Use this tool to instantly estimate the value of your scrap or damaged vehicle based on current metal prices, vehicle weight, and the car’s overall condition and completeness. Find out what a junkyard or salvage yard might pay you today.
Junk Car Value Calculator
Junk Car Value Formula
V = (W × P × F) - T
Formula Source: ISRI Guidelines | Related Industry Data Source
Variables Explained
- Vehicle Weight (W): The curb weight of your vehicle in pounds (lbs). This is the primary driver of scrap value.
- Scrap Metal Price (P): The current market price for scrap metal (often steel) in dollars per pound ($/lb). This fluctuates daily.
- Completeness Factor (F): A decimal value (0.0 to 1.0) representing the car’s intact components. A fully complete car is 1.0. A car missing the engine or catalytic converter might be 0.7 or lower.
- Towing Cost (T): The cost charged by the junkyard or tow company to move the vehicle from your location to their facility.
- Junk Value (V): The estimated net cash you should receive for the junk car.
Related Calculators
- Depreciation Calculator
- Auto Loan Payment Calculator
- Cost of Ownership Calculator
- Vehicle Salvage Title Calculator
What is Junk Car Value?
The junk car value is essentially the vehicle’s worth as raw materials, primarily scrap metal. Unlike selling a used car for transportation, junk value ignores cosmetic appeal, mileage, or brand cachet, focusing instead on its mass and the current commodities market. This makes the price highly sensitive to global demand for steel and other metals.
When a vehicle is sold for scrap, it is often crushed and melted down. The value derived from this process must cover the costs of towing, dismantling, processing, and transportation to the smelter. Therefore, the value offered to you is the calculated material worth minus all these operational expenses. A higher scrap price or lower towing cost directly translates to more money in your pocket.
How to Calculate Junk Car Value (Example)
- Determine Gross Material Value: Assume a car weighs 3,000 lbs, the scrap price is $0.12/lb, and the factor is 0.95. Multiply these: $3,000 \times \$0.12 \times 0.95 = \$342.00$.
- Estimate Towing Cost: The junkyard quotes a standard towing fee of $75.00 for your area.
- Calculate Net Value: Subtract the towing cost from the gross material value: $\$342.00 – \$75.00 = \$267.00$.
- Result: The estimated junk car value is $267.00.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Why does the price change daily?
Junk car values are tied directly to the price of scrap metal (steel, aluminum, etc.), which are global commodities traded daily. Economic supply and demand for industrial materials dictate these fluctuating prices.
-
What is a “Completeness Factor”?
The Completeness Factor adjusts the value for missing or damaged major components like the engine, transmission, or catalytic converter. A car missing its engine is worth less as scrap because the junkyard has less high-value material to process.
-
Can I get more if I drive the car to the yard?
Yes. If you eliminate the Estimated Towing Cost (T), your net junk value will increase. Many yards offer a slightly higher price if the vehicle is delivered to them.
-
Are there specific parts that increase the value significantly?
Yes, the catalytic converter contains precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) and is often the single most valuable component. Its presence is generally accounted for in a higher Completeness Factor.