The lifespan of vehicles in the US is impressively increasing, reaching an average of 11.8 years in 2018. Experts even projected that by 2021, a staggering 84 million vehicles would be over 16 years old. While vehicle longevity is a testament to manufacturing advancements, operating an older car comes with its own set of challenges. Older vehicles are often less fuel-efficient and more susceptible to breakdowns. If you’re facing constant repairs and dwindling fuel economy with your aging vehicle, you might be sitting on a goldmine of valuable parts. Selling your car for scrap parts can be a surprisingly lucrative venture, offering a way to recoup some value and contribute to a more sustainable automotive cycle. The most valuable parts on a car to scrap can quickly add up, potentially netting you hundreds of dollars that can be used towards a newer, more reliable, and safer vehicle.
Interested in discovering which components are the Most Expensive Car Parts To Sell? Let’s dive into the world of auto salvage and explore the most sought-after parts that can turn your old ride into cash.
Why Consider Selling Scrap Car Parts?
Vehicle ownership entails significant expenses. In 2018, US households spent an average of $9,761 annually on transportation. A considerable portion of this went to vehicle purchases ($3,975) and fuel ($2,109), but a substantial $3,677 was allocated to maintenance and repairs. Older vehicles, especially those not meticulously maintained, are notorious for their higher running costs. Fuel inefficiency is a major culprit. For example, 2010 light vehicles averaged only 33.9 mpg, significantly less than the 39.4 mpg average of 2017 models. As cars age, parts naturally degrade, leading to more frequent and costly repairs. These repair bills can quickly outweigh the car’s actual market value.
If your car has become a frequent visitor to the mechanic, scrapping it might be the most sensible financial decision. Neglecting necessary repairs is not an option, as driving a car with faulty components is dangerous. Vehicle failure was a contributing factor in over 44,000 car crashes between 2005 and 2007. Beyond safety concerns, decaying car parts pose environmental and health risks. Corrosion and leaks can release heavy metals, leading to poisoning and even cancer. These contaminants can seep into soil and water, harming ecosystems and human health. Vehicle part corrosion also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
These compelling reasons highlight why saying goodbye to your clunker might be the best course of action. If you possess the skills and time, dismantling your car and selling the scrap car parts individually can be a profitable endeavor. Let’s explore the ultimate list of scrap car parts that offer the best return on your effort.
Engine: The Heart of Value
The engine consistently ranks as one of the most valuable parts on a car to scrap. Engine replacement is a major expense, driving many vehicle owners to the secondhand market for more affordable alternatives. A functional engine in good running condition is highly desirable for those seeking replacements.
Even a non-working engine retains value, primarily for its aluminum content. Aluminum is more valuable than steel, so any aluminum components within the engine should not be overlooked. Selling a junk engine for scrap metal is a viable option. However, extracting and preparing an engine for sale requires effort. Unless you are selling the entire car as is, you’ll need to remove the engine, drain all fluids, and arrange transportation to a junkyard. Seeking assistance from a mechanic for engine removal might be the most efficient approach, especially if you lack experience.
Maximizing Engine Value: Selling Options
A car engine is the powerhouse that converts fuel or electricity into motion. Internal combustion engines, the most common type, generate energy by burning fuel, creating expanding gas that drives pistons, gears, and valves. This mechanical energy is then transferred to the transmission system, ultimately powering the wheels. Engine part failure, whether a spark plug, oil pump, or piston, disrupts combustion, leading to overheating, unusual noises, or engine stalling. Given its critical role, the engine’s value is undeniable. A complete engine rebuild can cost up to $4,000, while a full engine replacement can reach $7,000. This high cost underscores why selling the engine is often the first step when considering how to scrap a car for the most money. Here are two primary avenues to monetize this valuable car component.
Selling to Engine Rebuilders
If your engine is repairable, selling it to engine rebuilders or remanufacturers is a smart move. Companies specializing in engine rebuilding inspect used engines, and if they pass inspection, they are repaired and resold. These rebuilt engines are priced lower than brand-new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engines, making them attractive to budget-conscious buyers seeking engine replacements.
Scraping for Metal
Even if your engine is beyond repair, its metal components hold scrap value. Most engines contain significant aluminum parts, such as engine blocks and heads. As aluminum commands a higher price than steel in the scrap metal market, recycling these parts is a worthwhile way to recoup some value.
Transmission System: Power Transfer and Profit
The global automotive transmission market is valued at an estimated $109.36 billion, projected to reach $130.25 billion by 2026. These figures highlight the immense value of transmission systems. The transmission is the crucial mechanism that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It also regulates engine power, preventing excessive speed, and provides the driver with speed control. In essence, the transmission system is vital for maintaining safe vehicle speeds. Without it, a car would be stuck in a single gear, operating at either its maximum or minimum speed.
Furthermore, the transmission converts the engine’s power into torque, the rotational force that turns the wheels. No torque, no movement. Common signs of transmission trouble include slipping gears, burning smells, and fluid leaks. Ignoring these issues will eventually lead to transmission failure and inability to shift gears.
