Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024) (2024)

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Crash Course:

  • You can sell your car for scrap at junkyards or online scrap buyers like Peddle.
  • Junkyard scrap car prices can range anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on many factors.
  • Consider selling some car parts yourself if you want to make more money.
  • You’ll get a larger sum of money for a large vehicle or a newer car with less miles on it.

If you have a junker that would be more trouble to sell than it’s worth, you might want to consider scrapping it. No matter what shape it’s in, even an old, rusty car holds some remaining scrap value.

Many of the components and materials in your scrap car are still useful in one form or another. You can sell your car online to a national scrap service or call up a local junkyard to get rid of it. To maximize your profit, you could also sell some individual components yourself.

Best Place to Scrap Your Car

We rated Peddle as the best place to scrap a junk car for the most value. But if your car has some life left, we recommend checking online offers from dealers like Carvana and Cars.com before calling the junkyard.

Peddle: Best for Older Cars

Peddle is an online company that buys scrap and junk cars from across the U.S. Simply enter details about your vehicle, its ownership, and its condition, and you’ll receive an instant offer. If you accept the offer, Peddle will pick up your car for free and hand you either a check or cash. Peddle has a 4.7-star rating from over 100,000 customers on Trustpilot, showing that many people have positive experiences with the company.

Read More: Peddle Review

Carvana: Most Convenient

Carvana will accept drivable vehicles from 1993 forward that have working odometers, and you can get an instant offer on its website. If you use Carvana to sell your car, the company will pick up your car for free and send you a direct deposit for its value. You can also bring your car into a Carvana location for in-person service and walk away with a check.

Read more: Carvana sell my car review

Cars.com: Best Options

Cars.com will take used cars from the year 2000 forward. Cars.com buys vehicles itself, but it also maintains a marketplace where you can sell your car privately. Selling your car privately on Cars.com may bring you somewhat more money, even for a scrap car.

How to Scrap a Car

The best way to get rid of your scrap car for cash is by following the steps below:

  • Sell some parts for cash
  • Shop around for the best scrap car offer
  • Prepare your vehicle
  • Gather documentation
  • Scrap the car
  • Cancel insurance and registration

1. Sell Some Parts for Cash

Before you call the junkyard, research how much you could get for components of your vehicle if you sold them locally or even shipped them on eBay. Consider selling the following items:

  • Jack
  • Battery
  • Radiator
  • Alternator
  • Spare tire
  • Catalytic converter
  • Aftermarket wheels and tires
  • Audio and navigation systems

We understand that not everyone is mechanically inclined, so removing a catalytic converter may be a daunting task for you. Just consider that you may be able to get a higher value for your vehicle in total if you put some work into selling junk car parts yourself.

Should You Part Out the Entire Vehicle?

Some drivers wonder whether it’s worth parting out everything in their vehicle, from critical components down to the car’s doors and trim. We don’t recommend doing this unless you have mechanical experience and live in a metro area where you’ll find a large pool of potential buyers.

Parting out a whole car takes a long time, even if you find buyers in your area. And if you can’t, shipping costs will quickly chip away at your profit. There’s a good chance that you’ll spend much more effort tearing down the vehicle and finding buyers than it’s worth. That’s why it’s best to sell the most valuable parts, then send the rest of the scrap car to a junkyard.

2. Shop Around for the Best Scrap Car Offer

When it’s time to get rid of your scrap car, call around for free quotes from a few junkyards. You actually have a couple of car recycling options that might take your salvage vehicle:

  • Local junkyard: Your local scrapper or salvage yard will take the car off your hands and pay you directly. Junkyards often offer free towing to car owners, though not all do.
  • Online scrap car buyer: Intermediary companies pay cash for cars and distribute them to junkyards across the U.S. With this type of service, you can get an online offer and accept the terms remotely. A truck will then be dispatched to your location for pickup.

