Who buys junk cars (and what they actually pay)
There are more buyers for a junk car than most people realize. Here is how the major national online buyers compare - how they price, who they suit - and how to make sure you get a fair number.
The fastest route for most sellers is a national online buyer: you get an instant offer, free towing, and payment at pickup. Local junkyards can be competitive on heavy cars but leave more of the work to you. Whichever you choose, the smart move is the same - know what your car is worth before you accept anything.
How we are paid. Of the buyers below, Peddle pays us a commission when a reader sells through our link. The rest pay us nothing. It costs you nothing and it does not change your offer. We put this above the comparison rather than under it, because a comparison you read before you learn who is paying is not a comparison.
| Buyer | Best for | Towing (per the buyer) | Offer link through us |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peddle | Running or non-running cars when you want a fixed online offer fast | Free towing and pickup included, not deducted from the offer. | Yes - we earn a commission |
| The Clunker Junker | Older, damaged, or no-title cars other buyers turn down | Free towing and pickup included. | No - we earn nothing |
| CarBrain | Wrecked, mechanically broken, or salvage cars with the title in your name | Free pickup included. | No - we earn nothing |
| Wheelzy | Damaged or non-running cars when you want one fixed number by phone or online | Free removal included in every offer, per its FAQ. | No - we earn nothing |
Peddle
Nationwide instant offers on running and junk cars
Read more →The Clunker Junker
Buys hard-to-sell cars, including many without a title
Read more →CarBrain
Specializes in damaged, wrecked, and less-than-perfect cars
Read more →Wheelzy
Guaranteed online offers on wrecked, damaged and non-running cars
Read more →Not sure which of these fits your car?
Four questions about the car and we will point you at the buyer built for it, with the dollar impact of each answer shown.
Who pays the most for junk cars? →Every type of junk car buyer
The national buyers above are one of six kinds of buyer. Which one pays most depends on whether your car is worth more as a car, as parts or as metal.
| Buyer type | What they pay | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| National online buyersPeddle review | An instant offer online that counts resale and parts value, with free towing | The car runs, or is still complete with its engine and converter |
| Local junkyards and scrapyardsJunkyards by state | Scrap weight plus the catalytic converter - about $205-$520 for a typical car in our estimate | The car is stripped, burned or badly wrecked, so only the metal is left |
| Salvage and wreck buyersCarBrain review | A quote based on what the damaged car brings at a salvage auction | Accident or flood damage on a car that is otherwise newer |
| Private buyers and mechanics | Whatever you negotiate, usually cash | A common model with parts people want, and you have time to field calls |
| Dealers | Trade-in credit toward another car, rarely cash for a junk car | You are buying a car from that dealer anyway |
| Car donation charities | A tax receipt, not cash. If the charity sells the car, your deduction is generally limited to what it sold for (IRS Publication 4303) | You itemize deductions and the cash offers are low |
What scrapyards pay by car type and region is on scrap car prices. No title? Fewer buyers will take the car - see how to junk a car without a title.
How to compare offers
Get your car's value first so you can recognize a fair offer, then collect at least two quotes. Keep the catalytic converter on the car, have your title (or your state's accepted alternative) ready, and confirm towing is free and never deducted.
Frequently asked questions
National online buyers (like the ones compared here), local junkyards and auto recyclers, dismantlers, and private parts buyers. Online buyers give an instant offer with free towing; local yards can be competitive on heavy cars but leave more of the legwork to you.
Towing, payment and coverage in the table above are what each buyer publishes about itself, not something we have tested. Terms change - confirm current details with the buyer before you accept. Nobody pays for placement in this comparison.
See what your car is worth first
Get a free estimate with the math shown - no phone number needed to see your range.
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