So, you’ve got an old car. Maybe it doesn’t start anymore, maybe it’s been in an accident, or maybe it's just not worth the repair bills anymore. Whatever the case, it’s reached the end of the road and you’re thinking, "Can I sell this car for scrap?"
Companies that buy junk cars specialize in purchasing these vehicles, extracting valuable components, and recycling the remaining materials.
The answer is: absolutely. But how much you get—and how much hassle you deal with depends on how you go about it. This guide covers everything you need to know about scrapping your car in 2025, from pricing to paperwork to the best-selling options.
What Does It Mean to Scrap a Car?
When you sell a car for scrap, you’re essentially selling it for parts and recyclable metal. Scrap yards, also called auto recyclers or junkyards, strip the vehicle of valuable components—like the engine, catalytic converter, and aluminum rims—and then recycle the remaining metal by weight.
The great news? Even a completely non-running car still has value.
What Affects the Scrap Value of a Car in 2025?
Not all junk cars are created equal. Your payout depends on several key factors:
- Vehicle weight and size – Heavier cars yield more scrap metal.
- Market metal prices – Rates for steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals fluctuate daily.
- Usable parts – If your catalytic converter, engine, or battery still work, that’s extra cash.
- Make and model – Some cars contain more aluminum or rare metals.
- Location – Scrap yards consider transport costs if you’re far from a processing facility.
- Title availability – Selling without a title is legal in many states but can lower your offer.
How Much Can You Expect to Get in 2025?
The average scrap car payout ranges from $300 to $750 depending on size, condition, and market prices. Some newer vehicles or heavy-duty trucks can go for $1,000 or more if high-value parts are intact.
For a stripped or severely damaged shell, the price could dip closer to $150–$250.
Try this instant calculator for a real-time quote:
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Current 2025 Scrap Metal Prices
Knowing metal prices helps you understand your car’s baseline value. Here are updated averages per pound:
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $0.93 |
| Aluminum Alloy | $0.81 |
| Copper | $3.50 |
| Brass | $2.65 |
| Lead | $0.86 |
| Nickel | $8.93 |
| Tin | $11.29 |
| Zinc | $1.00 |
| Steel Scrap | $0.16 |
| Steel Rebar | $0.26 |
Scrap Steel Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| #1 Bundle | $0.09 |
| #1 Busheling | $0.09 |
| #1 HMS | $0.07 |
| HMS 80/20 | $0.06 |
| Sheet Metal | $0.05 |
| Shredded Auto Scrap | $0.07 |
| Structural Steel | $0.07 |
Scrap Aluminum Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Aluminum 1100 | $0.64 |
| Aluminum 3003 | $0.64 |
| Aluminum 356 Wheels (clean) | $0.64 |
| Aluminum 356 Wheels (dirty) | $0.45 |
| Aluminum 5052 Scrap | $0.86 |
| Aluminum 6061 Extrusions | $0.57 |
| Aluminum 6063 Extrusions | $0.75 |
| Aluminum 6063 Extrusions/Fe | $0.55 |
| Aluminum/Cu Radiators | $1.50 |
| Aluminum/Cu/Fe Radiators | $1.39 |
| Aluminum Radiators | $0.36 |
| Aluminum/Fe Radiators | $0.27 |
| Transformers | $0.16 |
| Breakage 50% Recovery | $0.20 |
| Chrome Wheels | $0.60 |
| E.C. Wire | $0.99 |
| Litho Sheets | $0.64 |
| Mixed Turnings | $0.37 |
| MLC Clips | $0.63 |
| Aluminum Old Cast | $0.61 |
| Aluminum Old Sheet | $0.60 |
| Painted Siding | $0.59 |
| UBC | $0.63 |
| Zorba 90% NF | $0.60 |
| Aluminum Cans (clean) | $0.46 |
| Aluminum Cans (dirty) | $0.23 |
Scrap Brass Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Red Brass | $1.80 |
| Yellow Brass | $1.69 |
| Brass Rod | $1.65 |
| Brass Hair Wire | $1.78 |
| Brass Pipe | $1.61 |
| Brass Radiators | $1.37 |
| Brass Shells | $1.53 |
| Brass Turnings | $1.56 |
| Bronze | $1.86 |
| Bronze Turnings | $0.97 |
| Dirty Brass | $0.81 |
| Dirty Brass Radiators | $0.81 |
| Plumbers Brass | $1.61 |
| Semi-Red Brass | $1.64 |
Scrap Copper Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| #1 Bare Bright Copper Wire | $3.06 |
| #1 Copper Tubing | $2.86 |
| #1 Flashing Copper | $2.86 |
| #2 Copper Tubing | $2.69 |
| #2/3 Mix Copper | $2.61 |
| #3 Copper with Tar | $2.45 |
| #3 Roofing Copper | $2.53 |
| Dirty Roofing Copper | $2.37 |
| Electric Motors - Copper | $2.12 |
| Enameled Copper | $2.41 |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $2.45 |
| Lead Coated Copper | $2.07 |
| Silver Plated Copper | $2.61 |
| Tin Coated Copper | $2.29 |
| Tin Insulated Copper Wire | $2.29 |
Scrap Lead Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Lead Batteries | $0.18 |
| Lead Shot | $0.41 |
| Lead Wheel Weights | $0.26 |
| Solid Lead | $0.54 |
| Soft Lead | $0.56 |
Scrap Zinc Prices per Pound
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| New Zinc Die Cast | $0.62 |
| Old Zinc Die Cast | $0.53 |
Scrap Prices for Other Precious Metals
| Metal | Price per Gram |
|---|---|
| Palladium | 30.03 |
| Platinum | 22.18 |
| Silver | 0.58 |
Kindly note that the prices provided in this guide are general indicators and are subject to variation based on factors such as location, vehicle condition, weight, and the current market conditions. Moreover, it's crucial to be aware of any specific regulations or requirements in your state or local area regarding the sale of junk cars.
