Scrap Car Prices: Per Ton Values & Current Rates
Find out how much you can get for junking your car based on today's scrap car prices. We track prices from metal recycling facilities across the country to bring you accurate, up-to-date scrap prices for cars. These are the rates we use to calculate our base scrap value offers, so you know exactly what to expect when scrapping your vehicle.
What Are Current Scrap Car Prices Per Ton?
Scrap car prices currently range from $100 to $770 for most vehicles nationwide. The current scrap car price per ton is $100 to $220, depending on location, vehicle condition, and whether the car is prepared for processing. Heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs command higher prices due to increased metal content.
Scrap car value = vehicle weight × per-ton rate. For example, a 1.75-ton sedan at $150/ton = approximately $262 in base scrap value. Most passenger cars weigh between 1.5 and 2 tons, while trucks and SUVs can weigh 2.5 to 3.5 tons.
| Vehicle Condition | Price Per Ton | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prepared Car | $180 - $220 | Fluids drained, battery removed, ready for shredder |
| Complete Unprepared | $130 - $170 | All major components intact, not yet prepped |
| Incomplete | $100 - $140 | Missing engine, transmission, or catalytic converter |
| Crushed/Shell | $100 - $120 | Body only, no drivetrain or major components |
How We Determine Prices
Our methodology for accurate, up-to-date pricing
Data Collection
We aggregate pricing data from 847 metal recycling facilities, auto salvage yards, and scrap processors across all 50 states.
Market Analysis
We track commodity metal prices (steel, aluminum, copper, PGMs) from major exchanges and factor in current demand and export conditions.
Weekly Updates
Prices are updated every Monday to reflect current market conditions. Major market shifts may trigger mid-week updates.
Regional Adjustment
We apply regional modifiers based on local supply/demand, proximity to mills and ports, and transportation costs.
Estimate Your Car's Scrap Value
Use our calculator to get an instant estimate based on your vehicle's weight and condition.
Scrap Car Prices By Vehicle Type
The weight of your vehicle is the primary factor in determining scrap value. Heavier vehicles contain more steel, aluminum, and other metals, resulting in higher scrap prices. Below are current values based on vehicle class and weight, using rates of $120 to $220 per ton.
| Vehicle Type | Weight (lbs) | Complete Value |
|---|---|---|
| Small Car (Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Focus) | 2,400 - 2,800 | $145 - $310 |
| Mid-Size Car (Camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu) | 3,000 - 3,400 | $180 - $375 |
| Full-Size Car (Impala, Taurus, Charger, 300) | 3,500 - 4,000 | $210 - $440 |
| Compact SUV (RAV4, CR-V, Escape, Equinox) | 3,200 - 3,800 | $190 - $420 |
| Mid-Size SUV (Explorer, Highlander, Pilot, 4Runner) | 4,000 - 4,800 | $240 - $530 |
| Full-Size SUV (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban, Yukon) | 5,200 - 6,000 | $310 - $660 |
| Compact Truck (Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado, Frontier) | 3,800 - 4,400 | $230 - $485 |
| Full-Size Truck (F-150, Silverado, RAM 1500, Tundra) | 4,500 - 5,500 | $270 - $605 |
| Heavy Duty Truck (F-250, Silverado 2500, RAM 2500) | 5,800 - 7,000 | $350 - $770 |
| Minivan (Odyssey, Sienna, Pacifica, Grand Caravan) | 4,200 - 4,800 | $250 - $530 |
* Values based on current scrap rates of $120 - $220 per ton depending on vehicle condition (incomplete to prepared).
Current Scrap Metal Prices
These base metal prices determine what recyclers pay for junk cars. Steel makes up about 65% of a vehicle's weight, with aluminum, copper, and precious metals accounting for additional value.
| Metal | Current Price | Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrap Steel | $215 / ton | +$8 | ↑ Up |
| Shredded Steel | $385 / ton | +$12 | ↑ Up |
| Aluminum | $0.65 / lb | +$0.03 | ↑ Up |
| Copper | $3.85 / lb | -$0.12 | ↓ Down |
| Platinum | $985 / oz | +$23 | ↑ Up |
| Palladium | $1,045 / oz | -$18 | ↓ Down |
| Rhodium | $4,850 / oz | +$125 | ↑ Up |
12-Month Price Trends
Historical scrap metal prices showing nationwide average per-ton rates for complete unprepared vehicles.
Scrap Car Prices Per Ton In Your Area
Scrap prices vary significantly by location. States near steel mills (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania) typically pay the highest prices. Remote areas pay less due to transportation costs. Prices shown are for complete unprepared vehicles.
| State | Price Per Ton | Scrap Value (1 to 3.5 Ton) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Alaska | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Arizona | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| Arkansas | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| California | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Colorado | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| Connecticut | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Delaware | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Florida | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Georgia | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Hawaii | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Idaho | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Illinois | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Indiana | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| Iowa | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Kansas | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Kentucky | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Louisiana | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Maine | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Maryland | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Massachusetts | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Michigan | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Minnesota | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Mississippi | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Missouri | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Montana | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Nebraska | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Nevada | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| New Hampshire | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| New Jersey | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| New Mexico | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| New York | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| North Carolina | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| North Dakota | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Ohio | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Oklahoma | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Oregon | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| Pennsylvania | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Rhode Island | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| South Carolina | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| South Dakota | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Tennessee | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Texas | $150 - $170 | $150 - $595 |
| Utah | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Vermont | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Virginia | $135 - $155 | $135 - $542.50 |
| Washington | $145 - $165 | $145 - $577.50 |
| West Virginia | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
| Wisconsin | $140 - $160 | $140 - $560 |
| Wyoming | $130 - $150 | $130 - $525 |
Common Questions About Scrap Car Prices
How Much Can I Get For My Junk Car?
Most complete junk cars sell for $200 - $500 based on weight, with heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs worth more. A typical sedan (3,000-3,500 lbs) currently sells for $270-$420. The actual offer you receive depends on your location, vehicle condition, and current metal prices.
How Can I Check My Car's Scrap Value Online?
Use our calculator above to estimate your car's scrap value based on weight and condition. For an exact offer, contact local scrap yards or use our free quote tool. Remember that online estimates are approximations — final offers depend on in-person vehicle inspection.
Do All Scrap Yards Pay The Same Price?
No. Scrap yard prices can vary significantly based on their overhead costs, proximity to steel mills or export ports, current inventory levels, and business model. It pays to call 2-3 yards for quotes. However, prices typically fall within 10-15% of each other in the same region.
When Can I Get The Best Scrap Car Price?
Scrap prices are typically highest in spring (March-May) when construction activity increases steel demand. Prices often dip in winter months. However, waiting for "perfect timing" rarely makes a significant difference — we're talking $20-50 on a typical car.
What's A Car Shell Worth In Scrap?
A car shell (body only, no engine, transmission, or drivetrain) is worth roughly 45-55% of a complete car's scrap value. For a mid-size sedan shell, expect $150-$230. The remaining value comes purely from the steel and aluminum in the body.
Does My Car Need To Run To Scrap It?
No. Non-running vehicles are scrapped every day. While a running vehicle may command a small premium (the engine has resale value), non-running cars still contain the same amount of scrapable metal. Many buyers offer free towing for non-running vehicles.
Do I Need A Title To Scrap My Car?
Requirements vary by state. Most states require a title or valid registration. Some accept alternatives like a bill of sale, lien release, or allow you to obtain a duplicate title. Cars without proper documentation typically receive lower offers due to additional paperwork requirements.
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