How much is my junk car worth?
Pick the type of vehicle and its condition. The calculator multiplies a typical curb weight by the current price per ton ($186, based on iScrap's national average and moved monthly by the BLS scrap index, updated November 5, 2026) and adds parts value for cars that run or are less than about ten years old.
Estimated value
$260 to $350
- Typical weight
- 3,300 lb
- Scrap metal value
- $310
- Price per ton used
- $186
How is the estimate worked out?
These are our own rules of thumb, not market data. The real offer comes from our buyer partner.
- Scrap value: typical curb weight in tons times $186 a ton. A missing engine, transmission or catalytic converter takes off 18%, and flood or fire damage 10%.
- Resale premium for a car that runs: $2,600 if it's 6 years old or newer, $1,300 at 7 to 10 years, $550 at 11 to 15, $220 at 16 to 20 and $90 after that, halved if you're not sure it runs. A newer car that doesn't run gets $900 (up to 6 years) or $350 (7 to 10 years) for its parts.
- Damage scales the premium: minor 80%, major 35%, flood or fire 15%. Missing major parts cut it to 40%.
- The range runs from 85% of scrap value plus 60% of the premium up to 115% of scrap value plus 110% of the premium. Without a title in your name, the low end drops 10% and the high end 5%.
How the calculation works
Scrap value is the vehicle's weight in tons multiplied by the price per ton recyclers pay for complete cars. A 3,300 lb sedan is 1.65 tons, so at $186 a ton the metal is worth about $310.
Parts value comes on top when the car runs or is less than about ten years old. Engines, transmissions, body panels and electronics from newer cars resell well, which is why a 2018 car with a blown engine is still worth far more than its weight.
Deductions apply for missing parts (especially the catalytic converter), flood or fire damage and a missing title. They don't stop a sale; they just lower the range.
Want the full breakdown? Read the scrap car price guide.
How much is my junk car worth?
Most junk cars are worth a few hundred dollars. The starting point is scrap value: curb weight in tons times the price per ton for complete cars (about $186 right now). Parts that can be resold add to it, and missing parts or major damage take away from it.
How accurate is the calculator?
It gives a rough range for a typical car of that type and condition, using the rules of thumb listed on this page. A real offer can be higher if your car has parts in demand, or lower if something major is missing. Getting an offer takes about two minutes.
Why is a running car worth more than a junk car?
A car that runs can be resold or used for parts with known working condition, so buyers pay above metal value. The newer the car, the bigger the gap.
Does the catalytic converter change the price?
Yes. Converters contain platinum, palladium and rhodium, so a car without one is worth noticeably less. The calculator treats a missing converter as a missing major part.
Page last reviewed by Paola Reniery, Operations Manager.
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