How Pricing Works
Transparency is our policy. Here's how we determine your offer.
The 4 Key Factors of Your Offer
Vehicle Weight (Scrap Value)
For truly end-of-life vehicles, weight is the baseline. Heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks contain more steel, making them worth more in raw scrap value.
Year, Make, & Model
Newer vehicles or popular models (like Hondas and Toyotas) often have valuable parts. If we can resell the engine, transmission, or body panels, we pay you significantly more than scrap price.
Catalytic Converter
Must be original (OEM). Aftermarket converters have little scrap value. An original converter can add hundreds of dollars to your quote depending on current precious metal prices.
Condition & Completeness
Does it run? Are the wheels on it? Missing parts means lower weight and less resale value. However, we buy vehicles in ANY condition, even if they are just shells.
Common Pricing Myths
❌ "It has new tires, so it's worth more."
✅ Unfortunately, used tires rarely add significant value unless they are brand new high-end sets.
❌ "I put $500 of repairs into it."
✅ Repairs generally don't increase scrap value, but they might help if the car is re-sellable as a runner.
❌ "The dealer said it's worth $3,000 trade-in."
✅ Dealer trade-in values assume a working vehicle with clean title. We pay for parts + scrap, which is usually different.
Where the prices come from
Live scrap prices shift weekly. We track steel, aluminum, copper, platinum, palladium, and lead-acid battery markets to keep every quote current.
See 2026 scrap metal prices →Repair vs. sell decision
Use the 50% rule: if the repair estimate is more than half your car's value, sell it. The full decision table covers every common repair.
See the Fix or Sell Decision Guide →Hybrid battery dead?
Hybrid battery replacement costs $2,000-$5,000. Junk buyers pay a premium for hybrids because of the battery's residual copper, nickel, and module value. The 50% rule almost always says sell — see the math.
See the Hybrid Battery Guide →Get Instant Offer
Offer Request Sent!
We've received your vehicle details. A local buyer will call you within 15 minutes with your final cash offer.