Selling your old or damaged car to a junkyard can provide a bit of extra cash. However, the amount a junkyard will pay for your car depends on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how junkyards determine the value of cars and how much you can expect to receive when selling your car to a junkyard.
What Factors Determine How Much Junkyards Pay For Cars?
Junkyards consider the following factors when determining how much to pay for a car:
Condition of the Car
The overall condition of the car is the most important factor. Cars in poor condition are worth less than cars in good condition. Important things junkyards look at include:
- Does it run? Cars that run are worth more than non-running cars. However, even non-runners have value for parts.
- Body condition. Major body damage, rust, and missing parts reduce value.
- Interior condition. Stained, torn, or missing seats and carpeting bring the price down.
Weight and Size
Heavier cars with more metal and steel are generally worth more than lighter cars. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are also usually worth more than small compact cars.
Brand and Model
Popular brands like Toyota, Honda, and Ford hold value better. Additionally, high-demand truck and SUV models tend to bring higher prices.
Parts Demand
Cars with easily removable valuable parts like batteries, catalytic converters, electronics, tires and wheels will be worth more.
Scrap Metal Prices
Junkyards sell leftover scrap metal to recycling centers. When scrap metal prices are up, junkyards can pay more for cars.
Local Supply and Demand
Junkyards in areas with more available used cars can offer less than those in areas with higher demand and limited supply.
What is the Average Price Junkyards Pay for Cars?
The average price junkyards pay for cars ranges from $100 to $500, but prices typically fall between the following:
- Running vehicles: $200 – $1,000
- Non-running vehicles: $100 – $500
However, prices can vary significantly beyond this range depending on condition, model, and demand. Luxury cars and highly sought-after models can fetch over $1,000 even if not running. Meanwhile, severely damaged economy cars may go for under $100.
Key Factors That Increase or Decrease Value
While the average price falls between $100-$500, here are some specific factors that push the value up or down:
Factors That Increase Value
- Foreign truck models like Toyota Tacoma
- SUVs and trucks in good condition
- Brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford
- Scrap metal prices are up
- Newer model years
- Good tires and wheels
- Minimal rust
- Desirable aftermarket parts
Factors That Decrease Value
- Luxury models like Mercedes, BMW, Audi
- Older model years
- Excessive damage or missing parts
- Rust and corrosion
- High mileage (over 200k miles)
- Modifications like lifts, custom paint
- Biohazard interior like smoke or pet damage
- Scrap metal prices are down
How the process works: Steps to sell your car to a junkyard
Selling your car to a junkyard is a quick and easy process. Here are the typical steps:
- Call junkyards for quotes: Contact multiple nearby junkyards and provide details on your car’s make, model, year, condition, and mileage. Inquire about their pricing and get quotes.
- Compare offers: Review all the quotes and identify the best offer. Consider factors like price, customer service, and convenience.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the junkyard you want to work with and schedule an appointment to have your car inspected. Most provide same day pick-up.
- Inspect the car: The junkyard will inspect your car upon arrival and make a final offer based on the in-person condition. There is no obligation to accept it.
- Accept the offer: If you accept their offer, the junkyard will have you sign a title release form and provide payment on the spot. Payment is typically cash or check.
- Remove your belongings: Make sure to remove all personal belongings from the car before the junkyard takes it.
- Get receipt: Finally, obtain a receipt for the transaction which shows the car details and amount paid.
Tips to Maximize Your Payout
Follow these tips to ensure you maximize the payout when selling your car to a junkyard:
- Shop around – Get quotes from multiple junkyards to compare offers. Prices can vary significantly between junkyards.
- Negotiate – Don’t be afraid to politely negotiate, especially if you have a high-demand vehicle. Ask if they can improve on their initial offer.
- Remove valuable parts – Take out desirable parts like wheels, electronics, or catalytic converters if allowed. Sell these items separately.
- Clean the car – A car cleaned inside and out can sometimes fetch over $100 more from a junkyard.
- Check scrap prices – Aim to sell when scrap metal prices are high to get better payouts.
- Sell privately – For newer or rare cars in good condition, you may get 2-3 times more selling privately.
Questions to Ask Junkyards Before Selling Your Car
When calling junkyards, ask these key questions to vet them and help maximize your payout:
- Do you provide free towing or pick-up?
- What paperwork or documentation is required on my end?
- Is the quote you provide over the phone final or subject to change?
- Do you pay in cash, check, or other methods?
- Are there any fees deducted from the quoted price?
- Can I keep certain parts like the wheels or stereo?
- Do you pay more for running vs non-running vehicles?
- Will another junkyard give me a better price for my particular car?
- What types of cars bring the highest and lowest prices for you currently?
Scrap Car Alternatives to Junkyards
Beyond junkyards, also consider these options for disposing of an old car:
- Sell privately – You may get more selling to a private party if the car is in decent shape. List it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay Motors, or AutoTrader.
- Trade it in – If you’re buying another car, dealerships may offer a trade-in credit. Get quotes from multiple dealers.
- Donate it – Charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity sometimes accept donated vehicles. You get a tax write-off.
- Sell parts separately – Part your car out by removing valuable parts and selling them individually on eBay Motors and forums.
- Scrap it yourself – Scrap metal recycling centers pay per pound for vehicles. You’ll transport and scrap it yourself.
- Sell to auto recyclers – Auto recyclers focus solely on selling used parts from junk cars. May pay slightly more than junkyards.
The Bottom Line
Selling your old car to a junkyard provides a convenient way to get rid of it and earn some extra cash. While prices fluctuate, expect offers between $100-$500 depending on your car’s model, condition, and demand. With some research and negotiation, you can maximize your payout when the time comes to junk your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do junkyards pay per ton?
Junkyards pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per ton for scrap cars, depending on current scrap prices. Heavy cars like trucks or SUVs can yield 1-2 tons of scrap metal. Small compact cars may yield only half a ton.
Do junkyards give more for running cars?
Yes, junkyards typically pay $100-$500 more for cars that are still in running condition compared to non-runners. This is because they can resell running cars whole rather than just scrap them.
Can you negotiate with junkyards on price?
Absolutely. Junkyard pricing is not fixed, so there is often room to negotiate, especially if you have a high-demand vehicle. Ask them politely if they can improve on their initial offer.
How much does a junkyard pay for a catalytic converter?
Junkyards pay $50-$250 for catalytic converters depending on metal content. Platinum converters fetch the most – up to $250 each.
Do junkyards buy cars without titles?
Most junkyards will buy cars without titles, but they will typically deduct $50-$100 from the quoted price. In some states, junkyards cannot buy cars without titles.
Do I have to remove license plates?
Yes, you should always remove your license plates before selling your car to a junkyard. The junkyard cannot dispose of a car with plates still attached.