Compare a few different instant quotes for junk car removal to see which offers the best value.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle

To get your car ready, remove all personal belongings. Check all the nooks and crannies for receipts, garbage, and the like. Take off all license plates, since the car will never see the open road again.

You don’t have to clean the car thoroughly, but the car shouldn’t be caked in mud or full of trash. An auto salvage yard isn’t a landfill. You’ll get a lower price for your vehicle if you leave garbage and personal items for the salvage yard to clear out.

4. Gather Documentation

Gather the following documents before you send off your scrap car:

  • Insurance information: Locate your auto insurance information so you can easily cancel the insurance after scrapping the vehicle.
  • Car registration: After scrapping the car, call your department of motor vehicles (DMV) to cancel the registration.
  • Vehicle title: Transfer the title to the junk car buyer after you make the deal. The car’s title proves that you actually own the car, so you’ll need a replacement from the DMV if you don’t currently have one.
  • A note showing the mileage of the vehicle: Low-mileage cars are worth more than high-mileage ones, even to a junkyard. Writing your mileage down ahead of time can help you negotiate with the junkyard if the car has relatively few miles on it.

When you offload a scrap car, you must transfer its title to the scrapyard. If your car doesn’t have a title, the junkyard will likely charge you a fee, so it’s best to get a replacement title from the DMV.

If you owe money on the car that you want to scrap, stop right now. You can’t get rid of a vehicle that has a current auto loan on it until you’ve paid off the loan in its entirety.

5. Scrap the Car

Once your car is ready to be scrapped and you know which service offers you the best deal, move forward with the transaction. Many companies let you complete the process either online or over the phone. You’ll get an electronic payment or a check when the tow truck shows up for your junk car. The company should also be able to help you transfer the title if you’re unfamiliar with how that process works.

6. Cancel Insurance and Registration

After the junkyard takes your scrap car away, cancel your registration and insurance and decide what to do with the license plates.

Cancel Registration

If your car had an active registration on it, you’ll need to cancel the registration with your DMV. You may do this online or over the phone depending on which state you live in. Or, you might have to visit a DMV location in person.

Cancel Auto Insurance

If your vehicle had a current car insurance policy on it, make sure to call the company and cancel it. Most auto insurance companies offer free cancellations and can give you a prorated refund if you paid ahead for the month or term.

Decide What To Do With Your License Plate

Lastly, you’ll need to decide what to do with your old license plates. You could:

  • Turn them over to the DMV
  • Destroy the old license plates
  • Keep them and reuse them on another car with a new registration

Every state has different laws for destroying license plates. You can’t just throw them in the trash, and some states won’t let you dispose of the plates at all even after your scrap car has been taken away.

How Much Do You Get for a Scrap Car?

Depending on the size of your car, you may get somewhere between $100 and $500 for your scrap vehicle. How much you get for a scrap car depends on its weight, the value of the remaining parts, and current metal prices.

Junkyards resell some components and then reduce your car to its basic materials. Some scrap companies reduce their offers if your car is missing parts like the catalytic converter or radio. If your car still has these items, it could be advantageous for you to sell these components separately.

Should You Scrap Your Car?

We’ll explain when it’s a good idea to investigate the scrap car process, along with a few situations in which you might want to reconsider.

Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024) (4)

When to Scrap a Car

You should only scrap your car if it’s no longer drivable and you can’t even get a few hundred dollars for it through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You may think your car is an old clunker, but it may be possible that someone out there could take it off your hands for a certain price.

Scrap car values are typically the lowest amount you’ll get for your vehicle, so treat the process as a last resort. Here are some conditions that should be met before you scrap a car:

  • The car has major issues and is not drivable
  • Repairs would cost more than the value of the damaged car
  • The car is over 10 years old and has lots of miles on its odometer

While many people immediately think to scrap an old car, you may be able to get more money for it than you’d expect.

