What do I need to sell a junk car?

Usually the title in your name, a photo ID, and the keys if you have them. Some states let you sell an older car without a title using a bill of sale or other paperwork; the rules are different in each state.

What decides how much a junkyard pays?

Mostly the vehicle's weight and the current price of scrap metal, then whether it runs, which parts are still on it (engine, transmission, catalytic converter, tires), and how far the yard has to tow it. Ask each yard what its price includes, especially towing.

Can the price change at pickup?

Yes. If the car doesn't match what you described (missing parts, flat tires, no title), a buyer can lower the offer when they arrive. Describing the car honestly up front is the best way to get a price that holds.

Do you share my phone number?

Never with a list of buyers. We call you first, tell you which buyer wants the car, and only share your details with that one buyer if you agree.

Get my offer

Cash for junk cars

Tell us the car and your ZIP. We find a junkyard or junk car buyer near you and call you with the offer. Free, no obligation.

Before you sell

Find the title. Check it's in your name. If a loan is still open, the lender is on the title and has to release it first.
Know the basics: year, make, model, rough mileage, whether it starts and drives, and anything missing or damaged.
Ask what's included: free towing, cash or check, and whether the price can change at pickup.
Take your plates and personal items off before pickup, then follow your state's release-of-liability rules.

Rules for titles, plates and release of liability differ by state. See title and DMV rules by state, or read the full step-by-step guide on how to junk a car.

Selling in a tricky situation

Know what you're selling

How Junk Cars Nation works

Junk Cars Nation is a free matching service, not a buyer. You enter the car and your ZIP; we contact one listed buyer near you and call you with their offer; you agree the price and pickup directly with that buyer. We never send your details to a list of buyers. Prefer a price on screen right now? Peddle's instant offer is on the results step, and we may earn a referral fee if you sell through it.

How much cash for a junk car?

Most of the price is the car's weight at the current scrap steel price, plus parts a buyer can resell, minus the tow. At the 2025 USGS benchmark of about $319 per metric ton for No. 1 heavy melting steel, the metal in a 3,000-pound car is worth roughly $435 delivered to a mill, and a yard's offer to you is lower than that unless parts add to it. The junk car value guide shows the sources and a worked example, and the make and model pages show what owners report about your car.