Junk Car Prices in San Jose, CA (August 2025)
The current scrap price for cars in San Jose ranges from $180 to $200 per ton as of August 1, 2025. Most junk cars weigh 1.5 to 2.75 tons, bringing $270 to $550 in scrap value alone.
At Junk Car Inferno, we value junk cars based on the vehicle's weight, condition, parts value, and resale potential when determining the final payout. In 65 junk cars purchased in San Jose last month, we paid an average of $759 with our highest offer reaching $8,035. About 42% of vehicles we buy are still in driving condition. Prices update monthly, sometimes weekly, based on commondity markets.
Junk Car Prices in San Jose by Vehicle Type
Different vehicle types bring different payouts based on weight and parts value. This table shows starting prices for common vehicle categories based on current scrap rates of $190 per ton in San Jose.
| Vehicle Type | Average Weight | Base Scrap Value in San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Coupes | 1.5 tons | $285 |
| Sedans | 1.75 tons | $333 |
| Full-Size Cars | 2 tons | $380 |
| Vans | 2.25 tons | $428 |
| SUVs | 2.5 tons | $475 |
| Trucks | 2.75 tons | $523 |
These starting values represent scrap metal worth only. Cars with working engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, or good body parts command higher prices.
Average Junk Car Payouts in San Jose for Complete Vehicles
These are average payouts we deliver for San Jose's most common junk cars. Make sure to get the most cash for cars in San Jose based on your vehicle's complete value, not just its weight in scrap metal.
| Vehicle Make & Model | Average Price | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ford Escape (6 sold) | $738 | $230 – $945 |
| 2 Toyota Camry (5 sold) | $921 | $385 – $1,460 |
| 3 Toyota Corolla (4 sold) | $1,206 | $820 – $1,375 |
| 4 Honda Accord (4 sold) | $458 | $205 – $1,190 |
| 5 Ford F-150 (3 sold) | $2,233 | $850 – $3,040 |
| 6 Ford Fusion (3 sold) | $512 | $195 – $680 |
| 7 Chevrolet Impala (3 sold) | $307 | $195 – $420 |
| 8 BMW 5-Series (3 sold) | $190 | $190 – $190 |
| 9 Toyota 4Runner (2 sold) | $2,165 | $1,835 – $2,495 |
| 10 Chevrolet Equinox (2 sold) | $1,195 | $1,145 – $1,245 |
At Junk Car Inferno, we tap into all buyer types through our nationwide network. We evaluate your car's total potential, not just its scrap weight. This results in offers that regularly beat local junkyard prices by 10% to 30%.
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