Car Scrap Value Calculator

About the Car Scrap Value Calculator

When a car reaches the end of its life, too old, too damaged or too expensive to repair, selling it to a scrap yard is often the simplest way to get rid of it and get some cash. Scrap yards mostly value cars by weight, because the main thing they recover is steel, which they sell on to recyclers. A few items, especially the catalytic converter, can add noticeably to the price.

This car scrap value calculator gives a quick estimate of what a yard might pay. Enter the car's curb weight, the yard's price per ton, the value of the catalytic converter, any towing charge and deductions for missing parts, and it works out the expected payment.

How to Use the Car Scrap Value Calculator

Enter the car's curb weight in pounds.

Enter the scrap yard's price per ton.

Enter the catalytic converter value, any towing charge and deductions for missing parts.

The Formula

  tons      = curb weight ÷ 2,000
  metal     = tons × price per ton
  value     = metal + converter − towing − deductions

Step-by-Step Example

A 3,000 lb sedan, 150 a ton, converter worth 100, free towing.

  tons      3,000 ÷ 2,000 = 1.5
  metal     1.5 × 150 = 225
  value     225 + 100 = 325

Finding the Curb Weight

Curb weight is the weight of the car with all standard equipment and fluids, but no passengers or cargo. It is printed on the sticker inside the driver's door, in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Small cars weigh around 2,500 pounds, mid-size sedans about 3,000 to 3,500, and SUVs and pickups 4,000 to 6,000 or more. Yards weigh the car on their scale, so their figure is final.

Scrap Prices

Prices for whole cars follow the steel market and can change from week to week. They also vary between regions and between yards competing for business. Typical prices range from about 100 to 300 a ton. Some yards quote a flat price per car rather than per ton. Calling three or four yards with your car's make, model and condition is the best way to get a good price.

The Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium, precious metals worth far more than steel. A converter can be worth from under 50 to several hundred, depending on the vehicle; some hybrid and larger engines carry more valuable units. Some yards pay for converters separately, others include them in the car price. Because of converter theft, many yards require proof that the converter came from your own car.

Selling Parts First

A car worth little as scrap may still have valuable parts: a good engine or transmission, alloy wheels with good tyres, body panels, lights, seats or electronics. Selling these separately can bring in much more than their weight in scrap, but yards may deduct for missing parts, and removing them takes time and tools. Weigh the effort against the extra money.

Towing and Paperwork

Many yards and junk car buyers tow for free, especially in cities. Others charge, which reduces the payment. Most require the vehicle title and photo ID to prove ownership; some states allow older vehicles to be scrapped without a title. Remove personal belongings and licence plates, cancel the insurance and notify the motor vehicle agency that the car has been scrapped.

Scrap Yard or Junk Car Buyer?

Besides traditional scrap yards, junk car buyers and online services offer instant quotes and free towing. They may pay more than a yard for cars with resaleable parts, because they sell those parts before scrapping the rest. For cars that still run, private sale or trade-in may bring far more than scrap value. Comparing two or three offers takes little time and can add a useful amount to the payment.

Environmental Benefits

Scrapping recycles most of a car. Steel and aluminum are melted and reused, fluids are recovered, batteries are recycled and tyres are processed. Using a licensed yard ensures hazardous materials are handled properly rather than dumped, and many places require scrapped vehicles to be reported so they cannot be re-registered illegally.

Preparing the Car

Remove personal items, garage door openers, toll tags and anything of value from the interior and boot. Take photos of the car and keep the yard's receipt as proof of disposal.

Cars That Still Run

If the car still drives, even with problems, check its private-sale or trade-in value first. Mechanics and hobbyists often pay well above scrap prices for repairable cars.

Timing

Scrap steel prices rise and fall with demand. If the car is not costing you anything to keep, checking prices over a few weeks can sometimes earn a little more.

Understanding Your Result

The headline gives the estimated scrap value.

The metal line shows the weight, tons and price per ton.

The adjustments line adds the converter and subtracts towing and missing parts.

The worth more as parts line reminds you to consider selling parts.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use it before calling scrap yards, so you know a fair offer.

Use it to decide whether to repair, sell or scrap an old car.

Use it to compare a yard's offer with selling parts separately.

Common Mistakes

Accepting the first offer. Prices vary between yards.

Forgetting the converter. It can be worth more than the steel.

Removing parts without checking deductions. Yards may charge for missing parts.

Not cancelling insurance and registration. Notify the right agencies.