Can I scrap a car with missing parts?

Have you stripped your old car for parts and are wondering if it’s still worth scrapping?

You’re not the only one.

Whether it’s missing its wheels, engine, or other key components, this guide explains how part removal affects your scrap or salvage quote, and what to expect when arranging a collection with Scrap Local.

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Can you collect a car with no wheels?

Scrap Local cannot collect vehicles without wheels. Our recovery agents use standard tilt-and-slide recovery trucks, and without wheels, there’s no safe or practical way to winch your vehicle onto the truck.

A car without wheels required a HIAB (crane-lift trick), which we don’t currently operate.

Some specialist companies may offer this service, but you’ll likely need to contact them directly and expect longer wait times for additional costs.

scrap car recycling

What if my car has missing parts?

We can collect cars with some parts removed, but how it affects your quote depends on whether it’s being sold for scrap or salvage.

A scrap car

When a vehicle is scrapped, the quote you’re given is based on its metal weight alone.

Therefore, missing parts mean a lighter shell and less metal, resulting in less money. If your car is mostly stripped, you will only get a small return.

We recommend reading our 2025 scrap price drop guide to understand why scrap metal weights are currently lower across the UK.

 

A salvage car

A vehicle is considered salvage if it can be repaired and sold on or broken for valuable parts.

These cars are offered a much higher price to scrap, but if it has missing components, then the quote you’re offered will be lowered.

Every salvage case is different. At Scrap Local. we aim to give you a fair, accurate, and guaranteed price so that there are no surprises on the day of collection.

Unlike some companies that reduce their offer last minute, we stand by our quotes.

To do this, we’ll ask you to send clear images of your vehicle using a secure link that will be sent by us after we have had our initial phone call with you. Our team will then assess its condition and provide a tailored quote. This process takes a little longer than quoting for a standard scrap car, but it means you’ll receive more money. We even send your vehicle details to local agents to see if we can secure you a better price.

You’ll get peace of mind knowing the price we quote is the price you’ll be paid.

scrap local car parts - headlights

Do I need the V5C logbook to scrap my car?

You don’t need to have the logbook to scrap your car, but it does make the process easier if you do have it.

If you do not have the logbook, you must have the keys for the vehicle, proving that you own it.

See our full guide on the paperwork you need to find out what’s required.

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Can I scrap a car with missing parts?

Cars with missing parts can still be scrapped, provided they meet specific criteria.

While we don’t take cars without wheels, we’re happy to quote for vehicles missing parts like lights, interiors, or even engines, depending on the overall condition of the car.

Keep in mind that the more that’s missing from your vehicle, the less you’ll get paid. With Scrap Local, you’ll still get a guaranteed quote, no hidden fees, and fast collection across the UK.

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Ready to get a scrap car quote?

If you have a partially stripped or damaged vehicle, Scrap Local can help you determine the best next step.

  • Quick quotes
  • No hidden fees
  • Free collection
  • UK-wide network of agents
FAQs: Scrapping cars with missing parts
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