Types of Precious Metal That Might Be in Your Junk Car

Do you have a junk car to sell? If so, you might be surprised to learn that it could contain certain metals that are higher in economic value. These are known as precious metals, and if your junk car has them, you can earn a better profit at a local scrap yard! Continue reading to learn which types of precious metals might be in a junk car, and what you can expect to earn for yours at a local cash for cars company.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

What is a Precious Metal?

A precious metal is any metallic chemical element that has a high economic value, specifically due to its rare occurrence in nature, useful properties, and aesthetic qualities. In some cases, precious metal is used as currency, or has been throughout history. These metals are highly corrosion-resistant, making them great elements for jewelry, currency, and investment. The rarer a metal, the more precious and valuable it will be on the market. Common examples of precious metals include gold, platinum, silver, rhodium, and palladium.

Copper

At times, copper can be considered a precious metal when considering its uses in jewelry and currency, however, it is highly common and attainable making it “not-so-precious” of a commodity. Although not worth much, copper is a fantastic metal to sell or recycle because it can be reused over and over again for our own benefit.  With the fluctuating economy in progress, valuable metals such as these retain their worth and are considered a valuable and lucrative investment.

Precious Metals in Cars

Cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans, motorcycles, scooters, and all other motorized equipment, contains one or more forms of precious metal. Virtually all motorized commodities contain copper. As for precious metals, it really depends on the vehicle’s age and condition. Modern cars are manufactured with several more computer systems than cars in the previous years, which are where the highest quantities of precious metal can be found. Computer systems like stereos, disc changers, CD players, media players, GPS systems, and backup cameras, all utilize a computer board, fitted with specialty metals like copper and gold-plated fingers.

Another auto part that contain precious metal is the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are primarily manufactured with platinum, and high-valued precious metal. Platinum is very rare and valuable, and it currently has a great price point on the scrap metal market. And right now, its demand is sky-rocketing because it has so many advanced technological applications. Other small deposits of precious metals within catalytic converters are rhodium or palladium.

How to Get Top Dollar for Your Junk Car in Indianapolis

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell junk cars for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

What Does a Junk Car Appraiser Look For?

When you have a junk car to sell, your top priority is probably to make the most money you can. However, you can’t achieve your goal of retaining a decent profit unless you first choose the right junk car buyer. There are literally hundreds of so-called “junk car buyers” in your area, but not all are true, industry professionals. Many are con artists, scammers, and what you would call a “fly-by-the-night” business. Instead, look for a trusted Cash for Cars company that can offer the best payout for your junk vehicle. A reputable junk car buyer uses a systematic, concentrated approach to appraise scrap vehicles and estimate a fair offer.

Continue below to learn what a junk car appraiser looks for when building their estimates.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers
Sell Us Your Junk Car! 317-608-2188

Junk car buying companies accept all scrap vehicles and motorized equipment, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. However, these same factors will influence the overall value of a scrap vehicle. When you schedule your junk car appraisal, the appraiser will arrive and look for several factors to determine the overall scrap value of your vehicle, but the top 4 include:

Vehicle Location – The location of your junk car has a small, yet nominal impact on the overall appraised value. This impact is not the same across the board, and instead, varies from company to company. To reduce this impact, choose a junk car buyer that offers free towing and haul-away, so that you will not have to pay out-of-pocket to have your junk car removed.

Vehicle Condition – The condition of a scrap vehicle is important to the overall scrap value since more operational parts and cars are worth more than non-operational ones. Cars that still run are worth more than cars that do not, and so on. If the car does not run, it will likely be sold for its parts, all of which can affect the overall appraisal.

Current Scrap Metal Prices – The current prices for scrap metal in the United States and global economy have the most impact on how much your junk car will be appraised for. The average car is made of approximately 55% steel, 300 lbs. of aluminum, and weighs around 2.5 tons. You simply need to look at the market and do the math.

Make and Model – The make and age of a junk vehicle also have a major impact on its appraisal value. Some cars are more in demand in the scrap industry than others. For instance, older or rarer cars whose parts are not manufactured anymore are higher in demand than current make and model vehicles.

Where to Sell a Junk Car for the Highest Price in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis. Our Indiana junk car buyers offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. No title? No problem! Give us a call anyway! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188