Transmission System Sales Strategies
If your transmission system is still repairable, you can sell it as is to car parts buyers. Some auto repair shops might be interested in purchasing it, especially if you’re hesitant to bear the potentially high repair costs. Similar to used engines, a market exists for used transmission systems.
Scrap Metal from Transmissions
Aluminum is a prevalent metal in transmission system casings, potentially comprising up to 85% of the transmission system. Steel, cast iron, aluminum, and brass are also commonly found in transmissions. Scrapping the metal components of a damaged transmission is another avenue for generating cash.
Catalytic Converter: Emission Control and Precious Metals
The catalytic converter’s origin is linked to the U.S. Clean Air Act, which mandated a 75% reduction in emissions for 1975 model vehicles. Since then, catalytic converters have become standard in all vehicles, playing a crucial role in minimizing harmful vehicle emissions. They reduce pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide, all of which are significant health and environmental hazards associated with global warming.
The high value of catalytic converters makes them a frequent target for theft, with US police receiving around 4,000 reports annually. Replacing a stolen catalytic converter can cost up to $2,000. Instead of incurring this expense, especially on an older car, scrapping the vehicle might be a more financially sound decision. Legally, selling a used catalytic converter is generally restricted. The EPA prohibits vehicle owners from removing and selling catalytic converters from their own cars. However, selling a catalytic converter as scrap material is permissible. Modern converters utilize valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, often containing 4 to 9 grams of these materials. Car scrap yards are the primary buyers for catalytic converters due to their precious metal content. Catalytic converters significantly influence junk car prices, so knowing if your vehicle has one intact is crucial for maximizing your scrap value. Learn more about how catalytic converters impact junk car prices.
GPS System: Navigation Value
While smartphones have largely replaced dedicated GPS devices for many drivers, a car’s built-in GPS system still holds resale value. Selling a functional, integrated GPS system from your scrapped car can add a couple of hundred dollars to your earnings. Even portable GPS systems can increase your car’s overall sellable value when included.
Fenders: Protection and Replacement Demand
Fenders are often overlooked until they are damaged or need replacement. Their practical function is to protect wheel wells and the car’s undercarriage. Modern car designs often integrate fenders and bumpers, making replacements costly. This drives demand for used fenders, which are typically more affordable from private sellers, creating a profitable market for those selling scrap car parts.
Doors: Entry Points to Profit
Car doors are essential for weather protection and vehicle security. Beyond their obvious function, they also contain valuable components for resale when parting out a vehicle.
While a car door may seem like a single unit, it comprises numerous sellable individual parts. Window controls, mirror controls, lock/unlock mechanisms, and even the sheet metal itself can be sold separately to maximize profit. Car accidents frequently necessitate door replacements, making used doors and their components valuable spare parts. Even if only certain parts of your doors are functional, like locks, handles, or side mirrors, a market likely exists for these individual components.
Bumpers: Impact Absorption and Resale
Dented, cracked, or missing bumpers are common sights on older vehicles. In modern cars, bumpers are complex multi-layered assemblies incorporating aluminum, steel, fiberglass composites, and plastic. This construction helps absorb impact in low-speed collisions. A bumper in good condition can fetch a decent price, potentially a few hundred dollars, depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. For example, if your car sustained rear-end damage, the front bumper might still be in excellent condition and sellable. Popular car makes and models often have a higher demand for replacement bumpers due to accident frequency. Conversely, even bumpers from less common or discontinued models can be valuable due to scarcity in the spare parts market. Bumpers are frequently damaged in accidents, ensuring consistent demand in the used parts market.
Battery: Recycling and Refurbishment Potential
Selling a car battery to a scrap yard might only yield around $20, but recycling it is an environmentally responsible choice, preventing harmful chemicals from polluting the environment. Alternatively, car batteries can sometimes be refurbished using distilled water and Epsom salt, potentially extending their lifespan by several years. This refurbishment allows for resale as a working used battery, increasing its value beyond scrap price.
Air Conditioning System: Cool Cash
A malfunctioning car air conditioner is a major discomfort. Fortunately, even in a scrapped car, the air conditioning system components can be valuable. Parts like the compressor and condenser can be sold for reuse in other vehicles or repurposed for other applications. Professional removal by a mechanic might be necessary before selling these components.
Airbags: Safety System Savings
If your car is totaled but the airbags did not deploy, these unused airbags can be sold. While an airbag unit itself might cost a couple of hundred dollars, professional installation can significantly increase the total replacement cost, potentially reaching $1,000. Consequently, individuals seeking to save money often opt for used, undetonated airbags. A seller who knows the market can potentially get up to $200 for a good condition, undeployed airbag. Steering wheel and front passenger airbags are typically among the most valuable. Caution is paramount when handling airbags. They are explosive devices and can cause serious injury if improperly handled. Attempting to remove airbags yourself without experience is strongly discouraged. Damage during removal will also render them worthless as scrap parts.
