Scrap Car Prices as of February 2026
Scrap car prices make-up the base metal value of a vehicle. They are used to determine how much you can get for scrapping a car when it's reached the end of its useful life.
Scrap vehicles typically fetch $100 to $600, depending on their weight and location. The final price is determined by mutiplying the vehicle's total weight by the current scrap metal rate, which is usually about $120 to $200 per ton (2,000 pounds). If it’s a complete, average-sized vehicle (3,000 lbs), you can expect around $225-$350 in scrap value. Heavier vehicles such as SUVs and trucks that weigh over 2.5 ton (5,000 lbs) can sell for up to $600 in scrap.
Vehicles that still have the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, and battery are worth more than stripped cars because the components add to the value. And vehicles with aluminum wheels will command a premium.
Junk Car Medics tracks the metal price for cars across the country daily so that we can offer fair and competitive prices to junk car sellers. Across this page, we will lay out the current prices we are paying per ton for cars by state, as well as accurate ways for you to price out your scrap vehicle.
Factors to Be Aware of When Scrapping a Vehicle
The scrap value of a car is determined by several key factors:
- Weight and size: Heavier vehicles get higher pricing because they contain more metal.
- Metal content: Cars contain valuable metals, including steel ($0.07-$0.16/lb), aluminum ($0.40-$0.80/lb), and copper ($2.45-$3.10/lb)
- Completeness: Vehicles with complete parts receive higher prices because they contain additional recoverable metal.
- Location: In urban areas rates are usually higher because of increased competition among scrap yards.
- Timing: Scrap car prices fluctuate on a daily basis and often see higher prices in spring and summer.
You can estimate the scrap value of a car by multiplying the vehicle's metal weight (in pounds or tons) by the current scrap metal price per matching unit. Convert pounds to tons or vice versa so the units match.
What Typical Cars Are Worth in Scrap
Below is a snapshot of how much you can get for scrapping a car based on its size. Weights used are common estimates for the assigned vehicle class.
| Vehicle Class (Popular Example) | Estimated Weight | Scrap Value @ $100/ton | Scrap Value @ $200/ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini & Subcompact (Toyota Yaris) | 2,500 lbs | $125 | $250 |
| Compact Cars (Honda Civic) | 3,250 lbs | $163 | $325 |
| Mid-Size Cars (Toyota Camry) | 3,750 lbs | $188 | $375 |
| Full-Size Cars (Dodge Charger) | 4,500 lbs | $225 | $450 |
| Crossovers (Toyota RAV4) | 3,750 lbs | $188 | $375 |
| SUVs (Ford Explorer) | 4,750 lbs | $238 | $475 |
| Small Pickup Trucks (Toyota Tacoma) | 4,000 lbs | $200 | $400 |
| Standard Pickup Trucks (Ford F-150) | 5,000 lbs | $250 | $500 |
View Scrap Car Prices Per Ton Near You
Below is a state-by-state snapshot of typical scrap car prices per ton. Whole-car estimates assume a 1 to 3.5 ton vehicle, which covers most passenger cars and light trucks.
| State | Typical Scrap Price Per Ton | Estimated Whole-Car Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Alaska | $125 to $145 | $125.00 to $507.50 |
| Arizona | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| Arkansas | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| California | $175 to $195 | $175.00 to $682.50 |
| Colorado | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| Connecticut | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Delaware | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Florida | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Georgia | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Hawaii | $130 to $150 | $130.00 to $525.00 |
| Idaho | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Illinois | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Indiana | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| Iowa | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Kansas | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Kentucky | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Louisiana | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Maine | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Maryland | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Massachusetts | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Michigan | $175 to $195 | $175.00 to $682.50 |
| Minnesota | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Mississippi | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Missouri | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Montana | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Nebraska | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Nevada | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| New Hampshire | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| New Jersey | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| New Mexico | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| New York | $170 to $190 | $170.00 to $665.00 |
| North Carolina | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| North Dakota | $170 to $190 | $170.00 to $665.00 |
| Ohio | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Oklahoma | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Oregon | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Rhode Island | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| South Carolina | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| South Dakota | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Tennessee | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Texas | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Utah | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Vermont | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Virginia | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Washington | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| West Virginia | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Wisconsin | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Wyoming | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Car Prices
Why Do Scrap Car Prices Fluctuate?
Scrap car prices are linked to primary commodities like steel, copper, and aluminum. These commodities fluctuate on an ongoing basis due to seasonal, local, and global demand. They also fluctuate by region based on competition and proximity to metal recycling facilities.
How Do I Get The Best Scrap Price for My Car?
To get the best scrap price for your car keep it complete and with its valuable components, shop around and get multiple quotes, and try to scrap it when metal prices are high.
When is The Best Time to Scrap a Vehicle?
The best time can vary due to global or local conditions, but it is usually the spring or summertime, when construction activity picks and raises the demand for metal.
How Much is a Car Body Worth?
A car body is usually worth about $50 to $300, depending on weight and metal market rates. It's lower because it lacks valuable parts such as catalytic converters, the engine, and the transmission.
What's a Crushed Car Worth in Scrap?
Crushed cars are typically worth $100 to $130 per ton at metal recycling facilities and scrap yards.