This section features auto salvage yards, scrap recyclers, and auto wreckers operating across the United States. These facilities buy non-running, damaged, or end-of-life vehicles for cash and resell usable OEM auto parts at 50% to 80% below retail prices. Before visiting, determine whether the yard is a self-service lot where you pull parts yourself or a full-service operation where technicians handle part removal.
Browse by state
- Florida87
- California83
- Texas56
- Georgia40
- Illinois35
- Michigan28
- North Carolina24
- New York23
- Ohio23
- Pennsylvania19
- Wisconsin19
- Indiana18
- Minnesota15
- Arizona14
- Colorado14
- Massachusetts13
- Tennessee13
- Washington12
- New Jersey11
- Alabama8
- Missouri8
- South Carolina8
- Virginia8
- Oregon7
- Iowa6
- Nevada6
- Louisiana5
- Mississippi5
- Oklahoma5
Common questions
How much cash do junk yards pay for a car?
Most scrap yards pay between $200 and $500 for complete passenger cars based on current steel prices ($150 to $220 per ton) and recoverable catalytic converter metals. Larger SUVs, trucks, or drivable vehicles with intact high-demand parts can yield $500 to $1,500+. Towing is typically included at no extra charge.
What is the difference between self-service and full-service junk yards?
Self-service yards (often called pick-a-part or U-pull lots) charge a $2 to $5 gate entry fee and require you to bring your own hand tools and safety gear to pull parts directly from cars. Full-service yards store dismantled parts on warehouse shelves or have yard staff remove the specific component for you, charging higher prices for the saved labor.
Can I sell a car to a junk yard without a title?
It depends on state laws and vehicle age. While most scrap yards strictly demand a clean title to prevent vehicle theft, states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia allow title-less sales on vehicles older than 10 to 12 years if you provide valid state registration and a signed bill of sale.