5 Reasons Why You Won’t Get $500 Cash for Your Junk Car

Although possible in the past, it isn’t likely that you’ll get more than $500 for your junk vehicle any time soon. And here’s why…

Cash for Cars Indianapolis 317-450-3721

Cash for Cars Indianapolis 317-450-3721

Just a few short years ago, the scrap metal industry was content. Back then, you could easily get $500 or more for a quality junk car considering scrap steel was selling at an average of $400 per ton. But times have changed since then, and the industry has experienced an on-going slump. And this slump isn’t the roller coaster kind, with rising and falling values. Instead, think of it as a steady, downhill ski slope that ends with a sudden drop off.

Unfortunately, the market has not seen any rising values for scrap metal since before 2014. Continue reading to learn why you probably won’t get the value you’d once expect from selling your junk car for cash to an auto salvage center.

Scrap Metal Exports are Down

Our country used to export an abundant amount of scrap metal overseas, but not anymore. In fact, the United States exported an average of 20 million metric tons every year. And as little as 5 years ago, that number was a whopping 24 million! But in 2014, the number dropped significantly, and has continued to decline ever since. And in terms of basic economics, when demand is low, so are prices.

The U.S. Dollar is Up

Although it sounds good that the U.S. American dollar is on the rise, but in terms of international commerce, it’s not. As the value of the U.S. dollar increases, it becomes more expensive for other countries to purchase U.S. goods, including metal. This brings us right back to the basics of economics mentioned above.

The U.S. is Importing Canadian Steel

Canada’s steel industry is diminishing, causing them to export more and more to the United States. And for cities close to the Canadian borders, it can be less expensive to import Canadian steel than to have it transported from somewhere else in the United States. And when you couple that with a weak Canadian dollar, you can understand the circumstances.

China is Long Gone

The United States used to sell a significant amount of steel to China. But now that China’s economy has taken a slower pace, they are no longer interested in buying as much steel from our country. And if they won’t buy it, we can’t sell it. Again, when demand is low, so are the prices.

The Competition

China produces steel and exports it cheap to sell to other countries. This puts other steel-producing countries in a poor position. So as other country’s’ prices for steel decrease, the U.S. is forced to buy this cheaper steel, causing American steel producers to have trouble with their businesses.

Auto Salvage Companies

Auto salvage companies wish they could give you the value you expect for your junk car, but they just cannot. The industry is simply not doing well right now, and there’s no sign of it getting better any time soon. However, you can still receive a fair price for your junk vehicle if you visit a cash for cars company in your area.

Indianapolis Cash for Cars

Junk Car Buyers 317-450-3721

Junk Car Buyers 317-450-3721

Call 317-450-3721 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. We will buy your junk vehicle regardless of its condition, and pay you the fairest return in town! For more than 75 years, our company has been a trusted source for junk car selling, so you can trust us too! Call 317-450-3721 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis cash for cars, today.