What is the Scrap Value of My Car?

When cars don’t have much transportation value anymore, they still have value for their recyclable parts and materials like steel, aluminum, rubber and glass. 

So, if you have a damaged, flooded, rusting, high milage or ancient vehicle sitting in your driveway, backyard or field, you can make money when you decide to get rid of such an eye sore by selling it for scrap.  

What Does It Mean for a Car To Be Scrap? 

Vehicles can be labeled junk or scrap for several reasons. Here are a few of the top ones: 

• Extensive damage that makes the cost of repairs more than the car is worth.  
• So much damage that repairing it isn’t really possible. 
• Severe flood damage. 
• Engine & transmission damage so its nonfunctional. 
• Too old and/or has massive mileage. 
• Rust damage. 
• Title branded as salvage by a state or insurance company. 

What affects the scrap value of vehicles? 

Scrap metal sells in auctions, so the price can fluctuate based on available supply and demand. A vehicle worth $200 today may be worth more or less in a few months depending on the market conditions. Several factors can affect value, including: 

• Vehicle Weight – Since scrap metal sells by the pound and ton, heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs tend to bring higher junk prices. So do vehicles with more steel. 
• Recyclable Parts – Dismantlers and parts recyclers pay premium prices for popular vehicles that have good quality replacement parts that can be refurbished and resold. 
• Location – Supply and demand of scrap metal can vary across the country and the world. Junk car buyers also have to figure in transportation costs into how much they’re willing to offer for a junk car. 

How Do I Get My Junk Vehicle Ready to Sell? 

Even if you sell your vehicle for scrap, you still need to do some work to get it ready before you sell it.  

• Clear Out Personal Items – Make sure you remove anything inside the car. Be sure to check the glove box, in the trunk and in all other storage spaces. 

• Find The Title – A title in hand makes any vehicle transaction easier, even it isn’t always required when you sell a car as junk.

• Do Some Basic Cleaning – Even though you’re selling your car for scrap prices, it still helps to pull out trash, leaves and debris. Cleaning off the outside also can help. 

• Research Market Prices – Check out recent prices for scrap metal and other recyclable materials. You can find industry resources online. Some even list the values of specific vehicles.

• Take Lots of Pictures – Pictures can help you get the most accurate offers on your vehicle. You can upload them to buyer sites or email them to local scrap dealers.  

Make sure you capture enough angles to fully document the condition of your vehicle. 

How Do I Sell My Junk Vehicle? 

Selling a salvage vehicle works much like selling any used vehicle. 

• Get Offers - Check out junkyards and salvage lots in your area that buy scrap vehicles. Be sure to get multiple offers. Sometimes you can get junk dealers to compete for your vehicle to get a better scrap price.  

• Arrange Inspections – Many scrap and junk vehicle buyers will want to look at your vehicle in person before they make an offer. 

• Accept Best Offer – Compare price and other considerations before accepting any offer. Once you decide, accept the one you feel is the best.

• Arrange Transportation – Schedule a time for someone to come and pick up your junk car. Find out if the buyer will pick up the vehicle, a third-party transporter, or if the scrap dealer wants you to transport the car to them. 

• Receive Payment - Be sure to get payment before you sign over your title. Only accept payment methods you can be confident in, like cash, money orders or checks you know will clear the bank. 

Who Pays the Best for Junk Cars Near Me? 

Cash for Cars bases our offers on the winning bids for similar salvage cars sold in Copart’s online auto auctions. We base our offers on markets, not math formulas.  

In our auctions multiple salvage buyers from around the world compete with one another, which can often lead to higher winning bids. 

What’s An Easier Way to Get Rid of A Junk Car? 

Cash for Cars makes getting rid of junk and salvage vehicles fast, safe and easy. 

We’re part of Copart, a Fortune 1000 company that’s part of the S&P 500, with more than 40 years of history connecting buyers and sellers of vehicles in all conditions. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Get An Offer- Fill out the online form or call 844-708-2730. Our free no-obligation offers are good for 72 hours, so you can think it over. 
2. Accept & Set Up Pickup – Agree to our offer and schedule a convenient pickup time. With 250+ locations, we can often get your car in 24 hours. 
3. Get Paid – We’ll deliver your payment when we pick up your car. Since we’re part of Copart, you can be confident the check won’t bounce. 

In Conclusion 

Getting rid of a vehicle that’s been cluttering up your property for ages not only puts money in your pocket, it helps lower your stress level and gives you a sense of accomplishment. 

If you have a junk or scrap vehicle you want to sell fast, safe and easy, contact Cash for Cars today.