Junk Car Values by Make and Model in Detroit

This page covers the 15 vehicles we buy most often in Metro Detroit, organized by category. The ranges are honest. They reflect what we've paid recently for vehicles in each condition tier, not a "best case if everything goes perfectly" number we'd have to walk back at pickup.

For every vehicle below, you'll see three condition tiers: non-running (engine dead or vehicle won't move under its own power), runs but needs work (drives, but with a major mechanical issue or significant body damage), and runs decent (mechanically sound, may be older or high-mileage). Newer vehicles within each tier pay top of range. Vehicles with intact catalytic converters always pay more than ones where the converter has been removed or stolen.

How these values are calculated

Three things drive the number on every car. Curb weight sets the scrap-metal floor (Michigan ferrous rates run $170 to $185 per ton, so a 4,000-lb vehicle is worth roughly $340 to $370 in raw metal alone). Catalytic converter value adds $50 to $400+ depending on the vehicle (V8 trucks have the most valuable converters, compact cars the least). Parts demand for the specific year/make/model determines what salvage yards will pay above scrap and converter value, and that's where Detroit-favored vehicles pull ahead.

For the full breakdown of how junk car valuation works generally, see our junk car valuation guide.

Trucks (the strongest category in Detroit)

Full-size pickups consistently pay the most of any vehicle category in Metro Detroit. The reasons are real: heavier curb weights mean more scrap metal, V8 catalytic converters are the highest-value converters on any vehicle, and the parts demand in this market is significantly higher for trucks than anything else. Even a junk truck with major problems usually pays $500 minimum.

Ford F-150

The most-bought vehicle in Metro Detroit, and consistently one of our highest payers. Pickup parts move quickly, the F-150's V8 cats are valuable, and the body steel is heavy.

• Non-running: $600 to $1,400. Most common scenario, blown engine or transmission failure.
• Runs but needs work: $900 to $2,200. Failing transmission, frame rust, deferred maintenance.
• Runs decent: $1,500 to $3,500+. Older but mechanically sound, especially the 2011 to 2017 generation.

Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra

Same family of trucks, similar values. The GMT800 (1999-2007) and GMT900 (2007-2014) generations show up most often. Both have strong parts demand around Detroit because of how many were sold here over the years.

• Non-running: $550 to $1,300.
• Runs but needs work: $850 to $2,000.
• Runs decent: $1,400 to $3,200+.

Ram 1500 (and older Dodge Ram)

Slightly behind F-150 and Silverado in average payout, mostly because the parts market is a bit narrower. Hemi-equipped trucks pay top of range due to engine demand.

• Non-running: $500 to $1,200.
• Runs but needs work: $800 to $1,800.
• Runs decent: $1,300 to $3,000+.

Toyota Tacoma

The exception to the "domestic trucks dominate" pattern. Tacomas hold value extraordinarily well, even as junk cars. Older Tacomas (especially 1995-2004) often pay above newer GM trucks because the resale market for them is so strong.

• Non-running: $700 to $1,800.
• Runs but needs work: $1,200 to $2,800.
• Runs decent: $2,000 to $4,500+.

Full-size SUVs

Truck-based SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition) share most of the truck advantages: heavy curb weight, valuable cats, strong parts demand. Grand Cherokees fit here too, even though they're a bit smaller, because Jeep parts demand in Metro Detroit is consistently high.

Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon / Suburban

Heavy, V8, plenty of parts. Tahoes typically pay similar to Silverados, Suburbans pay slightly more because they're heavier.

• Non-running: $550 to $1,400.
• Runs but needs work: $900 to $2,100.
• Runs decent: $1,500 to $3,400+.

Ford Expedition

Slightly lower demand than Tahoe/Suburban in this market, but still a strong payer. Lincoln Navigator versions pay similar to Expedition.

• Non-running: $500 to $1,300.
• Runs but needs work: $850 to $1,900.
• Runs decent: $1,400 to $3,100+.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Strong Detroit-area parts demand because of how many were sold and how many are still on the road. The 4.0L straight-six engine in older Grand Cherokees has near-mythical durability and even a "blown" one usually has resalable parts.

• Non-running: $450 to $1,200.
• Runs but needs work: $700 to $1,800.
• Runs decent: $1,200 to $2,800+.

Mid-size SUVs and crossovers

Mid-size SUVs sit between truck-tier and sedan-tier values. Lighter than full-size SUVs but heavier than sedans. Cats are smaller but still meaningfully valuable. Parts demand varies more by specific model than in the truck category.

Ford Escape

Common around Detroit, decent parts demand. The hybrid versions (2005-2012) have valuable hybrid batteries that boost the offer significantly when intact.

• Non-running: $300 to $800.
• Runs but needs work: $500 to $1,200.
• Runs decent: $800 to $2,000+.

Honda CR-V

Strong resale market, parts demand consistent. CR-Vs typically pay higher than equivalent Escapes despite being lighter, because the parts buyer pool is larger.

• Non-running: $350 to $900.
• Runs but needs work: $600 to $1,400.
• Runs decent: $1,000 to $2,400+.

Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain

Mid-pack performer. Newer generation (2018+) Equinoxes often pay top of range due to fresher parts inventory in the resale market.

• Non-running: $300 to $750.
• Runs but needs work: $500 to $1,200.
• Runs decent: $800 to $2,000+.