How To Scrap A Car Without A Title
You’re able to scrap a car anywhere if you can prove that you’re the owner of the vehicle. Most states will allow you to present the vehicle’s registration, along with your driver’s license, in the event that you don’t have its title. Not having the title, however, will in fact have an impact on the value of the vehicle you’re trying to scrap.
Things that aren’t valid proofs of ownership are:
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A bill of sale because they can be forged easily.
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Proof of insurance because it’s within possibility to insure a vehicle that is not your own.
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Cash and bribery because the salvage yard is required to report every car that comes into their possession.
What Is A Scrap Car?
A scrap car is any vehicle that is old, damaged, or otherwise at the end of its life and set to be processed by a licensed metal recycler. Most scrap cars register a high-mileage and structural or mechanical damage accumulated over a 15-20 year time period.
These vehicles are solely worth the materials that they’re made of. Some older cars, due to their components and low mileage, may hold a higher value, regardless of their age. Take a look at our instant value calculator and pinpoint what your scrap car is worth near you.
However, if your vehicle’s best years are behind it, continue reading and find out how to get the most money selling your car conveniently.
How To Sell Your Car For Scrap
So how much to scrap a car? If you have a damaged, wrecked or broken-down car that’s relatively new, you’re in luck. At DamagedCars, we buy junk cars online, at no cost to you.
Parting out your vehicle — as opposed to selling it wholesale — is one way to get significantly more money for your scrap vehicle. If you dismantle then sell the individual parts, you can triple the revenue you gain, but it also requires more time and effort on your part.
What Car Parts Are Worth Money?
Not every component of your vehicle is worth hundreds of dollars if sold individually. Those that are, though, are the ones you should be keen on parting out. Some parts will contain precious metals, like platinum and gold, that catch the eye of prospective buyers.
Some of the most valuable parts on a car to scrap are:
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Catalytic converter
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Engine
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GPS system
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Fenders
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Doors, mirrors and windows
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Bumpers
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Airbags
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Car battery
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Electrical parts
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Wheels, tires and rims
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Car seats
What’s the value of my engine?
There’s a wide range of how much a used car engine can net you, with the average being somewhere between $3,000-$5,000. If you’ve got the equipment to remove your engine, you can make a decent profit if it’s in working condition.
What’s the value of my catalytic converter?
On average, a catalytic converter sells for between $800 and $1,200, with the vehicle’s make and model being a big factor to its value. Also, the bigger the car, the bigger the engine, and the more expensive the catalytic converter.
What’s the value of my transmission?
The typical going price for a used transmission is anywhere between $800 and $1400, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. This is, of course, just the selling price of the unit and not the cost of any additional labor needed to part it out.
It can take several months to sell all the parts from your vehicle. You’ll have a hollowed out shell still needing to be hauled off once everything is sold. You’re going to need extra time and expertise on your hands in order to break down your vehicle without damaging any of the individual components.
Sell Your Scrap Car With DamagedCars
Time is money too, so selling your clunker online can still earn you a pretty penny without the hassle. At DamagedCars, we buy vehicles in all conditions and always work hard towards getting our clients the best possible deal.
The process of scrapping your car is rather straight-forward:
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Get a quote from different buyers
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Compare pricing
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Schedule pickup
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Prepare the paperwork
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Hand over the keys
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Get handed back the cash!
If you know you’ve got working parts in your vehicle, you can always try to negotiate a better price with the buyer. That said, a scrap yard won’t really care if you’re selling a car without a converter because they determine value by weight.
A platform like DamagedCars, though, will factor in the presence of a working catalytic converter and increase the amount the vehicle is worth overall. Get a free offer today for your junk car.
