The Best Ways to Scrap Your Vehicle & Make Money Fast

This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience.

There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

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If you have an old or undrivable vehicle taking up space, scrapping your car is a great way to earn some extra spending money. Whether your vehicle is broken down or totaled, you’ll still be able to get some cash for its value in scrap metal. Before you jump on the first offer you see for your vehicle, follow our advice to make sure you get the most money possible. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to scrap a car and where to find the best offers for your vehicle.

Things You Should Know

Take personal belongings and removable parts out of your vehicle. Sell parts, like the battery, tires, and audio system to make more money than you would from scrapping them.
Get quotes from local junkyards or websites that buy cars to see how much your vehicle is worth. You’ll usually get between $300–500 USD for scrapping a car.
Schedule a pickup or dropoff for your vehicle, and sign over the car title. Cancel your insurance and registration once you finalize the sale.

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Scrapping Your Vehicle

Car battery
Tires and rims
Alternator
Radiator
Audio or GPS systems
Catalytic converter (if they’re legal to sell in your area)

If your vehicle is really dirty or muddy, you may get a lower scrap price for it. Clean your car so you get the best value.
Remove your license plates as well if you don’t plan on driving your vehicle anymore.

Scrapyards may ask for pictures of your vehicle to assess any damage to your vehicle. Either text or email pictures of your car so you’re able to get an accurate estimate.
Be sure to ask about any processing fees you’d have to pay to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your vehicle.

Junkyards may try to lower the price of your vehicle if they notice more damage than you claimed.

The paperwork you need may also depend on your state laws. Contact your local DMV to find out what papers or forms are required to sell or scrap a vehicle in your area.
If you can’t find your vehicle’s title, then get a replacement before scrapping your vehicle.
If you still have liens or loans out on your vehicle, then you will have to settle the remaining balance and get a lien release form before scrapping your vehicle. [6] X Research source

Some states will refund a portion of your vehicle’s registration payment when you cancel it.

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Best Places to Scrap a Vehicle

Some junkyards may offer free towing if you’re not able to drive your vehicle, but others may charge a fee.

Peddle accepts junk vehicles nationwide and will usually pick up and pay for your vehicle within 1–2 days.
CarBrain will purchase any totaled or non-running vehicle, and you’ll usually get paid 1–2 days after receiving a quote.
Wheelzy gives you an instant offer within minutes and pays you on the spot when they pick up your vehicle.
Carvana and Cars.com buy driveable vehicles as long as the odometer still works.

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How much do you get for scrapping a car?

Other factors that may affect the value of your vehicle include the quality of the scrap metal, market price fluctuations, and the time of year.

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Can you scrap a car without a title?

You may be able to scrap a vehicle without a title for an additional fee. The car title proves that you own the vehicle, and you usually have to transfer it to the junkyard or web service to get a full payment. Some states don’t hand out titles, so contact your DMV to find out what paperwork you need in order to scrap your vehicle. [9] X Research source If you don’t have a your vehicle’s title, some junkyards and websites will still let your scrap your car after paying a $50–150 fee.

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When should you scrap your car?

Scrap your vehicle if it's undrivable or requires expensive repairs. Because you’ll get the lowest value when you scrap a car, it’s usually a last resort if your vehicle isn’t working and repairs cost more than its value. If your vehicle is still drivable or only requires minor repairs, then you’ll most likely get more money from fixing and selling your car instead.

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What can you do instead of scrapping your vehicle?

Check your state’s requirements for selling a vehicle privately because you may need special paperwork to transfer the title.
Alternatively, go to a dealership to see if you’re able to trade in your vehicle. They’ll either pay you for your car or put the money towards getting a new one.

Keep the vehicle for spare parts. If you’re handy with repairing vehicles, save a junk car to use the parts on another vehicle you own of a similar make and model. If a part goes bad on the vehicle that you drive, then remove and install the working part from the junk car instead. That way, you won’t have to pay for an expensive new part from a mechanic.

Donate your vehicle to charity. Contact the charity of your choice to see if you’re able to donate your vehicle. Many charity organizations take junk car donations that they sell to junkyards so you’re able to get rid of your vehicle and help out a cause you care about. Additionally, you may qualify for a tax deduction based on the value of your vehicle and get a larger return later on. [11] X Research source

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