When Not to Scrap a Car

If your car is drivable and your repair bill doesn’t indicate that the vehicle is totaled, consider selling it instead. You can always offer the vehicle up as a scrap car down the road. Try to sell your car online to dealers like Carvana or CarMax first, and list it on a private sale marketplace like Craigslist if those companies won’t take it.

If you can get more than $300 for a sedan or $500 for an SUV or truck, definitely try to sell it before considering it a scrap car. You may need to learn how to sell a car and negotiate with buyers, but the extra cash could make the time investment worth it.

Donate Your Car

Donating your car allows you to contribute to a meaningful local organization and takes the clunker off your hands at the same time. You can usually donate your car whether or not it runs. If the car retains some value, you may be able to get a tax deduction as well.

Sell a Car For Scrap: Conclusion

If your vehicle’s time is up, there’s no avoiding its fate. Compare a few bids from junkyards to get top dollar for your old car. Try selling some of the more valuable parts yourself, then prepare your car to be scrapped.

Scrap Car Quote

Featured Partners

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Great for Older Vehicles

Peddle

Our Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

On Peddle’s Website

(833)-672-0583

Or Call Peddle Directly

Most Convenient
Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024) (6)

Carvana

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

GET AN OFFER

On Carvana’s Website

Featured Partner
Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024) (7)

Wheelzy

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

GET AN OFFER

On Wheelzy’s Website

321-340-6624

Or Call Wheelzy Directly

Scrap a Car for Cash: FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about scrapping cars for cash:

How can I scrap my car for the most money?

To scrap your car for the most money, remove individual car parts and sell those first, then hand over the remaining body for scrap metal. Sell parts like the catalytic converter, spare tire, audio system, mirrors, battery, and radiator.

What should I remove from my car before I scrap it?

You should remove the following items before scrapping your car:

-Jack
-Battery
-Radiator
-Alternator
-Spare tire
-License plates
-Personal items
-Catalytic converter
-Aftermarket wheels and tires
-Audio and navigation systems

These items typically don’t add much value to your scrap car at the junkyard so you can sell them separately for some extra cash.

How much is my car worth for scrap?

Junkyards could pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for your car based on its weight. If you have a compact or midsize sedan like a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla, don’t expect anything over $300. Larger SUVs and trucks such as Chevrolet Silverados will likely fetch higher amounts.

Is it better to scrap a car or sell it?

You’ll make more money if you sell your car or even part it out. Sell the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, rims, air bags, and alternator among other vehicle parts. But if your car is completely rusted and torn down by the elements, it may be better to simply scrap it.

Do you need a title to scrap a car?

To scrap a car you will have to prove ownership of the vehicle with a title or some other form of ownership documentation. Some states require you to have a title, while others are more flexible with the documents you can use to show a car is under your name.

Where can I scrap my car?

Scrapping a car can be done at junkyards and online scrap vehicle buyers. Going to the junkyard requires you to go in person to sell a car for scrap. However, intermediaries online can give you the value of the vehicle online and transport it for you once you accept an offer.

What do you need to scrap a car?

First and foremost, you will need your vehicle’s title or some other paperwork confirming ownership. You should also gather a note of your car’s mileage so you can value the vehicle properly and get the most out of your sale.

Our Methodology

In order to help people make informed decisions about where and how to sell their cars, our expert review team is committed to providing precise, accurate, and objective information. For our research, we evaluated each company on the same criteria across the following categories:

  • Cost: Our team conducted a secret shopper study to assess the offering prices of each provider. We also considered any fees or additional costs charged by companies during transactions.
  • Platform: We evaluated each provider’s online platform, rating them based on ease of use, speed, and available options.
  • Transaction support: Because there are many other steps involved in selling a car online beyond simply listing it and accepting an offer, our team evaluated companies based on their support for transactions, such as whether they require a seller to travel for an in-person evaluation, if they manage loan payoffs, and more.
  • Customer experience: We scoured online reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot in order to gauge the opinions and experiences of real customers. Our team used proprietary metrics to normalize ratings across the industry in order to assess customer sentiment in context.
  • Industry reputation: To assess their standing within the auto sales industry, we considered each company’s rating with the BBB along with its years of service. We evaluated these factors using proprietary metrics to get a more accurate representation of specific company reputations compared to industry norms.

