Cash From Scrap Cars
If you have a junker you’re looking to get rid of, how can you be sure you’re getting the most value for it? What’s the best way to know how much your scrap car is worth in the first place?
There are a lot of different factors that make this determination, but the condition of your vehicle and its parts is the primary indicator. You also have to consider the size, as well as how many of these vehicles were sold – the fewer there are on the market, the more valuable their parts will be. And how valuable are each of the available parts? Are they in good working condition and ready to be used in another vehicle, or are they damaged beyond repair?
With so much to consider, it’s wise to go to a reputable used auto parts retailer to ensure you’re getting the highest value possible. But to help you start to figure out just how much money your scrap car is worth, we’ve compiled a list of the most valuable scrap cars around. From this list, you’ll see the most valuable makes and models and will also be able to gauge how valuable your scrap car is in comparison.
Remember, even if they’re the same make, year, and model, there’s no point in comparing a well-running, high mileage, aesthetically pleasing car to a worn-out beater. Always use discretion when determining the value of a vehicle.
Which Junk Cars Pay Most
Here are the top 3 for which cars paid out highest at the scrap yard.
2009 & 2010 Toyota Corolla
The average price point for these vehicles is approximately $1100, with the 2010 vehicle coming in a little higher, but more than double that in some states. These vehicles have a reputation for being compact, reliable, safe and a solid choice all around, whether new or used. US sales for Toyota Corolla were 266,082 in 2010 and 296,874 in 2009. Canadian sales were 53,933 in 2009 and 38,680 in 2010.
2009 Honda Accord
The 2009 Honda Accord fetches an average of about $1040 across the board, with Stone Mountain GA reporting a payout of more than triple that at $3340. The 8th generation of this 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan sold well with 290,056 sales in the US that year.
2005 Toyota Prius
Number 3 on our list is the 2005 Toyota Prius, which fetched an average of $1015 and up to $2270 in Portland, OR. In 2005, there were 107,155 of these handsome, sleek, second-generation vehicles sold in the United States. This is no surprise as the vehicle became quite popular due to its gasoline-electric hybrid drive system, easing the conscience of consumers making this purchase.
Other Options
A few more high-value scrap cars and their average payout include:
- 2007 Toyota Prius at $940.90
- 2008 Toyota Camry at $925.20
- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze at $855.52
- 2006 Ford F-150 at $853.13
- 2005 Toyota Sienna at $851.67
- 2007 Ford F-150 at $840.15
- 2010 Honda Civic at $775.55
- 2006 Toyota Corolla at $741.83
- 2007 Toyota Yaris at $735.32
- 2009 Honda Civic at $700.41
- 2007 Toyota Camry at $697.67
When reviewing these numbers, keep in mind that the above are just averages – if your vehicle is one of these models and well maintained with its parts in order, you can expect around double the amount listed above in most cases.
How to Determine the Value of a Junk Car
As we briefly discussed above, there are a lot of different things to consider when cashing in your junker. The basic thing to remember is that a car is not valuable if it does not run.
It is highly unlikely that you will be able to sell a part that doesn’t work, let alone an entire vehicle. Although there are other things to keep in mind, such as how many of these vehicles are on the market (again, fewer means that their parts will be harder to find and therefore usually more expensive), at the end of the day, even if the part is hard to find… if it doesn’t work, it won’t be worth anything!
If your junk car doesn’t run at all and is beyond repair, it may still be worth the value of individual parts that could work for another car, or simply for the recyclable material it is comprised of. Notice that there are certain makes and models in the list above that come up more than once – if your junk car has similar specs, it could be more valuable than you think.
The best way to determine the value of your junk vehicle is to consider how well it has been maintained overall. Don’t fool yourself by thinking you will get a high payout for one of the above-listed vehicles if it is in poor condition. Happy scrapping!