Sedans (foreign vs American)

Sedans are where the foreign-vs-American gap is most visible. A junk Honda Accord typically pays $100 to $300 more than an equivalent Chevy Malibu, despite being similar in weight and age. The reason is straightforward: more buyers want Accord parts than Malibu parts. This isn't a Detroit thing specifically, it's a national resale pattern, and we pay what the parts market will support.

Toyota Camry

The most reliable mid-size sedan in the market, and parts demand matches that. Even older Camrys with high mileage pay strongly because someone is always rebuilding one.

• Non-running: $300 to $800.
• Runs but needs work: $500 to $1,300.
• Runs decent: $900 to $2,200+.

Honda Accord

Similar to Camry on payout. The 2003-2007 generation in particular has very strong parts demand because of how many are still on the road in the rust belt.

• Non-running: $300 to $800.
• Runs but needs work: $500 to $1,300.
• Runs decent: $900 to $2,200+.

Honda Civic

Smaller than Accord, slightly lower scrap weight, but matched parts demand. The 2006-2011 generation is where we see the most volume, and where prices are most stable.

• Non-running: $250 to $700.
• Runs but needs work: $400 to $1,100.
• Runs decent: $750 to $1,900+.

Chevrolet Malibu / Impala (and GM full-size sedans)

Heavier than the foreign sedans, lighter parts demand. Net result is similar payouts on the bottom and middle of the range, slightly behind on the top. The 3.6L V6 in newer Impalas adds some converter value.

• Non-running: $250 to $650.
• Runs but needs work: $400 to $1,000.
• Runs decent: $700 to $1,700+.

Vans and minivans

Minivans are middle-of-the-pack on weight and value. Cargo vans (Express, Transit, Sprinter) often pay above passenger minivans because the parts demand from small businesses is consistent.

Dodge Caravan / Chrysler Town & Country / Pacifica

The dominant minivan in this market. Strong parts demand for older generations (2008-2020 Caravans especially). Pacificas pay slightly more due to newer-vehicle premium.

• Non-running: $300 to $800.
• Runs but needs work: $500 to $1,200.
• Runs decent: $900 to $2,100+.

What raises the offer within each range

Even within the same model and condition tier, individual vehicles pay differently based on a few factors:

• Newer year of the same generation. A 2014 within "runs decent" tier pays more than a 2009 within the same tier.
• Catalytic converter intact. A vehicle with the original cat pays $50 to $400 more than the same vehicle with a stolen or aftermarket cat. This matters most on V8 trucks and SUVs.
• Working drivetrain components. A "non-running" vehicle where the transmission still worked when the engine failed is worth more than one where the transmission failed first. We can resell working transmissions; failed ones are worth less.
• Title in your name. Clean title pays the most. Salvage and rebuilt titles reduce the offer slightly. Missing titles reduce more, though we can often work around it.
• Wheels and tires intact. A complete wheel set adds $50 to $200 depending on the vehicle.
• Interior in salvageable condition. Seats, dash, instrument cluster, navigation systems all have parts value if intact.

What lowers the offer within each range

• Stolen or missing catalytic converter. Detroit has had widespread converter theft. If yours was taken, the offer drops by $50 to $400.
• Engine pulled or missing. Drops the "non-running" tier value substantially because most parts demand is for the drivetrain.
• Heavy fire damage. Reduces parts value to mostly scrap. Engines and transmissions on the opposite side of the vehicle from the fire often survive though.
• Frame damage from severe accident. Limits resale of body panels and structural components. Drivetrain parts may still be intact.
• Years of sitting outdoors in Michigan. Brake lines rust through, fluids degrade, rodents nest in interior, rubber dries out. After 5+ years, expect 20-30% reduction.
• Heavy rust on body and frame. Common on older Metro Detroit vehicles due to road salt. Reduces parts demand for body panels.

Frequently asked questions

Why do trucks pay so much more than sedans?

Two reasons. Trucks weigh significantly more than sedans, so the raw scrap value is higher (a 5,000-lb F-150 vs a 3,000-lb Civic means $170 more in scrap value alone). And the parts market for full-size pickups in Metro Detroit is the strongest of any vehicle category, so buyers consistently pay above scrap-plus-cat value for truck parts. The combination puts truck payouts 2 to 3 times sedan payouts at every condition tier.

Are foreign cars really worth more than American cars?

For sedans and crossovers, generally yes. A junk Camry pays roughly $100 to $300 more than a junk Malibu of similar condition, despite similar weights and similar cats. The reason is parts demand: more buyers want Camry parts. For trucks and full-size SUVs, American brands match or beat foreign equivalents because the Detroit-area market for full-size pickups is dominated by domestic brands. So Tacomas pay similar to Silverados, but Camrys outpay Malibus.

How accurate are these ranges?

They reflect typical recent payouts in Metro Detroit. Final offers depend on the specifics: year, mileage, condition, whether the catalytic converter is intact, current scrap rates, and any unusual features. For a real number on your vehicle, call us at (313) 889-7717 or use the instant offer form.

What if my vehicle isn't on this list?

We buy everything else too. The values just aren't as predictable because we see fewer of them. Volvos, Saabs, Audis, BMWs, Subarus, older Mazdas, work vans, RVs, motorcycles. Call for a quote on any vehicle not listed.

Do these values include the free tow?

Yes. The tow is always free, never deducted from the offer. The number you see in any of these ranges is the cash you get at pickup, not "before tow fees" or "subject to deductions."