Introduction

I am an expert and enthusiast. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.

Selling a Car for Scrap

The article discusses the process of selling a car for scrap and provides information on various aspects related to it. Here are the key concepts covered:

  1. Junkyards and Online Scrap Buyers: The article mentions that you can sell your car for scrap at junkyards or online scrap buyers like Peddle. Junkyards typically offer free towing, while online scrap buyers provide convenience and instant offers.

  2. Factors Affecting Scrap Car Prices: The price you can get for a scrap car can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the size of the car, its weight, the value of remaining parts, and current metal prices. The article mentions that junkyard scrap car prices can range from $100 to $500.

  3. Selling Car Parts: If you want to make more money, you can consider selling some car parts yourself. The article suggests researching the value of individual components and selling items like the battery, radiator, catalytic converter, spare tire, aftermarket wheels, and audio/navigation systems separately.

  4. Best Places to Scrap Your Car: The article recommends Peddle as the best place to scrap a junk car for the most value. Peddle is an online company that buys scrap and junk cars from across the U.S. Carvana and Cars.com are also mentioned as options to consider before calling a junkyard.

  5. Preparing Your Vehicle: Before scrapping your car, it is important to remove all personal belongings and license plates. While the car doesn't need to be thoroughly cleaned, leaving garbage and personal items may result in a lower price.

  6. Gathering Documentation: It is necessary to gather certain documents before scrapping your car. These documents include insurance information, car registration, vehicle title, and a note showing the mileage of the vehicle.

  7. Scrapping the Car: Once your car is ready to be scrapped and you have chosen the best offer, you can proceed with the transaction. Many companies allow you to complete the process online or over the phone. You will receive an electronic payment or a check when the tow truck arrives.

  8. Canceling Insurance and Registration: After the junkyard takes your scrap car away, it is important to cancel your registration and insurance. The article provides guidance on canceling registration with the DMV and canceling auto insurance.

  9. When to Scrap a Car: The article suggests that you should only scrap your car if it's no longer drivable and if repairs would cost more than the value of the damaged car. However, it also mentions that you may be able to get more money for your car by selling it or parting it out.

  10. Donating Your Car: The article briefly mentions the option of donating your car to a local organization, which allows you to contribute to a meaningful cause and potentially receive a tax deduction.

These are the main concepts covered in the article regarding selling a car for scrap. If you have any specific questions or need further information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!

Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024) (2024)

FAQs

Scrap My Car: How to Sell Your Junk Car For Cash (2024)? ›

Local junkyards and private buyers typically pay the highest amounts for junk vehicles. Private buyers often pay more because they're buying for parts or personal repair projects, while scrapyards can pay higher prices because they save on dismantling and compacting services.

Who gives the most money for junk cars? ›

Local junkyards and private buyers typically pay the highest amounts for junk vehicles. Private buyers often pay more because they're buying for parts or personal repair projects, while scrapyards can pay higher prices because they save on dismantling and compacting services.

Is it better to scrap or sell a car? ›

Unless your car is a complete pile of junk, there is no reason to sell it to a junkyard. Even if it's rusty and the engine and transmission are messed up, you can still make some decent money off it. If that's the case, part it out instead. You will make more money doing that then you would selling it to a junkyard.

Do you need a title to junk a car in Massachusetts? ›

If you want to junk or scrap a vehicle, you must surrender its Certificate of Title or other ownership documents to ensure that it is not registered or titled again.

Do I need to notify DMV if I junk my car in Illinois? ›

But before calling a tow truck to haul your old clunker away, it's important to take the proper steps for legally transferring ownership and deregistering the car. You may be wondering — do I need to notify the DMV if I junk my car? The short answer is yes.

