Junk Car Prices: Current Values & Scrap Price Per Ton
As of April 2025, junk cars are valued between $150-$1,500 or more, depending on the vehicle's condition. Older cars with no reusable parts will be valued at scrap car prices, currently $150-$200 per ton. However, your car's junk value can be significantly higher when factoring in salvageable components. Valuable parts like the catalytic converter ($200-$500 alone), functioning engines, and intact transmissions can substantially increase offers beyond the basic scrap rate.
A typical 1-ton car (2,000lbs) typically brings between $150-$200, while heavier 3.5-ton vehicles can fetch between $525-$700 in metal value alone.
Our transaction data shows an average junk car payout of $512 over the past 30 days. This includes all vehicles we've purchased, both scrap and vehicles with useable parts.
Below is a breakdown of current junk car values and scrap price ranges:
(April 2025)
(April 2025)
(April 2025)
Current Junk Car Prices (Parts & Metal Value)
While scrap metal provides a baseline value, junk car prices in 2025 range from $300 to $1,500+ when including salvageable parts and components. Our transaction data shows an average payout of $512 over the past 30 days, with most vehicles falling in the $300-$750 range. The difference between scrap and junk prices comes from valuable components that can be reused or refurbished.
Below are the lastest junk vehicle prices including parts and metal value. These prices reflect what buyers are currently paying nationwide.
How we get this data
These figures represent actual transactions from our nationwide network of buyers over the past 30 days. We track thousands of purchases monthly across all vehicle types and conditions to provide accurate market values.
| Vehicle Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Junk Cars | $200 - $1,000+ |
| Junk SUVs | $300 - $1,500+ |
| Junk Trucks | $350 - $1,500+ |
| Junk Vans | $350 - $1,500+ |
| Driveable Vehicles | $500 - $2,500+ |
| Newer Models Needing Repair | $1,000 - $5,000+ |
Current Scrap Car Prices (Metal Value Only)
The baseline value for a junk car is based on the vehicle's weight and current scrap metal prices for cars. Heavier vehicles contain more metal and therefore command higher prices. With current scrap car prices at $150-$200 per ton (April 2025), now is a great time to scrap a car.
Below are the latest scrap metal price estimates for cars, SUVs, and trucks 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 Type | Scrap Value Range |
|---|---|
| Scrap Cars (2,000-4,500 lbs) | $150 - $450 (at $150/ton) $200 - $600 (at $200/ton) |
| Scrap SUVs (3,750-4,750 lbs) | $280 - $355 (at $150/ton) $375 - $475 (at $200/ton) |
| Scrap Trucks (4,000-6,000 lbs) | $300 - $450 (at $150/ton) $400 - $600 (at $200/ton) |
| Scrap Vans (4,000-5,000 lbs) | $300 - $375 (at $150/ton) $400 - $500 (at $200/ton) |
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 has valuable parts or is in reasonable condition. Continue reading to see how much your vehicle might be worth as a complete junk car rather than just for metal recycling.
What Determines How Much Your Junk Car is Worth?
The first step in determining your vehicle's worth is understanding whether it should be valued as a junk car (with salvageable parts) or purely for its scrap metal content.
Is Your Car Worth More as Junk or Scrap?
- It's from 2000 or newer
- It has a working engine, transmission, or other major components
- It's a popular make/model with high parts demand
- It still has its catalytic converter
- It's relatively complete (not stripped of parts)
- It's very old (pre-2000) and completely non-functional
- It's been stripped of most valuable components
- It's severely damaged or crushed
- It's been sitting unused for many years
- It has extensive rust or corrosion damage
Factors That Determine Junk Car Prices
When selling a vehicle with salvageable parts, these factors significantly impact its value:
| Value Factor | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Condition | Running vehicles are worth up to twice as much as non-running equivalents. This has one of the highest impacts on your final offer. |
| Catalytic Converter | Contains precious metals that add $100-$400 to your vehicle's value. One of the most valuable single components on any vehicle. |
| Engine & Transmission | Functioning drivetrain components can increase overall worth by 40-60%. |
| Make & Model | Toyota, Honda, and Ford models typically command premium prices due to higher parts demand and compatibility across multiple vehicle years. |
| Vehicle Age | Newer vehicles (2015+) have significantly higher parts value and demand. Every 5 years of age typically reduces value by 15-25%. |
| Complete Wheels/Tires | Full set of wheels and tires adds to the total value. Alloy wheels boost this figure. |
| Vehicle Completeness | Missing components reduce value beyond just the parts' worth. Stripped vehicles may be valued at basic scrap metal rates only. |
| Location | Urban areas typically pay $50-$100 more due to higher competition among buyers. Western and Northeastern regions often offer the highest prices. |
Factors That Determine Scrap Car Prices
The scrap value of a car (metal value) is determined by the following:
| Value Factor | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Weight | The primary factor in determining scrap value. Heavier vehicles contain more metal, currently valued at $150-$200 per ton. Weight directly correlates to price in scrap transactions. |
| Metal Types Present | Different metals command varying prices: steel ($0.07-$0.16/lb), aluminum ($0.40-$0.80/lb), and copper ($2.45-$3.10/lb). The mix of metals in your vehicle affects its overall value. |
| Current Metal Market | Prices fluctuate significantly based on global market demand for recycled metals. Economic conditions, manufacturing needs, and international trade policies all impact current rates. |
| Vehicle Completeness | Has minimal impact on scrap value, only affecting the total weight of metal available for recycling. Unlike junk cars, missing components don't significantly reduce value beyond their weight. |
| Location | Creates some regional variation in per-ton rates based on local competition and transportation costs. Urban areas typically offer slightly better rates due to greater competition among scrap yards. |
Understanding these factors will help you determine whether your vehicle should be valued primarily as a junk car with usable parts or strictly for its scrap metal content. In most cases, vehicles less than 20 years old are worth significantly more when valued as junk cars rather than just for scrap.
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 Car Pricing Trends in 2024
Scrap car prices fluctuate due to changes in global metal markets, supply and demand, and regional factors like competition among scrap yards. Economic conditions, fuel costs, and seasonal trends can also impact metal recycling prices, causing prices to rise or fall.
Track the market trends of scrap car prices over time. Understanding these patterns can help you choose the best time to sell your vehicle for the best price.