Scrap Car Prices Per Ton
Scrap yards paid an average of $185 per ton for end-of-life cars in February 2026, down 1.6% on the month before. Depending on where you are and how complete the car is, yards pay between $86 and $236 a ton.
National average · Feb 2026
$185/ton
- Typical range
- $86–$236 / ton
- Per pound
- $0.043–$0.118
- Month on month
- ↓ 1.6%
- 12 months ago
- $175 (Mar 2025)
- Avg. junk car payout
- $465
Scrap Car Prices, Last 12 Months
National average price per ton for end-of-life vehicles.
Scrap Prices by Vehicle Type
Median curb weight for each class at February 2026 rates. Heavier vehicles carry more steel, so they are worth more as scrap.
| Vehicle type | Typical weight | Scrap value range | At $185/ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 3,151 lb | $135–$370 | $290 |
| Mid-size car | 3,588 lb | $155–$425 | $330 |
| Compact crossover SUV | 3,867 lb | $165–$455 | $360 |
| Minivan | 4,058 lb | $175–$480 | $375 |
| Full-size car | 4,305 lb | $185–$510 | $400 |
| Mid-size SUV | 4,541 lb | $195–$535 | $420 |
| Full-size van | 5,082 lb | $220–$600 | $470 |
| Full-size pickup truck | 5,616 lb | $240–$665 | $520 |
| Full-size SUV | 5,705 lb | $245–$675 | $530 |
Scrap Car Prices by State
Estimated regional price bands. Prices are higher near steel mills and ports and lower in rural states where yards pay more to haul metal.
| States | Per ton | Per pound |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming | $140–$170 | $0.070–$0.085 |
| Alabama, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia | $145–$175 | $0.073–$0.088 |
| Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin | $150–$180 | $0.075–$0.090 |
| Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington | $155–$185 | $0.078–$0.093 |
| Connecticut, Indiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas | $160–$190 | $0.080–$0.095 |
| Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York | $165–$195 | $0.083–$0.098 |
| California, Michigan | $170–$200 | $0.085–$0.100 |
Regional bands are estimates for comparison. Your actual offer depends on your local yards and buyers.
Scrap Value of Popular Cars
Chevrolet Equinox
3,619 lb typical · $155–$425 scrap
Chevrolet Impala
3,555 lb typical · $155–$420 scrap
Chevrolet Malibu
3,223 lb typical · $140–$380 scrap
Ford Escape
3,464 lb typical · $150–$410 scrap
Ford Explorer
4,345 lb typical · $185–$515 scrap
Ford F-150
4,881 lb typical · $210–$575 scrap
Ford Focus
2,677 lb typical · $115–$315 scrap
Ford Fusion
3,431 lb typical · $150–$405 scrap
Honda Accord
3,239 lb typical · $140–$380 scrap
Honda Civic
2,767 lb typical · $120–$325 scrap
Honda CR-V
3,459 lb typical · $150–$410 scrap
Honda Odyssey
4,526 lb typical · $195–$535 scrap
Hyundai Elantra
2,747 lb typical · $120–$325 scrap
Hyundai Sonata
3,252 lb typical · $140–$385 scrap
Jeep Grand Cherokee
4,545 lb typical · $195–$535 scrap
Nissan Altima
3,244 lb typical · $140–$385 scrap
Nissan Sentra
2,842 lb typical · $120–$335 scrap
Toyota Camry
3,300 lb typical · $140–$390 scrap
Toyota Corolla
2,800 lb typical · $120–$330 scrap
Toyota Prius
3,050 lb typical · $130–$360 scrap
Scrap Car Price Questions
What is considered a "complete" car for scrap?
A vehicle is considered complete when it has all of its major components such as the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, battery, radiator, wheels, and tires. Vehicles that are missing any of these parts will be classified as "incomplete" and the price will be adjusted accordingly. This is the single biggest factor to get the best scrap price for a junk car.
How much are vehicle shells worth?
Vehicle shells are priced based on the current per ton rate, and nothing more. A vehicle shell is the body of the vehicle, with all of the compontents and parts stripped. Shells are the lowest valued category.
How often do car scrap prices change?
Scrap metal prices adjust on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This page shows the national monthly average, most recently for February 2026.
When is the best time to scrap a car?
The best time is usually in the spring and summer months when construction activity drives up steel demand. If you're within 10–15% of recent highs, it's usually better to sell now rather than gamble on a price increase.
Is scrap price the same as what a junk car buyer pays?
No. Scrap price only counts the metal. Buyers who can resell parts usually pay more for a complete car — most junk cars sold through Reap My Ride get $300 to $1,500, with an average of $465. See how junk car prices work.
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