Scrap Car Prices: Current Rates & Values Per Ton
Scrap car prices in November 2025 typically range from $130 to $630, largely depending on weight on the vehicle's weight and location. With scrap metal prices for cars at $130 to $180 per ton nationwide, a one-ton car could bring in $130 on the lower end, while a heavier 3.5-ton vehicle fetches up to $630.
Below is a breakdown of the current scrap car market:
(November 2025)
(November 2025)
(November 2025)
How Much Do You Get For Scrapping a Junk Car?
The amount you receive for scrapping a junk car largely depends on its weight, as most scrap yards pay by the ton. Heavier vehicles command higher prices because they contain more recyclable metal. Cars missing key components such as the engine or transmission are worth less, since the overall vehicle weight (and its metal value) drops. The table below shows how much scrap cars are typically worth based on vehicle size and class.
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 & Weight | Current Scrap Value |
|---|---|
| Mini & Subcompact (2,000–2,750 lbs) | $130 – $250 |
| Compact Cars (3,250 lbs) | $210 – $295 |
| Mid-Size Cars (3,750 lbs) | $240 – $330 |
| Full-Size Cars (4,500 lbs) | $285 – $395 |
| Crossovers (3,750 lbs) | $240 – $330 |
| SUVs (4,750 lbs) | $300 – $395 |
| Small Pickup Trucks (4,000 lbs) | $255 – $360 |
| Standard Pickup Trucks (5,000 lbs) | $320 – $450 |
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.
Factors That Influence The Scrap Car of a Car
The scrap value of a car is primarily based on its weight and the current scrap metal market, but several other factors affect how much you can get when selling a vehicle for scrap.
- Vehicle weight and size: Heavier cars and trucks contain more recyclable metal and are worth more. For example, a 1-ton car typically brings $130–$180, while a 3.5-ton vehicle can return $455–$630.
- Metal content: Cars contain valuable metals such as steel ($0.065–$0.09/lb), aluminum ($0.40–$0.80/lb), and copper ($2.45–$3.10/lb). Vehicles with higher concentrations of these materials yield better scrap rates.
- Condition and completeness: Complete cars with intact engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, wheels, and frames command higher prices than stripped or damaged vehicles.
- Salvageable parts: Reusable components, especially engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, and aluminum wheels, can add significant value above the base scrap price.
- Location: Prices vary by region. Urban areas with multiple scrap buyers often pay more due to competition, while rural regions may offer less because of transport costs.
- Market prices and seasonality: Scrap metal rates fluctuate with global supply and demand. Prices tend to rise in spring and summer when construction and manufacturing activity increases.
- Preparation: Some yards pay more for vehicles that are drained of fluids, free of debris, and accompanied by title paperwork. Getting multiple quotes helps get the highest payout.
Scrap car value is calculated by multiplying a vehicle’s weight by the current scrap metal price per ton. A typical mid-size car weighing around 3,750 pounds brings $240 to $330 in scrap value at current rates. Smaller vehicles in the 2,000–2,750-pound range usually fetch $130 to $250, while larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs can bring up to $630. For maximum value, consider selling high-demand components separately, yet remember that a complete car with all major parts intact often earns the best overall offer from scrap yards.
View Scrap Car Prices Per Ton Near You
The table below provides a state-by-state breakdown of estimated scrap car prices per ton as of November 2025. These values vary based on local demand, competition, and market trends. For the most accurate rates, contact your local scrap yard.
| State | Scrap Car Price Per Ton | Scrap Value (1 to 3.5 Ton Vehicles) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Alaska | $115 to $135 | $115.00 to $472.50 |
| Arizona | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Arkansas | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| California | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Colorado | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Connecticut | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Delaware | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Florida | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Georgia | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Hawaii | $120 to $140 | $120.00 to $490.00 |
| Idaho | $125 to $145 | $125.00 to $507.50 |
| Illinois | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Indiana | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Iowa | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Kansas | $125 to $145 | $125.00 to $507.50 |
| Kentucky | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Louisiana | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Maine | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Maryland | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Massachusetts | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Michigan | $165 to $185 | $165.00 to $647.50 |
| Minnesota | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Mississippi | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Missouri | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Montana | $125 to $145 | $125.00 to $507.50 |
| Nebraska | $130 to $150 | $130.00 to $525.00 |
| Nevada | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| New Hampshire | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| New Jersey | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| New Mexico | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| New York | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| North Carolina | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| North Dakota | $160 to $180 | $160.00 to $630.00 |
| Ohio | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Oklahoma | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Oregon | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Rhode Island | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| South Carolina | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| South Dakota | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Tennessee | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Texas | $155 to $175 | $155.00 to $612.50 |
| Utah | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Vermont | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Virginia | $140 to $160 | $140.00 to $560.00 |
| Washington | $150 to $170 | $150.00 to $595.00 |
| West Virginia | $135 to $155 | $135.00 to $542.50 |
| Wisconsin | $145 to $165 | $145.00 to $577.50 |
| Wyoming | $125 to $145 | $125.00 to $507.50 |
While prices vary by location, understanding broader market trends can help you time your sale.
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 $155/ton would be worth:
1.875 tons × $155 price per ton = $290
Values vary based on current market rates and your location. Use our scrap car value calculator to get an accurate price.
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.
This pages data reflects national averages for scrap car prices. Local prices may vary based on regional market conditions, competition, and transportation costs. The estimated values are calculated based on an average mid-size vehicle weight of 1.75 tons.