What is a junk car worth by vehicle type?
At $186 a ton, the metal in a complete compact car is worth about $250, and a heavy-duty truck or large SUV about $580. The weights are our rounded figures for the example models; the owner's manual or the maker's spec sheet gives your car's exact curb weight.
| Vehicle type | Examples | Typical curb weight (our estimate) | Scrap value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus | 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) | $250 |
| Midsize or full-size sedan | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Impala | 3,300 lb (1.65 tons) | $310 |
| Small SUV or crossover | Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape | 3,500 lb (1.75 tons) | $330 |
| Midsize SUV | Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee | 4,200 lb (2.10 tons) | $390 |
| Minivan | Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan | 4,400 lb (2.20 tons) | $410 |
| Pickup truck | Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Toyota Tacoma | 4,800 lb (2.40 tons) | $450 |
| Full-size van | Ford E-350, Chevy Express | 5,400 lb (2.70 tons) | $500 |
| Heavy-duty truck or large SUV | F-250, Silverado 2500, Suburban | 6,200 lb (3.10 tons) | $580 |
These are metal values for complete vehicles. A car that runs, or one that's under ten years old, is usually worth more because its parts can be resold. Use the junk car value calculator to add condition and age.
How is this price set?
We start from a national benchmark for complete cars, iScrap App national average, complete car, which was $186 a ton when we checked it on November 5, 2026. It averages prices that scrap yards report. Each month a script moves that figure by how much the BLS producer price index, iron and steel scrap (series WPU1012), which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes, has changed since November 2026. BLS hasn't published the November 2026 index yet, so the price still equals the benchmark. The latest reading is 580.952 for September 2026, a preliminary figure BLS may revise. When the benchmark is checked again by hand, the starting point is reset.
| Updated | Price per ton | BLS index (month) |
|---|---|---|
| $186 | 580.952 (September 2026) |
What raises a junk car's price?
Mostly weight and how complete the car is:
- More weight: trucks, vans and full-size SUVs carry more steel.
- A complete drivetrain. An engine and transmission that are still in the car add value even if they don't work.
- The original catalytic converter, which holds platinum, palladium and rhodium.
- Aluminum wheels and a full set of tires.
- A clean title in your name, which saves the buyer time and paperwork.
What lowers a junk car's price?
- Missing parts. A stripped shell is priced on weight alone, and a missing converter takes a noticeable bite.
- Flood and fire damage, which ruin wiring, electronics and interiors.
- A hard pickup, which some buyers charge extra for.
Why do scrap car prices move?
Because a junk car is mostly steel scrap, and scrap steel is traded like any commodity. Yards and shredders strip the parts and fluids, shred the body and sell the steel to mills, so what they pay for a car follows the steel price. The BLS producer price index for iron and steel scrap shows that movement month by month. Prices also vary from one area to another.
How do you get the most for a scrap car?
- Leave the car complete. Pulling parts to sell separately rarely beats a complete-car offer once you count your time.
- Get more than one quote, and ask whether towing is included.
- Describe the car honestly, so the offer has no reason to change at pickup.
- Have the title ready, or ask about your state's rules if it's lost.
How much is a scrap car worth per ton?
Cash For Junk Cars 500 estimates use $186 per ton for complete cars (updated November 5, 2026). That starts from iScrap App national average, complete car ($186 a ton when checked on 2026-11-05) and moves each month with the BLS producer price index, iron and steel scrap. It isn't a quote from any buyer, and real prices vary by region and by what's missing from the car.
How much do junkyards pay for cars?
Most junkyards pay by weight, so a typical sedan brings a few hundred dollars and a full-size truck brings more. Many also charge for towing or expect you to deliver the car. Buyers that resell parts as well as metal, such as national car buyers, may pay more for cars with working components.
Why do scrap prices change?
Scrap steel is a traded commodity, so the price moves from month to month and varies by area. The BLS producer price index for iron and steel scrap tracks the monthly movement, and the Cash For Junk Cars 500 price per ton follows it.
Is it worth selling the catalytic converter separately?
Usually not. The value is counted in a complete car's offer, and some states restrict who can buy a loose converter. Leaving it on the car is simpler and keeps you on the right side of those rules.