What Is The Going Rate for Junk Cars? (Updated January 2025)
The average junk car sells for $300 to $750 as of January 2025, with some buyers paying up to $1,500 for newer, heavier vehicles or those with high-value parts like a working catalytic converter, engine, or transmission. Recent market data shows an average payout of $512 over the last 30 days.
Factors like condition, location, demand for parts, and scrap metal prices all play a role. Well-maintained or sought-after junk vehicles can fetch significantly higher payouts, especially if they:
- Are newer models (2015+) – Vehicles with modern safety features and reusable parts sell for more.
- Are from high-demand brands – Honda, Toyota, and Ford models often receive higher offers.
- Still have major parts intact – Catalytic converters, engines, and transmissions greatly impact value.
- Weigh more – Trucks, SUVs, and vans have higher metal content, leading to better scrap value.
Prices vary widely, and even two similar cars can receive different offers. Read our guide on junk car appraisals to learn how the value is determined. Here you will learn how much junk cars are currently worth, the estimated values for different types, and prices by location.
Current Junk Car Estimates Based on Vehicle Type
Vehicle Category | Estimated Value Range |
---|---|
Standard Vehicles with Clean Title | $300 - $500+ |
Import Vehicles with Clean Title | $350 - $600+ |
Junk Cars 2015 or Newer | $400 - $1,000 |
Non-Running Vehicles 2020 or Newer | $500 - $1,200 |
Trucks, Vans, SUVs (2015+) | $500 - $1,500 |
Larger Vehicles 2020 or Newer | $600 - $1,500+ |
Note: These prices represent current market averages. Your specific offer may vary based on condition and location. Get an exact quote for your car →
How Much Are Junk Cars Worth Near Me?
Your location affects how much you can get for a junk car. Here’s how:
- Urban Areas: More competition means higher offers, typically $50-$100 more.
- Rural Areas: Fewer buyers & higher towing costs may lower offers.
- Regional Scrap Prices: Some states pay higher due to strong recycling demand.
📍 Average Junk Car Prices by Region
Region | Low-End Price | High-End Price |
---|---|---|
Northeast (NY, PA, NJ) | $350 | $800 |
Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | $300 | $750 |
South (FL, TX, GA) | $400 | $1,000 |
West (CA, AZ, NV) | $450 | $1,200 |
Get an exact quote based on your specific location here.
Common Price Adjustments Based on Condition
When evaluating a junk car, buyers typically deduct value for missing or damaged components. These adjustments reflect both the lost parts value and increased processing costs for the salvage yard.
Condition | Value Adjustment |
---|---|
Missing catalytic converter | -$50 to -$250 |
Missing engine/transmission | -$100 to -$500 |
Missing wheels | -$50 to -$200 |
Stripped vehicle | Significant reduction |
What’s the Most You Can Get for a Junk Car?
While the average junk car sells for $300 to $750, certain vehicles can bring in $1,500 or more if they meet key criteria:
- Newer Models (2015+) – Vehicles with modern safety features and reusable parts are worth more.
- High-Demand Brands – Cars from Honda, Toyota, Ford, and other popular manufacturers often sell for more due to parts demand.
- Complete & Running Vehicles – Junk cars that still start or include all major components (catalytic converter, engine, transmission) receive the highest offers.
- Trucks, SUVs & Heavy Vehicles – Larger vehicles contain more metal and have a higher resale value, often exceeding $1,500.
- High Scrap Metal Prices – Junk car values increase when the price of steel, aluminum, and copper rises.
If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you could receive **top-dollar offers** from junk car buyers, salvage yards, or private buyers.
Average Junk Car Prices for the Most Common Vehicles
Below are the average prices for the 20 most commonly junked cars. These estimates reflect recent market data and vary based on condition, location, and parts value.
Vehicle Model | Average Price | Estimated Price Range |
---|---|---|
Honda Accord | $386.06 | $290 - $480 |
Honda Civic | $461.30 | $350 - $575 |
Nissan Altima | $377.14 | $280 - $475 |
Toyota Camry | $465.00 | $350 - $580 |
Chevrolet Impala | $318.50 | $240 - $400 |
Ford Explorer | $818.21 | $615 - $1020 |
Ford Escape | $409.17 | $305 - $510 |
Chevrolet Malibu | $360.00 | $270 - $450 |
Toyota Corolla | $736.46 | $550 - $920 |
Ford Focus | $266.19 | $200 - $330 |
Ford F-150 | $515.75 | $385 - $645 |
Ford Ranger | $515.28 | $385 - $645 |
Jeep Liberty | $461.18 | $345 - $575 |
Ford Taurus | $231.88 | $175 - $290 |
Pontiac G6 | $229.69 | $170 - $285 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee | $278.75 | $210 - $350 |
Chevrolet Cobalt | $242.33 | $180 - $300 |
Honda Odyssey | $797.33 | $600 - $995 |
Pontiac Grand Prix | $255.67 | $190 - $320 |
Volkswagen Jetta | $256.07 | $190 - $320 |
Can You Junk a Car for $500?
Yes, this is certainly possible. Many sellers look for buyers offering "$500 for junk cars." While this is possible, your offer depends on location, weight, and parts value. Non-running cars typically get $100 to $500, but high-demand models may receive higher payouts.
How Do Scrap Metal Prices Affect Junk Car Value?
Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on demand, global markets, and recycling rates. When scrap steel and aluminum prices rise, junk car values increase. Checking current scrap car prices before selling ensures you get the best offer.
How Much Is a Dead or Non-Running Car Worth?
A non-running junk car that's old and beyond repair typically sells for $100 to $500, depending on weight, location, scrap metal prices, and salvageable parts. Some buyers pay more if the car still starts. Junk car buyers and scrapyards offer quick cash, while private sales may take longer but can yield more if the car has valuable parts.
Is It Better to Sell a Junk Car Whole or for Parts?
Selling valuable parts separately—like catalytic converters, engines, and wheels—can earn you more than selling the car whole. However, parting out a car takes time. If you need fast cash, selling the entire car to a junk car buyer or scrap yard is easier.
How Can You Sell a Junk Car for The Best Price?
Follow these steps to get top dollar:
- Have the Title & Keys – Buyers pay more for complete vehicles.
- Check Scrap Metal Prices – Steel & aluminum rates affect offers.
- Compare Multiple Quotes – Online buyers, junkyards, and salvage yards offer different prices.
- Sell Valuable Parts First – Catalytic converters, engines, and wheels boost profits.
- Choose Free Towing – Avoid deductions for pickup fees.
How to Get The Most Money Junking a Car?
Sell valuable parts first—like the catalytic converter and engine—then scrap the rest for metal value to maximize profit. Alternatively, sell the whole vehicle privately on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist to eliminate middlemen and keep more money.
What Company Pays the Most for Junk Cars?
The highest-paying buyers depend on your car’s condition, location, and current scrap prices. Online junk car buyers, auto salvage yards, and local junkyards all offer competitive prices, typically ranging from $300 to $1,500+. Junk Car Medics helps you compare top offers to get you the most money.