Windshield Wiper Arms: Small Parts, Small Profit
Windshield wiper arms might not be high-value items, but every bit counts when scrapping a car. Depending on the car model, you might get up to $65 per windshield wiper arm.
Tailgates: Truck Bed Access and Value
A truck tailgate, while seemingly simple, can be worth a couple of hundred dollars if in good condition when selling scrap car parts. Custom or specialized tailgates can command significantly higher prices.
Motor Oil & Oil Filters: Responsible Recycling
Recycling used motor oil and oil filters won’t generate substantial profit, but it’s an environmentally sound practice. Motor oil doesn’t actually wear out; it simply becomes contaminated. Proper disposal and recycling are crucial. Taking used oil to authorized recycling stations or garages ensures it can be re-refined and reused. Similarly, oil filters can be cleaned, refurbished, and reused after oil removal.
Radio: Entertainment Value
Beyond major mechanical failures, a broken car radio is a significant inconvenience for many drivers. If you’ve upgraded your car radio, the original factory unit or even aftermarket systems can be sold.
Custom audio systems and speakers are particularly valuable interior car parts. In addition to local scrapyards, online marketplaces can connect you with buyers seeking to upgrade their car audio. Even stock standard audio systems are sought-after commodities for replacements in other vehicles.
Infotainment System: Tech Integration and Demand
By 2019, eight out of ten cars sold in the US included a dashboard touchscreen. Infotainment systems, with their multi-functionality, are highly desirable. Their audio and video interfaces simplify vehicle control, and hands-free features enhance driving safety by minimizing distractions. A functional infotainment system can be sold to car accessory shops, pawnshops, or electronics stores. A complete system, including navigation, touchscreen display, and stereo, will command a higher price. Online platforms, driver forums, and social media can also connect you with individual buyers who may be willing to pay more for quality technology. New infotainment system upgrades can cost up to $1,290, highlighting the value of these systems. Even non-functional infotainment systems retain scrap value in their electrical terminals, motherboards, wiring, and even the glass and plastic components.
Wheels and Tires: Rolling in Potential Profit
If you can safely remove them, selling the complete wheel setup (rims and tires) to individual buyers is an option. Aluminum alloy wheels are more valuable, but even steel wheels have scrap value. For tires to be profitable, the tread must be in good condition, and they should be relatively new. Larger tires from SUVs or trucks can fetch higher prices in the secondhand market. Wheels, tires, and rims are often overlooked but can be surprisingly valuable. Even seemingly worn-out wheels and rims can be desirable to car enthusiasts or modification specialists, especially if they are aluminum.
Wheel and Tire Sales Options
Complete Sets: If both tires and wheels are in good condition, selling them as a set to buyers with the same car make and model is convenient.
Separate Sales: If you intend to reuse the wheels, selling tires separately is viable. Conversely, if you find a buyer only for the wheels, you can sell the tires separately to those seeking replacements in good condition.
Scrap Value: Worn-out tires and damaged wheels still have scrap value for recycling, although the profit will be lower. Recycling is still an environmentally responsible way to dispose of these parts and prevent them from ending up in landfills. California alone generates 51 million reusable and waste tires annually, illustrating the scale of tire waste.
Car Seats: Comfort and Replacement Needs
Car seats, both front and rear, are among the best junkyard parts to sell. Seats in good condition are highly sought after as replacements for worn, stained, or ripped seats. Finding an auto salvage yard near you is the first step in selling car seats.
Radiator: Engine Cooling and Aluminum Content
Radiators are crucial for preventing engine overheating. Functional radiators are valuable as replacement parts. Additionally, radiators contain significant amounts of aluminum, similar to engines, making them valuable for scrap metal. Before selling, ensure the coolant is drained and the radiator is removed from the car.
Windshield: Visibility and Replacement Market
Automobile glass, particularly windshields, is valuable. Windshields are prone to damage even in minor accidents and from road debris like rocks or hail. Hail damage and chips are common reasons for windshield replacement, creating a consistent demand for used windshields and other car windows.
Lights: Illumination and Safety Spares
Headlights and taillights in undamaged condition (not cracked or broken) are sellable as spare parts. High-end lights like Xenon headlights tend to be more valuable. Car accidents frequently damage headlights, ensuring a steady market for replacements.
Turn Your Junk Car into Quick Cash
This guide outlines the most valuable car parts to scrap, demonstrating the hidden worth in even old or non-running vehicles. If you have the time, skills, and tools, parting out your car and selling individual parts can be profitable. However, it requires time for disassembly, parts valuation research, and finding buyers. For a faster and easier solution, consider selling your car to a junk car buying company. Companies like Cash Auto Salvage offer free towing, prompt pickup, and immediate payment for your vehicle. If you prefer a hassle-free approach and want to avoid the labor of dismantling your car and potential mistakes that could diminish part values, selling your entire car is the most efficient option.
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