Get a free cash offer for your car

How ScrapRoute works

ScrapRoute is a free matching service. We help connect people in the US with licensed salvage yards, auto recyclers, and cash-for-cars buyers. You can use it in two ways:

• Sell a junk, damaged, wrecked, flooded, or non-running car for cash
• Find used or recycled auto parts for a repair

If you want to sell a car, start here: Get an offer. If you need to understand what affects value first, see how junk car prices work.

We do not buy cars, tow cars, dismantle vehicles, sell parts, or handle title transfer. We simply help you find licensed businesses so you can compare, choose, and confirm the details yourself.

That matters because many people get only one number, take it fast, and later learn about lower payouts, surprise towing charges, or pickup problems. With ScrapRoute, the goal is simple: make it easier to compare your options before you say yes.

What information to share

To get matched, keep it simple. You usually only need basic vehicle and contact details, such as:

• Year, make, and model
• Whether it runs or not
• Main damage, if any
• Your ZIP code or city
• Best phone number or email

You do not need to hand over sensitive personal information just to get started. Be careful with anyone asking for things that are not necessary early on.

• Do not share bank account numbers
• Do not share your Social Security number
• Do not treat the VIN as a requirement to ask basic questions
• Do not send your title before you are ready to complete the sale

If your car does not run, you can also read sell a non-running car. If the car was wrecked, flooded, or heavily damaged, this guide can help you know what to expect.

For people looking for parts instead of selling a car, ScrapRoute can also help you find used parts.

What a real cash range usually looks like

A real cash amount is not one fixed number. It depends on the year, make, model, condition, weight, location, and current scrap and parts prices. That is why any number you see online should be treated as a typical estimate, not a guaranteed offer.

Here are honest ballpark ranges many sellers see:

• Older running car sold whole: about $300-$1,500
• Non-running car or dead engine: about $150-$600
• Wrecked or flood car: about $150-$900
• Scrap-only vehicle: about $100-$500
• Heavier trucks and SUVs by scrap weight: about $250-$1,200

Those are just typical ranges. A cleaner car with usable parts may land higher. A stripped car, missing catalytic converter, bad title situation, or hard pickup location may land lower.

If you are fixing instead of selling, used parts can make a big difference in cost. A used engine is often a few hundred dollars to around $1,500 installed-ready depending on the setup, and a used transmission is often about $300-$1,200. Learn more at used engines and transmissions.

What to expect after you submit

Most people want to know what happens next. In plain terms, it usually goes like this:

1. You share basic vehicle and contact details.
2. ScrapRoute matches you with participating licensed buyers or recyclers in your area.
3. You compare what they say about price range, pickup timing, towing, paperwork, and fees.
4. You choose who you want to deal with, or you walk away.

A few smart rules help protect you:

• Deal only with licensed, insured buyers
• Verify the license yourself before pickup
• Get the amount, towing, and any fees in writing
• Do not hand over the title or keys until you are paid
• Keep your title and ID safe

Some buyers include towing. Some do not. Some may only include it in certain areas or for certain vehicles. Always confirm that in writing before pickup. This guide explains the basics: free towing explained.

You stay in control the whole time

This is the part many sellers care about most: you are in control.

ScrapRoute is free for the car owner or parts shopper. Participating yards and buyers pay to be listed and matched, but you choose who to talk to and who to work with. There is no reason to feel rushed.

If something feels off, stop.

• A buyer changes the amount at pickup
• A buyer will not put details in writing
• A buyer pressures you to sign first and ask questions later
• A buyer wants the title before payment
• A buyer cannot show a valid license or insurance

Those are warning signs. If you want help spotting trouble early, read how to avoid junk car scams.

Title and lien rules are different from state to state. Always confirm your state's current requirements with the DMV before signing anything. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

If you are ready to compare your options, visit Get an offer.