The first factor that goes into determining the price of a junk car is the most basic: what type of car is it? The year, make and model of the car determine the current market value of the car and its parts. The Canada Black Book value of the used car can be helpful, but junk cars are valued differently, particularly if they have a lot of problems that prevent them from running. Junk cars may be worth up to 20 to 40 percent of the car’s used value.

So how does the year/make/model determine the going rate of the car? If the car is still commonly driven, if it’s particularly rare, or if the demand for its parts is high, that car will be valued more highly. If your junker is a common car, like a Nissan Altima, that’s more useful than a Dodge Neon, for example.

The year/make/model are also important because car materials can change a great deal from year to year. Different materials are now more common, such as environmentally friendly plastics. As a result, cars from certain years may contain much less steel and aluminum, which plays a large role in determining the scrap value of the car — more on this next.

This factor isn’t one that most regular car owners would think about, but it actually plays a huge role in determining the going rate of a junk car. Even cars that aren’t worth salvaging can be turned into scrap metal. The average car contains about 2,400 pounds of steel and 300 pounds of aluminum, after all, and all that metal can be sold and recycled into new products.

The catch is that the price of scrap metal varies widely from year to year. It’s all based on the supply and demand of steel and aluminum. For example, when supply for metal is high and demand is low, prices will also be low. Prices also vary for the same reasons depending on the local market.

The condition of the vehicle determines what a buyer will be able to do with it. Will they be able to restore it to working condition and re-sell the car? Will they strip it and sell the spare parts? Or will they turn it into scrap metal and sell that?

If your scrap car has just a couple issues that prevent it from running smoothly, you can ask for more cash than if it’s a complete dud, particularly if the current market value of the car model is high. However, the specific condition still plays a role. If the total cost of repairs to get it running again will be very high, then a buyer won’t be willing to pay as much for the car itself.

Along the same lines, if your junk car is a rusted out vehicle that will never make it onto the road again, it will have to be bought for its parts or scrap value, depending on the model.

Let’s say you have an old scrap car that’s not worth refurbishing. The parts of the car still have value, because everything from the battery to the tires to the radio can potentially be removed and recycled. The market value of those parts is based on how high the demand is. The higher the demand, the higher the value.

If other people with the same car frequently need repairs, demand is high. If your junker is a rare car for which parts are hard to find, demand is high. Conversely, if your car’s parts are not often resold, the car is probably worth less.

Also, certain parts are valued more highly than others, so if your car has working tires, suspension parts, lights and other exterior parts, it’s likely to command a higher value. If, on the other hand, your car is missing parts that have a good resale value, that will lower the going rate.

Figuring out the overall market demand for spare parts is also based on a number of other factors, including gasoline prices, the age of the average car and the number of older vehicles in use.

Last but not least, the location of your junk car will help determine the price. There are a few different location-specific factors to consider.

Firstly, the price of scrap metal varies from region to region.

Secondly, the popularity of specific vehicles in a certain area will determine the market rate of the car and its parts.

Thirdly, the distance of the salvage yard determines whether the junk car buyer will have to spend extra on transporting the car and its parts. If you are not near a junkyard or junk car program and the car doesn’t run, luckily for you some car removal companies offer FREE towing of your vehicle.

1. Describe Your Vehicle: Either give us a call or fill out our online form to give us the information we need on your vehicle in order for us to give you the best offer.
2. Get An Instant Offer: Once we have all the info we’ll give you a no hassle offer for your car, truck, van or SUV that you can either accept or pass. It’s up to you. No strings attached
3. Accept Our Offer: Once you agree to our offer (which will be the best around) you can start to gather all the necessary paperwork such as the signed title.
4. We Come to You: Upon your choice of a date and time for pick-up, we’ll come to you to inspect the car and verify it’s condition and collect all necessary paperwork.
5. Get Paid Right Then: Once your vehicle checks out we’ll hand over your check and load up your car for towing back to the yard. That’s it. 5 simple steps.