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 | Most sellers who want a fast, no-haggle online offer | 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 | Free pickup included. | 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 →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? →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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