1,000 in scrap.
Let's take a look at current averages for popular junk cars nationwide that take into account current scrap car prices as well as the vehicle's demand.
What is the scrap value of a car?
The scrap value of a car refers to the amount of money that a vehicle is worth in metal when sold to an auto salvage yard or metal recycling facility. Different vehicles may have different values across the United States based on demand for the vehicle's parts. Locations where vehicles are in high demand may already be flooded with recyclable components decreasing the need for new ones and decreasing the value of the scrap car. Alternatively, if a vehicle's parts are in demand but it's not a popular vehicle locally, then the value will go up.
What are scrap car prices per ton near me?
Scrap car prices per ton range between $145 - $195 per ton in the United States, depending on where you are located. Pricing is based on scrap metal for cars price per ton. Here are estimated values based on the current range:
The scrap price per ton of a vehicle can vary significantly among different car classes, as brands and models contain varying amounts of valuable metals due to size differences.
Here are estimated scrap car values ranging from $145 - $877.50 for all NHTSA vehicle classifications based on the estimated price per ton for scrap cars of $145 - $195. This shows a car's scrap value by weight.
| NHTSA Classification | Estimated Weight (lbs) | Estimated Scrap Value Range ($145 - $195/ton) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Compact | 2,000 | $145.00 - $195.00 |
| Subcompact | 2,750 | $199.38 - $267.19 |
| Compact | 3,250 | $235.31 - $316.41 |
| Mid-Size | 3,750 | $271.25 - $365.63 |
| Full-Size | 4,500 | $326.25 - $438.75 |
| Small Pickup Trucks | 4,000 | $290.00 - $390.00 |
| Standard Pickup Trucks | 5,000 | $362.50 - $487.50 |
| Minivans | 4,500 | $326.25 - $438.75 |
| Large Vans | 9,000 | $652.50 - $877.50 |
| SUVs | 4,750 | $344.38 - $462.66 |
| Crossovers | 3,750 | $271.25 - $365.63 |
The price will go up for vehicles that are in better condition, have reusable parts, and are in demand in your location.
How much are scrap cars worth?
Prices for junk cars vary from car to car based on many factors, but you can expect between $100 to $1,000 for junk cars that:
- Are over 10 years old
- Have high mileage
- Have sever damage
- Are inoperable
However, some junk cars can sell for more with a junk car buying service if they:
- Are newer
- Minimal damage
- Have in-demand parts
- Are heavier and contain more metal
View the average values of scrap cars by month below.
How do I calculate my car's scrap value?
Get a free offer for the most accurate estimate to determine how much your junk car is worth. There are no strings attached. You can calculate your scrap car's value by multiplying the vehicle's weight in tonnes by the current price per ton for cars ($145 to $195).
How do I get the best price when scrapping my car?
You will get the best price for your scrap car by shopping around and getting multiple offers. Calculating scrap car prices is pretty straightforward so you should get offers within a similar range. Match the best price with the best junk car buyer.
How does Junk Car Medics pricing work?
Junk Car Medics online calculator determines and accurate value for your scrap car in current market conditions. We ask you a few questions about your vehicle, its condition, mileage, and history. From there we run your vehicle across the amounts our buyers are willing to pay to determine a price to offer for your junk car. We give you our best price each time.
The seven factors we use to determine the value of junk cars are:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Vehicle weight
- Vehicle condition
- Vehicles valuable parts
- Local scrap metal prices
- Vehicle title status
- Vehicle location.
When are scrap car prices the highest?
Scrap car prices are highest when the demand for scrap metal is strong, and the prices for these metals on global markets are high. Several factors can influence the fluctuation in the price of scrap cars:
- Industrial demand: Increased demand for steel, aluminum, and other metals in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive can drive up scrap metal prices.
- Economic conditions: economic growth often leads to higher demand for metals, pushing up scrap prices. Conversely, economic downturns lead to lower demand and lower prices.
- International markets: global events, such as tariffs and trade agreements, can impact metal pricing.
- Seasonal trends: In some regions, scrap car prices increase at the beginning of the calendar year due to a higher need for metals in a new tax year.
How much do junkyards pay for cars?
The amount junkyards pay for cars varies widely depending on the vehicle and demand. Generally, junkyards pay $100 to $750 cash for junk cars based on the weight, condition, location, and metal prices.
What is the Metal Composition of Vehicles?
The exact amount of metal found in a vehicle will depend on its make and model and even the year it was manufactured. In the average passenger car, there is around 65% of steel and iron, of which around 25% of the steel has been recycled. The remaining 35% of a vehicle's weight is in other materials, such as cloth, leather, glass, and plastic. The valuable metals in a car are what metal recycling facilities are after.
What Metals Are In Your Car?
According to the World Steel Association, 55% of a vehicle's weight in metal comes from steel. The chassis and body of vehicles are made up of steel, as this is a sturdy and relatively inexpensive metal to build with. Aluminum is another popular choice in the automobile industry when it comes to manufacturing vehicles, as it's lighter than steel and just as durable if not more.
Other metals that can be found in a junk car, in lesser quantities, include copper, lead, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The latter three are found in catalytic converters. Magnesium and titanium may be found in some vehicles, though generally only in higher-end performance cars.
When it comes to determining metal classifications, all metal falls into one of two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. Ferrous metals are the most common recycled metals and include iron and steel. Most of the metal from a scrap car can be sorted into a ferrous pile. Non-ferrous metal includes brass, nickel, gold, tin, and other rarer forms of metal.