April 2026 · Scrap Value Guide
Catalytic Converter Scrap Value in 2026
A catalytic converter's scrap value ranges from $50 to $1,400+ depending on the vehicle. Most common junk cars (Camry, Accord, Altima, F-150) have converters worth $150–$500. The value is driven by platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside the honeycomb substrate. When you sell your car to RidOfMyCar.com, the converter value is already factored into your offer.
What Makes a Catalytic Converter Valuable?
Inside every catalytic converter is a ceramic or metalite honeycomb coated with platinum group metals (PGMs): platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals catalyze the conversion of harmful exhaust gases (CO, NOx, hydrocarbons) into less harmful substances.
These metals are among the rarest on earth. Even with pricing pullback from 2022 peaks, current spot prices remain high: palladium ~$950/troy oz, platinum ~$950/troy oz, rhodium ~$4,800/troy oz (April 2026). A single converter contains fractions of a troy ounce of each — but at those prices, even small amounts add up fast.
Catalytic Converter Scrap Values by Vehicle (2026)
Prices represent the converter's standalone scrap market value, not the direct payout — processors take a spread. Your junk car buyer factors this value into your total vehicle offer.
| Vehicle Make & Model | Converter Scrap Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius (2004–2021) | $500 – $1,400 | Highest PGM loading of any common vehicle |
| Honda Accord (2002–2016) | $150 – $450 | High palladium content, very common |
| Toyota Camry (2002–2018) | $150 – $420 | Solid palladium loading, high volume recycled |
| Ford F-150 (2004–2016) | $200 – $500 | Dual converters on some engine configs |
| Chevrolet Silverado (2004–2016) | $200 – $480 | V8 engines have higher PGM content |
| BMW 3-Series (2005–2018) | $350 – $900 | European spec requires higher PGM loading |
| Mercedes-Benz (E/C class) | $300 – $850 | Euro emission standard, heavy coating |
| Acura MDX / TL | $250 – $600 | Honda-derived V6, strong palladium load |
| Ford Mustang (2005–2014) | $200 – $500 | V8 versions have dual catalysts |
| Nissan Altima / Maxima | $150 – $350 | Standard Japanese spec converter |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee (2005–2016) | $200 – $480 | V8 Hemi has dual converters |
| Dodge Charger / Challenger (V8) | $250 – $550 | Dual converter setup on Hemi models |
| Honda Civic (2001–2015) | $100 – $280 | Smaller displacement, lower PGM load |
| Toyota Corolla (2003–2017) | $120 – $300 | Compact engine, lighter catalyst |
How This Affects Your Junk Car Payout
When a junk car buyer quotes your vehicle, they calculate total value as:
Scrap Steel Value + Catalytic Converter Value + Reusable Parts = Total Offer
For example, a 2008 Honda Accord with a 3,200 lb curb weight:
- → Scrap steel (3,200 lbs × $0.09/lb): ~$288
- → Catalytic converter: ~$250–$350
- → Reusable parts (running engine, good transmission): ~$100–$200
- Total: $638 – $838
This is why junk car buyers pay significantly more than scrap yards that only weigh the metal — and why you should always sell to a full-service buyer, not just drop it at a yard.
Should You Remove the Converter Before Selling?
Don't do it — here's why:
- • Your junk car buyer already factors the converter into their offer. Removing it just lowers the offer by that same amount.
- • Selling a catalytic converter without a proper license is illegal in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-390 et seq). Metal recyclers must verify seller identity and vehicle ownership.
- • You'd need equipment to safely remove it (exhaust cutters, jack stands) and exposure to exhaust byproducts during removal.
- • Most individual sellers get significantly less from a recycler than a licensed dismantler does — you won't recoup the full converter value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a catalytic converter worth as scrap?
A catalytic converter's scrap value ranges from $50 to $1,200+ depending on the vehicle make and model. Most common domestic cars have converters worth $150–$400. Luxury vehicles (Acura, BMW, Mercedes) and trucks tend to have higher-value converters. The value comes from platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) inside the honeycomb substrate.
Which cars have the most valuable catalytic converters?
The most valuable catalytic converters come from Toyota Prius (hybrid, $500–$1,400), Ferrari ($2,000+), BMW 3-series ($700–$1,200), and Ford F-250/F-350 with diesel ($500–$900). Among common junk cars, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry converters are both worth $200–$450.
Does removing the catalytic converter before selling hurt my junk car value?
Yes — significantly. Most junk car buyers factor the catalytic converter value into their offer. If it's already removed, the offer drops by the converter's value ($100–$600 for most vehicles). It's almost never worth removing it yourself unless you can sell it directly to a metal recycler, which requires proper equipment and is illegal in many states without a business license.
Why are catalytic converter prices so high?
Catalytic converters use platinum group metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Palladium hit $2,800/troy oz in 2022 and rhodium briefly reached $29,000/troy oz. These metals are rare and in high demand for industrial and automotive use. Even with some price pullback in 2024–2025, the metals inside a converter make it one of the most valuable recyclable components of any vehicle.
Get a Quote That Includes Your Converter Value
We factor in catalytic converter, steel, and parts — not just scrap weight. Call for an instant offer.
Call (678) 490-7989