Updated May 1, 2025

Scrap Car Prices: Current Rates & Values Per Ton

Wondering what the average scrap price of cars is? As of May 1, 2025, scrap car prices range from $150 to $700, largely determined by the vehicle's weight. With scrap metal prices for cars at $150 to $200 per ton, a one-ton car could bring in $150 at the lower end, while a heavier 3.5-ton vehicle might fetch up to $700.

Diagram showing vehicle weight and scrap value comparison

Below is a breakdown of current scrap car price ranges:

AVERAGE SCRAP CAR PRICE
(May 2025)
$150.00 - $700
Range across all vehicle types
PRICE PER TON
(May 2025)
$150.00 - $200.00
Current market rate
PRICE PER POUND
(May 2025)
$0.07 - $0.11
For scrap metal content

The Scrap Value of a Car

The scrap value of a car is determined by several key factors:

  • Vehicle Weight & Size: A 1-ton car typically brings $150-$200, while a 3.5-ton vehicle can between $525-$700.
  • 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).
  • Vehicle Completeness: Vehicles with full metal content (unstripped body, frame, engine, block, etc) command higher prices compared to partially dismantled cars missing significant metal components.
  • Location: Urban areas often offer higher rates due to competition and demand.
  • Market Prices: Scrap metal rates fluctuate based on global market conditions.

Scrap car value is primarily calculated by multiplying the vehicle's weight by current metal prices. A typical mid-size car weighing 3,750 pounds brings $281.25 to $375 in scrap value. Smaller vehicles weighing 2,000-2,750 pounds typically fetch $150 to $275, while larger vehicles can bring up to $700. For maximum value, consider selling valuable components separately before scrapping - a complete car with all parts intact is often worth significantly more than its scrap metal value alone.

What Are The Latest Prices for Scrap Cars?

Vehicle weight is the primary factor in determining scrap value of a car since scrap yards pay by the ton. Heavier vehicles contain more metal and therefore command higher prices. Below are the latest price estimates for scrap cars, SUVs, and trucks as of May 1, 2025, organized by vehicle class and typical weight.

How we get this data

We analyze thousands of real scrap car transactions across multiple dealers and yards, then cross-reference with current market rates. Our data is updated monthly and verified against industry reports. Always check with local yards for exact quotes.

Vehicle Class Est. Weight Value Range Common Examples
Mini & Subcompact 2,000-2,750 lbs $145 - $267 Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris
Compact Cars 3,250 lbs $243.75 - $325 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla
Mid-Size Cars 3,750 lbs $281.25 - $375 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry
Full-Size Cars 4,500 lbs $337.5 - $450 Toyota Avalon, Dodge Charger
Crossovers 3,750 lbs $281.25 - $375 Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4
SUVs 4,750 lbs $356.25 - $475 Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander
Small Pickup Trucks 4,000 lbs $300 - $400 Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma
Standard Pickup Trucks 5,000 lbs $375 - $500 Ford F-150 , Ram 1500

Scrap car prices vary greatly. Contact your local scrap yard or metal recycling facility for exact quotes. Your car might be worth significantly more than its scrap value if it is a model in high demand or has valuable parts.

Calculate Your Car's Scrap Value

A car's scrap value is determined by multiplying its weight in tons by the current scrap metal price per ton for cars.

For example, a mid-size car weighing 1.875 tons and valued at $150/ton would be worth:

1.875 tons × $150 price per ton = $281.25

Values vary based on current market rates and your location.

How Much is My Scrap Car Worth?

To accurately determine the value of your specific scrap car it is best to use an online calculator or get quotes from various buyers.

View Scrap Car Prices Per Ton Near You

The table below provides a state-by-state breakdown of estimated scrap car prices per ton. These values vary based on local demand, competition, and market trends. For the most accurate rates, contact your local scrap yard.

State Estimated Price Range (Per Ton) Complete Car Value Range (1 to 3.5 Tons)
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

While prices vary by location, understanding broader market trends can help you time your sale.

Scrap Value vs. Junk Car Value: What's the Difference?

Scrap value is the amount you can receive for recycling your car's metal content, while junk car value is what you'll get when selling a complete vehicle to a junkyard, including its parts. Understanding this difference can help you maximize your car's worth.

Scrap Value

  • Sum of deregistration value and body value
  • Based on metal recycling rates
  • Transportation costs affect final price
  • Minimal paperwork required
  • Quick processing time

Junk Car Value

  • Includes resale value of usable parts
  • Considers vehicle's completeness
  • Values rare or in-demand components
  • Requires proper documentation
  • May take longer to process

Your car might be worth significantly more as a junk vehicle than for scrap! See how much junk cars are worth →

Common Questions About Car Scrap Value

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about scrap car pricing. From body-only values to timing your sale, here's what you need to know about the scrap price of your car.

What's a Car Body Worth in Scrap?

The scrap value of just the car body typically ranges from $100 to $400, depending on weight and current metal prices.

When Can I Get The Best Scrap Car Price?

Scrap prices are usually highest during summer months and economic booms when metal demand increases.

What is The Scrap Value of Crushed Cars?

Crushed cars typically fetch $120 to $140 per ton at scrap yards, as they've been stripped of valuable components.

What Are Scrap Car Prices Near Me?

Scrap car prices vary by location based on local market demand and competition. Contact your nearest scrap yard for the most accurate rates.

Turn your junk car woes into cash.