Junkyards pay $200 to $1,500 for most cars in 2026. The exact number depends on three things: the vehicle's curb weight (heavier = more money), the current scrap steel market ($120 to $200 per ton as of early 2026), and whether high-value parts like the catalytic converter, engine, and transmission are still intact. A complete Ford F-150 brings $600–$1,200. A stripped Honda Civic with no cat and no engine might get $150.
If you're about to sell your car to a junkyard, this guide will tell you what to expect and how to squeeze out every dollar.
The two-part formula junkyards use to price your car
Every salvage yard in the country uses some version of this calculation, whether they tell you or not:
Your payout = scrap metal value (weight × price per ton) + resale value of intact parts
The scrap metal component is the floor price — the absolute minimum your car is worth as raw steel. The parts component is the upside, and it's where the real money is. A car with a running engine, intact transmission, and original catalytic converter is worth significantly more than one that's been stripped.
Scrap steel prices in 2026
Automotive scrap steel (sometimes called "shredder feed" or "#1 auto") trades between $120 and $200 per ton in 2026, depending on regional demand and global market conditions. The average passenger car weighs 1.5 to 2 tons, which puts the raw metal value at roughly $180 to $400 before parts are factored in.
What junkyards pay by vehicle type (2026 prices)
| Vehicle Type | Avg. Weight | Typical Payout | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 2,500–3,000 lbs | $200 – $500 | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra |
| Mid-size sedan | 3,000–3,500 lbs | $300 – $700 | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu |
| Full-size sedan | 3,500–4,200 lbs | $400 – $900 | Chevy Impala, Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger |
| Compact SUV / crossover | 3,200–4,000 lbs | $350 – $800 | Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape |
| Full-size SUV | 5,000–6,500 lbs | $500 – $1,200 | Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon |
| Half-ton pickup | 4,500–5,500 lbs | $500 – $1,200 | Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500 |
| Heavy-duty pickup | 6,000–8,000 lbs | $700 – $1,500 | Ford F-250/F-350, Ram 2500, Chevy 2500HD |
| Minivan | 4,000–4,800 lbs | $300 – $700 | Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica |
Why trucks pay so much more: A Ford F-250 weighs roughly 6,500 lbs — almost three times a Honda Civic. At $150/ton scrap, that's $488 in raw metal alone. Add the catalytic converter ($350–$800), a running diesel engine ($500–$2,000 to a rebuilder), and intact body panels, and you can see why heavy trucks command the highest payouts.
The 5 parts that drive your payout (don't strip them)
These components make the difference between a $200 offer and a $1,000+ offer:
- Catalytic converter ($50–$1,500): Contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Hybrid and truck converters are worth the most. See our full catalytic converter value guide.
- Engine ($200–$1,500 if running): A running engine that a yard can resell to a DIY mechanic is worth far more than one that's seized. Even a blown engine has core value for rebuilders.
- Transmission ($150–$800): Automatic transmissions from popular vehicles (Camry, Civic, F-150) are in constant demand.
- Aluminum wheels ($20–$80 each): Four factory alloy wheels add $80–$320 to your payout. Steel wheels are worth less.
- Battery ($5–$15): Small but always worth something at the scrap yard. A nearly new battery is worth $50–$100 if you sell it separately.
⚠️ Do NOT strip the catalytic converter before selling
This is the most common mistake. If you cut the cat off your car before the tow truck arrives, most junkyards will drop their offer by $200–$500 for the remaining vehicle. Unless you have a specific licensed buyer lined up for the converter at a premium, you'll net less money overall. Keep the car complete.
How to get the highest payout for your junk car
- Get 3+ quotes. Call at least three local yards plus one online service. Prices can vary by $300+ for the exact same car in the same city.
- Know your car's curb weight. Look it up on the door jamb sticker or Google "[year] [make] [model] curb weight." Heavier cars are worth more.
- Keep it complete. Don't strip parts unless you can sell them for more than the junkyard will deduct. The catalytic converter is almost always worth more attached.
- Have the title ready. No-title deals get lower offers because they're more work for the yard. Get a duplicate from your DMV for $15–$25. See our selling without a title guide.
- Time the market. Scrap steel prices fluctuate monthly. Check current prices at our scrap metal trends page before selling.
- Beware hidden towing fees. Only work with buyers that guarantee free towing. If someone quotes $800 then deducts a $150 "hook fee" at pickup, the real offer was $650.
Find out what your car is worth right now
We calculate your offer based on current scrap prices, vehicle weight, and parts demand. Free towing, no hidden fees, paid on the spot.
Get Your Instant Cash OfferWhat lowers your junk car's value
- Missing catalytic converter: Drops the offer by $200–$500 immediately.
- Missing engine or transmission: A shell without drivetrain components is worth raw scrap only — usually $150–$300.
- No title: Expect 10–20% less, or some yards will refuse entirely.
- Fire or flood damage: Destroys wiring harnesses and electronic modules, making most components unsalvageable.
- No wheels: Requires a heavy-winch tow, which costs the yard extra. Expect a $50–$100 deduction.
- Remote location: If the tow truck has to drive 60+ miles to reach you, the yard may deduct fuel costs from your offer.
In 2026, junkyards pay $200 to $1,500 for most complete vehicles. Compact cars bring $200–$500, mid-size sedans $300–$700, and full-size trucks/SUVs $500–$1,500. The price depends on weight, scrap steel market conditions, and which parts are intact.
Two factors: (1) raw scrap metal value based on curb weight times the current price per ton ($120–$200/ton for auto scrap in 2026), plus (2) the resale value of salvageable parts like the catalytic converter, engine, transmission, and electronic modules. Complete, running vehicles are always worth more than stripped shells.
Heavy-duty trucks (Ford F-250, Ram 2500) and full-size SUVs (Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition) are worth the most because they combine high steel weight with valuable parts. Popular models with strong parts demand (Toyota Camry, Honda Civic) also bring good payouts relative to their size.
Parting out a car can yield 2–3x more money, but it requires significant time, tools, storage space, and the ability to list and ship parts. For most people, selling the complete car to a junkyard is faster, easier, and nets a fair price. If you have the skills and patience, parting out is the better financial option.
Yes. A running, driveable car is worth 20–40% more than a non-running one because the engine and transmission can be resold as-is. Non-running cars are still worth good money for their weight and remaining parts, but expect a lower offer.
About this guide: Written by the U-Pull-It.com Editorial Team. Prices reflect typical payouts at licensed U.S. salvage yards as of April 2026. Scrap steel prices fluctuate — actual offers may vary based on local market conditions.
