The Link Between Junk Car Weight and Value

Is a heavier junk car worth more than a lighter one? What about its size? Is a larger car worth more than smaller, compact vehicles? Continue reading to learn how the tonnage of a vehicle can impact its resale value, as well as, how you can make the most money from selling your junk car.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

Factors That Impact Junk Car Value

When a scrap yard is looking to make an offer on a junk car, there are very specific factors they are addressing when developing an estimate. These factors vary among junk car buyers, but generally include:

Make and Model – A junk car buyer will first look at the make and model of the vehicle. Some cars are more in demand in the scrap industry than others. For instance, older or rare cars containing parts that are no longer manufactured are higher in demand than current make and model vehicles.

Condition – Another important factor that impacts a junk car appraisal is the condition of the vehicle. Scrappers want to resale the parts and the scrap metal within a junk car, so the more stuff that’s operational in a vehicle, the more valuable it is to the buyer.

Location – Although not something you would not necessarily think to be an influential factor, the location of a junk car has a large impact on the value of an appraisal. The farther away a junk car buyer has to go to retrieve the vehicle can be subtracted economically from the final offer. Choose a junk car buyer near you, or drive your junk car directly to the complex, for a better payout.

Scrap Metal Prices – The current prices for scrap metal in the United States and global economy have the most impact on how much your junk car will be appraised for. The average car is made of approximately 55% steel, 300 lbs. of aluminum, and weighs around 2.5 tons. You simply need to look at the market and do the math.

Junk Car Size and Weight

Along with the primary factors listed above, the weight and size of a junk car does play a role in its overall economic value. Larger cars contain more scrap metal, so they will be higher in value. Smaller cars contain less, and therefore, are worth less. However, there are exceptions to this rule. A totaled 2019 Porsche is likely worth more than a 20 year old pickup truck.

Where to Get the Most Cash for Junk Cars in Indianapolis

Call Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 to get a quote for your junk car. Our experience junk car buyers serve all of Indianapolis and its surrounding areas, and pay cash on the spot for all junk cars, regardless of age or condition. We buy cars, trucks, motorcycles, farming equipment, construction equipment, and anything else that runs on fuel. With cash payments, free quotes, and free pickup, there is no easier way to sell a junk car in Central Indiana. Get started today!

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FAQS About Scrap Metal Prices and Junk Cars

Junk cars are valuable because they contain metal, which is 100% recyclable, and can be melted down and repurposed infinitely. So, even if a junk car is deemed a total loss, it is still worth some cash, but the amount of cash depends on several factors. The most important and influential factor, however, is current market value for metal. Basically, when the price of metal is down, a junk car is worth less; and when the price of metal is up, a junk car is worth more.

Still unclear? Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about scrap metal prices and junk cars, including where to get the highest payout for your salvaged vehicle in Indiana.

Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers
Central Indiana Junk Car Buyers 317-218-7133

What are the Market Values for Scrap Metal?

The values of scrap metal are always changing. To see the current market values for scrap metal, visit https://iscrapapp.com/prices.

Why Does the Price of Scrap Metal Change?

The prices of scrap metal are influenced by several factors. Examples of such factors include time, market demand, stock exchange prices, supply, the price of virgin metals, and the cost of energy and production. China’s economy also has a major influence on scrap metal values. On a smaller scale, the prices of scrap metal and their value change on a daily basis in local markets. From this perspective, the daily price fluctuations are caused by various factors. The quantity of metal available, the quality of that metal, labor costs, overhead costs, types of metals available, and more all influence the rate of metal prices in local markets and how often they change on a daily basis.

What Kind of Metal is in a Junk Car?

Vehicles manufactured today mostly contain steel and aluminum. They also contain an average of 55 pounds of copper wiring, as well as, some nominal traces of precious metals. Steel can be found in everything from the chassis and body panels, to the doors, rooftop, and more. Aluminum is predominantly used in auto parts like radiators, wheels, transformers, and more. As for precious metal, traces can be found in the form of gold plated fingers inside computer circuit boards for electronics like GPS systems and DVD players. Platinum and palladium can also be found in the lining of catalytic converters.

How Much is My Junk Car Worth?

As mentioned, the current values for scrap metal have the largest influence on the overall value of a junk vehicle. However, there are several more factors that appraisers use to assign value to a junk car, and therefore, make an offer. Primary factors, in addition to scrap metal prices, include the age, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as, the location of the vehicle. The better the condition of the vehicle, the more it is worth.

Where Can I Get the Most Money for a Junk Car in Indianapolis?

Call Benjamin’s Junk Cars at 317-218-7133 today. We only make honest offers for junk cars, and stand by our services 100%, so call soon to get an instant quote. Whether you have an old truck, a rusted chassis, or a totaled two-door, we will pay you CASH ON THE SPOT for it all. And the best part is, our Indianapolis junk car buyers are able to offer the fullest and fairest payouts for junk cars in town because we cut out the middle-man. We offer flexible scheduling, same day service, and adhere to all Indiana EPA regulations for auto recycling.

Call Today 317-218-7133