Junk Car Prices in Chicago, IL (August 2025)
The current scrap price for cars in Chicago ranges from $170 to $190 per ton as of August 1, 2025. Most junk cars weigh 1.5 to 2.75 tons, bringing $255 to $523 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 97 junk cars purchased in Chicago last month, we paid an average of $589 with our highest offer reaching $4,430. About 42% of vehicles we buy are still in driving condition. Prices update monthly, sometimes weekly, based on commondity markets.
Junk Car Prices in Chicago 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 $180 per ton in Chicago.
| Vehicle Type | Average Weight | Base Scrap Value in Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Coupes | 1.5 tons | $270 |
| Sedans | 1.75 tons | $315 |
| Full-Size Cars | 2 tons | $360 |
| Vans | 2.25 tons | $405 |
| SUVs | 2.5 tons | $450 |
| Trucks | 2.75 tons | $495 |
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 Chicago for Complete Vehicles
These are average payouts we deliver for Chicago's most common junk cars. Make sure to get the most cash for cars in Chicago based on your vehicle's complete value, not just its weight in scrap metal.
| Vehicle Make & Model | Average Price | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Nissan Altima (7 sold) | $718 | $390 – $1,070 |
| 2 Dodge Grand Caravan (6 sold) | $503 | $380 – $700 |
| 3 Jeep Grand Cherokee (6 sold) | $431 | $430 – $435 |
| 4 Toyota Corolla (5 sold) | $1,167 | $390 – $2,600 |
| 5 Chevrolet Cruze (5 sold) | $588 | $390 – $975 |
| 6 Hyundai Sonata (5 sold) | $447 | $390 – $610 |
| 7 Jeep Liberty (5 sold) | $430 | $430 – $430 |
| 8 Chevrolet Impala (5 sold) | $428 | $390 – $485 |
| 9 Ford Focus (4 sold) | $661 | $390 – $960 |
| 10 Chevrolet Equinox (4 sold) | $599 | $430 – $795 |
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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