Scrap Car Prices (October 2024)
The scrap price of a junk car varies nationwide based on global and regional scrap prices of metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper.
Current Scrap Car Value (October 2024):
- Scrap Car Price Per Ton: $145 to $195 per ton
- Scrap Car Price Per Pound: $0.0725 to $0.0975 per pound
- Average Price: $175 per ton, $0.0875 per pound
Most mid-size cars weigh between 1.5 to 2 tons, translating to a current price range of $225 to $390.
Note: These prices fluctuate based on market conditions and can vary by location.
Current Scrap Prices for Cars
A scrap vehicle, also known as junk cars and end-of-life vehicles, are older vehicles, usually manufactured before 2010, which lack high-demand car parts and are valued by a scrap yard for their salvage value. The vehicle's weight and current scrap metal prices for cars are the two factors that determine junk car prices.
The scrap value of a car is determined by the weight of your vehicle and the value of metals in your car, primarily:
- Steel scrap: $0.05 to $0.10 per pound
- Aluminum scrap: $0.40 to $0.80 per pound
- Copper scrap: $3.00 to $4.00 per pound
The combination of these prices make up the overall scrap metal price for cars, which is generally showcased on a per ton basis.
Factors Influencing Scrap Metal Prices of Cars
The factors that influence the scrap metal value of a car are:
- Market Demand: The demand for recycled metals like steel, aluminum, and copper affects scrap prices.
- Location: Regional market conditions and local demand cause price variations.
- Type of Metals: The proportion of metals in your car affects its scrap value.
- Condition of the Metal: Clean, pure metals fetch higher prices.
- Global Market Trends: International supply and demand, trade policies, and economic conditions influence local scrap metal prices.
Instantly calculate the scrap value of your car using Junk Car Medics scrap car value calculator. Our calculator gets the weight of your specific vehicle based on its year, make, and model, and gives you its scrap value based on current metal pricing.
Estimated Scrap Value of a Vehicle by Weight
| Vehicle Class | Estimated Weight (lbs) | Price per Ton | Vehicle Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Compact | 2,000 (1.00 ton) | $145 – $195 | $145.00 – $195.00 |
| Subcompact | 2,750 (1.38 tons) | $145 – $195 | $199.38 – $267.19 |
| Compact | 3,250 (1.63 tons) | $145 – $195 | $235.31 – $316.41 |
| Mid-Size | 3,750 (1.88 tons) | $145 – $195 | $271.25 – $365.63 |
| Full-Size | 4,500 (2.25 tons) | $145 – $195 | $326.25 – $438.75 |
| Small Pickup Trucks | 4,000 (2.00 tons) | $145 – $195 | $290.00 – $390.00 |
| Standard Pickup Trucks | 5,000 (2.50 tons) | $145 – $195 | $362.50 – $487.50 |
| Minivans | 4,500 (2.25 tons) | $145 – $195 | $326.25 – $438.75 |
| Large Vans | 9,000 (4.50 tons) | $145 – $195 | $652.50 – $877.50 |
| SUVs | 4,750 (2.38 tons) | $145 – $195 | $344.38 – $462.66 |
| Crossovers | 3,750 (1.88 tons) | $145 – $195 | $271.25 – $365.63 |
Monthly Scrap Car Price Per Ton
| Month | Low Price ($/ton) | High Price ($/ton) | Est. Value Low ($) | Est. Value High ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 155 | 190 | 271.25 | 332.50 |
| February | 145 | 185 | 253.75 | 323.75 |
| March | 155 | 190 | 271.25 | 332.50 |
| April | 160 | 190 | 280.00 | 332.50 |
| May | 145 | 185 | 253.75 | 323.75 |
| June | 155 | 195 | 288.75 | 341.25 |
| July | 155 | 195 | 288.75 | 341.25 |
| August | 155 | 195 | 288.75 | 341.25 |
| September | 155 | 195 | 288.75 | 341.25 |
Regional Scrap Car Prices Per Ton
| City | Scrap Car Price Per Ton |
|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | $180 – $200 |
| San Jose, CA | $175 – $195 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $170 – $190 |
| Brooklyn, NY | $165 – $185 |
| Riverside, CA | $160 – $180 |
| Dallas, TX | $160 – $180 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $160 – $180 |
| Houston, TX | $155 – $175 |
| Tampa, FL | $150 – $170 |
| Baltimore, MD | $140 – $160 |
Understanding Scrap Car Prices vs. Junk Car Values
When deciding between scrapping your car or selling your junk vehicle, it's important to know the difference in value. While scrap metal value is primarily based on the weight of the metal (steel, aluminum, copper), junk car prices take additional factors into account:
- Salvageable Components: Vehicles with valuable parts like catalytic converters, engines, or transmissions can fetch a much higher price when sold as junk cars. These components are often in high demand and can significantly increase the value.
- Operational Status: Cars that are still running or have lower mileage might be worth more as junk vehicles rather than just for their scrap metal. Even a non-running car with some working parts can be more valuable than its weight in metal.
- Condition and Market Demand: If your car is newer or has parts that are in demand, selling it as a junk car can often result in a better payout. This is because junk car buyers can resell parts or refurbish the vehicle.
When to Choose Scrapping: Scrapping is often the best option for end-of-life vehicles that are completely inoperable and have few or no salvageable parts. In these cases, the car's metal weight is the primary source of value.
For a detailed breakdown of how much you can sell a junk car for and to find out if selling yours is a better option, read our guide on how much junk cars are worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scrap Value of a Car’s Body?
The scrap value of a car's body, excluding parts, is generally between $100 and $400, depending on weight and current metal prices.
When are Scrap Car Prices the Highest?
Scrap car prices are typically highest when metal demand is up, usually in the summer months or during economic booms.
How Much Are Crushed Cars Worth?
Crushed cars are worth about $120 to $140 per ton at a scrap yard. They are stripped of valuable components and compressed, reducing their weight and value.