How can I get the most money for my old car? ›

How to Maximize Your Profit When Selling Your Car
  1. Give Yourself Time. One of the biggest factors that can work against you when negotiating a car price is time. ...
  2. Sell It to a Private Party. ...
  3. Know the Vehicle's Value. ...
  4. Focus on Curb Appeal. ...
  5. Don't Be Afraid to Walk Away.
Mar 21, 2022

Who pays the most for used cars? ›

Selling your car privately on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist will get you the most money. But if you don't want to deal with strangers, we recommend checking out Carvana and CarMax for the best offers.

What are the latest prices for scrap cars? ›

Scrap car prices are usually calculated by the weight of the vehicle. The average value for mid-size cars range between $150 – $300. Meanwhile, the scrap value of smaller vehicles can be as low as $100. If you're trying to get the most money for your old car, selling it for parts is probably your best option.

What is the best way to sell scrap? ›

The best way to ensure you are getting the very best deal for your scrap metal is to go to a reputable licensed dealer. Unlicensed vendors are notorious for offering prices far less than the metals are worth.

Is scrap value resale value? ›

Scrap value is also referred to as an asset's salvage value or residual value. Salvage value is the estimated resale value of an asset at the end of its useful life. Salvage value is subtracted from the cost of a fixed asset to determine the amount of the asset cost that will be depreciated.

Can you keep an unregistered car in your driveway in Massachusetts? ›

(c)Unregistered Vehicles. A vehicle that does not bear a current license plate is deemed to be unregistered. Only one unregistered vehicle may be maintained on any residential lot and may be stored only in the rear yard screened from the public way or within a completely enclosed building.

How do I get rid of my car in Massachusetts? ›

Give Your Car for a Good Cause: Call (888) 495-5886

With Vehicle Disposal Recycling Center's Massachusetts program, you can get rid of your car while donating to a good cause. All it takes is the donation of an unwanted vehicle. We can accept cars of every single make and model, and in just about any condition.

How to sell a junk car in Massachusetts? ›

CashForCars.com makes selling a car in Massachusetts easier than ever! Our car buyers will make a cash offer for your junked, damaged, or used car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, RV or boat with one short phone call. You can sell a car today by calling 1-800-227-2893 or filling out the form on this page.

How do I let the DMV know I no longer own a vehicle in Texas? ›

How do I let the DMV know I no longer own a vehicle?
  1. Submit it online.
  2. Mail a completed Vehicle Transfer Notification Form to the address located on the form.
  3. Visit a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Regional Service Center.

Can you throw away license plates Illinois? ›

1.) You can return Your Plates to The Illinois DMV

Make your Illinois plates unusable by bending them, removing and destroying the stickers, and/or recycling them. Return them in person to your local IL DMV office. There will be bins for recycling your license plates outside every DMV office.

Do you have to surrender license plates in Illinois? ›

No, the Secretary of State does not require the return of the license plates.

Is Peddle a legitimate company? ›

Is Peddle trustworthy? According to Peddle reviews, it's a legitimate car-buying company that has purchased more than 2 million vehicles from consumers. The company has an A+ rating, accreditation from the BBB and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot from more than 123,000 reviews.

How do I get rid of my car in LA? ›

No matter what vehicle year or model you have, we can take the unwanted vehicle off your hands, and help the environment in the process. To get started, you have two options: call (888) 495-5886 or fill out our online form! For those who participate in your car recycling program, they will receive many benefits.

Is Wheelzy a good company? ›

Wheelzy Customer Experience

Wheelzy has a review score of 4.7 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot from over 40,000 customers. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company earns an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 from over 750 customers.

How do I junk my car in California? ›

Prior to dismantling a vehicle, the vehicle owner must submit an application to DMV to record the vehicle as “Junk.” When an owner dismantles a vehicle prior to doing this, the owner is subject to an investigative service fee. The following must be submitted: The evidence of ownership for the vehicle.

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