Will Junk Haulers Take Car Parts?
Published March 2026
Most junk car haulers and cash-for-cars companies buy complete vehicles — not loose parts. Scrap metal yards will take metal parts by weight. For individual parts like engines, transmissions, or catalytic converters, a scrap yard or private sale typically pays more. Selling a complete vehicle always earns more than selling it stripped.
Last updated: March 2026
What Different Buyers Accept
| Buyer Type | Complete Cars | Loose Parts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash-for-cars company (RidOfMyCar) | ✓ Yes — free towing | ✗ No | Fastest, easiest, includes towing |
| Scrap metal yard | ✓ Yes — by weight | ✓ Yes — metal parts by weight | Metal parts, car bodies, scrap |
| Pull-a-part junkyard | ✓ Yes — they resell parts | ✗ Rarely | Complete vehicles with good parts |
| Private sale (FB Marketplace) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Working parts, specialty items |
| Catalytic converter recycler | ✗ No | ✓ Converters only | Selling converters with proof of ownership |
Should You Remove Parts Before Junking?
In almost all cases, no. Here's why removing parts typically costs you money:
| Part Removed | Reduction in Junk Offer | Typical Part Sale Price | Net Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalytic converter | $100 – $250 | $50 – $400 (varies) | Break-even or slight gain |
| Car battery | $25 – $50 | $10 – $30 core | Usually a loss |
| Wheels / rims (stock) | $50 – $150 | $50 – $200 set | Minimal gain, more work |
| Engine (non-running) | $200 – $500 | $50 – $200 scrap | Usually a loss |
| Working engine (popular model) | $300 – $600 | $300 – $1,000+ | Possible gain — research first |
| Stereo / electronics | $25 – $75 | $25 – $100 | Minimal, time-consuming |
Exception: If you have a rare or high-demand part from a specialty or classic vehicle, researching private sale value on eBay Motors first is worthwhile.
Where to Sell Loose Car Parts
Facebook Marketplace
Best for working parts: engines, transmissions, body panels. Local buyers, no shipping hassle. List with clear photos and honest condition description.
eBay Motors
Larger audience for specialty or hard-to-find parts. Best for rims, electronics, and parts from popular models. Shipping required for most sales.
Craigslist Auto Parts
Still active in Atlanta metro. Good for large heavy items (engines, transmissions) where local pickup is necessary.
Local scrap metal yard
For parts with no resale value — buy weight for scrap steel (~$0.05–$0.10/lb). Call ahead to confirm they accept car parts.
Auto parts stores (cores)
Alternators, starters, brake calipers — many auto parts stores pay "core" deposits ($15–$40) for old parts to be rebuilt.
Catalytic converter recyclers
Specialized buyers pay based on precious metal content. Require proof of ownership to avoid fencing stolen converters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will junk haulers take car parts?
It depends on the type of hauler. Junk car buyers (cash-for-cars companies) buy complete vehicles, not loose parts. Scrap metal yards accept metal parts by weight. Pull-a-part junkyards purchase complete vehicles and let customers remove parts. For loose car parts like engines, transmissions, or catalytic converters, a scrap yard or online marketplace like Facebook Marketplace is your best option.
Will a junk car buyer take a car with missing parts?
Yes, but missing parts reduce the offer. A car missing its catalytic converter may receive $100–$200 less. Missing an engine or transmission significantly reduces value. Complete vehicles always pay more than stripped ones.
Do junk yards buy loose engines and transmissions?
Some scrap metal yards will buy a loose engine or transmission as scrap metal by weight. Full-service junkyards typically want complete vehicles, not individual drivetrain parts. Selling a working engine or transmission privately through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist usually pays more than scrap value.
Who buys catalytic converters near me?
Scrap metal dealers and specialized catalytic converter recyclers pay cash for catalytic converters. Prices vary widely depending on the vehicle make — Toyota and Honda converters pay the most. Note: selling a catalytic converter requires proof of ownership in Georgia to prevent selling stolen parts.
Should I remove valuable parts before junking my car?
Generally no. Junk car buyers pay based on the complete vehicle. Removing parts (especially the catalytic converter) reduces your cash offer more than you'd typically gain selling the parts separately. The exception is if you have rare, high-demand parts from a specialty or classic vehicle.
Want Cash for Your Complete Vehicle?
Free towing. Cash on the spot. Any condition — parts present or not.
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