Many factors determine the scrap value of a car!
Understandably, if you have a car for scrap that you want to sell, it’s essential to find the best scrap car price for your old set of wheels.
The scrap car value is determined by a few factors, including the metal weight, location, and potential for salvageable parts.
Our handy guide breaks down what makes the scrap car value of a car, how to calculate the scrap car value of your vehicle and some tips on getting the best quote when scrapping your car from our trusted network of local car scrap yards and car breakers.
The scrap value of a car is how much your old vehicle is worth.
A few important factors determine the price of a scrap car.
These include the current price per tonne in your area, vehicle age, make and model, and if your vehicle is complete with alloys, its engine and any other vital components that add to the overall metal weight, thus its scrap car value.
Specific buyers of end-of-life vehicles may consider your car or van salvageable.
This means that the scrap value of a car is worth dismantling or repurposing back on the road, which supports the circular recycling economy.
Whether you sell your car for scrap or try to get the most money from selling your salvage car, the scrap value of vehicles will almost always be determined by the above factors.
To calculate the scrap car value, you will need your vehicle reg, postcode and state any other issues as additional information.
This is the main factor that affects your scrap car’s value, as most vehicles are bought for scrap on their metal weight. The more metal your vehicle contains, the more scrap car value it will provide once crushed at an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility).
Alternatively, if your vehicle is to be salvaged, you must provide some additional information. This can include mileage, drivetrain, whether it starts or drives, what insurance class your vehicle is in, and if your car or van is on finance.
How much your car is worth for scrap depends on the following factors listed below:
Scrap car value calculator
If you’re short on time, you may be tempted to use an online car scrap value calculator to generate a quick quote.
It’s essential to be mindful that determining the scrap car value from such tools is vastly limited due to no further information being asked regarding your vehicle.
As such, when using an online calculator, the value of scrap cars will not truly reflect the price you receive.
To calculate the scrap value of a car, we recommend you speak to someone and confirm the price for your vehicle. Ensure this scrap car price is guaranteed, and ask about any additional charges.
Luckily, you can do just that with our trusted team!
Call our team today for an instant price – Guaranteed with no hidden fees.
Whether your vehicle is a hatchback, saloon, 4×4 or trade van, the metal weight will be the main factor in the car’s scrap value.
Not to be confused with steel wheels or plastic trims, alloys are typically aluminium.
Of course, how much a car shell is worth in scrap will be much different than a vehicle that contains steel or alloy wheels, is complete with all body panels and has a battery.
Vehicle location is another factor that may determine the scrap car value.
Most areas have their separate price per tonne, which is affected by current market rates.
These market rates can change regularly and impact the price received for scrap cars.
You can enquire about the latest prices from a licenced scrapyard.
An important factor that will impact the scrap value of cars is if it is classed as scrap or salvage.
This could entail whether the vehicle is a non-runner car, is called a MOT failure, or is a standard scrap vehicle. In this aspect, the vehicle may only offer scrap metal value.
However, if the vehicle is younger than eight years of age, then it will be seen as a salvage vehicle. Typically, these vehicles can be repurposed and salvaged for car parts or other desirable components.
Other forms of salvage cars include insurance write-off vehicles and particular categories of vehicles such as a cat s.
These vehicles could also be fixed and put back on the road by a licenced dealer or breaker.
Whether you scrap or salvage a car, be mindful of what will impact or benefit the value and leverage that for the best possible prices.
To get the best scrap car price, ensure your vehicle is complete and has alloy (or steel) wheels, a battery, and other vital components that can give you a higher scrap car value.
In addition, it’s essential to sell your car for scrap to a trusted recycler.
You would commonly ask a car scrapyard, car breaker or any other scrap car buyer how much a scrap car is worth.
However, it’s essential to check that they are licensed, trusted and reliable, assisting with the complete scrap car removal process and not just pushing for cash on collection service.
By using a trusted recycler rather than some wheeler-dealer, you can ensure your vehicle’s current car scrap value is accurate and up to date; with the added peace of mind, they will handle the process professionally and by policies such as the scrap metal dealers act 2013.
Not only can we get you the best scrap value for cars and vans, but we only partner with trusted, licensed buyers who update their prices daily.
Unfortunately, many online providers try to mislead customers by scrapping their cars and claiming no fees.
Although, many motorists are unaware that the flashy price they receive on online scrap car value calculators is subject to change.
If your vehicle isn’t complete, you can expect your scrap car price to be reduced from your original scrap car quote.
Some online service providers may even further knock you down on price for minor scratches or a dirty interior!
With so many hidden red flags, choosing the right provider is essential to get the best price for scrap cars and vans.
Thankfully, Scrap Local is proud to offer you a no-hassle approach to vehicle recycling. We scrap cars based on their metal weight, offer guaranteed prices, provide a free scrap car collection service nationwide and never charge any hidden admin fees.
Of course! Scrapping your old car or van supports the UK’s local and circular economy of metal and ELV recycling.
Moreover, certain policies and changes are introduced that support a green transition from older, polluting methods of transport. These include the following factors that are dependent on your situation.
Recent MOT test changes have affected many motorists across the UK as their vehicles are now deemed unroadworthy.
In 2020, 8 million vehicles failed their MOT test. AA Head Of Roads Policy Jack Cousens stated,” With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MOT, they must be tested to ensure they are safe to use.”
Under the new grading system, if your vehicle has become an MOT failure, then scrapping your car is a suitable option.
Thankfully, our trusted team of scrap car buyers can help you sell your MOT failure for the best prices – Whether stuck in the garage or parked at home.
E10 is a biofuel introduced to cut CO2 emissions whilst improving fuel economy in some newly manufactured cars since 2015.
However, many owners of vehicles manufactured before 2012 have argued the potential impacts the fuel can have on corroding their fuel tank and fuel pump, creating expensive garage repairs.
If your vehicle is incompatible with E10 Fuel, you could sell it for salvage and receive better scrap car value than crushing it entirely.
Vehicles involved in a high collision accident or broken and faulty beyond economical repair can also be scrapped or sold for salvage.
For younger vehicles, this can provide the option to sell a car for salvage whilst ditching auction fees and additional nuisance calls/interest from wheeler dealers online.
Trusted salvage buyers (like the many on our network) often provide a higher than scrap car value (when compared to end-of-life vehicles). This is due to their options for breaking and selling components from vehicles as part of the green auto parts economy.
This also helps you save on expensive garage repairs and labour costs whilst receiving an excellent price for your run-down car or van!
Learn how we can help sell a damaged or broken car hassle-free!
Insurance write-offs are vehicles that may have been involved in an accident or are broken beyond economical repair.
These vehicles are often given an insurance category.
Category A vehicles are only ever scrapped.
However, Cat B, Cat N and Cat S vehicles can be scrapped or potentially salvaged for parts.
Most dealers offer a high value for these cars due to the upcycling abilities of key body parts. This is desirable for many motorists who do not want additional costs.
Even if your vehicle is on finance, our network of damaged car buyers can offer you an unbeatable price for your write-off.
Find out more about selling a written-off car with our helpful guide.
The introduction of clean air zones across inner-city areas has forced owners of highly polluting diesel and petrol vehicles to switch to sustainable alternatives, otherwise risk expensive daily charges.
Many areas, such as Birmingham, Portsmouth, London And Oxford, impose daily charges to enter and drive in the CAZ, which can stack up costs in the long run.
Additonal areas such as Bristol and Scottish cities include Edinburgh, Dundee & Glasgow.
Changes to climate and increased CO2 emissions are a growing problem across many UK cities. Phasing out polluting diesel and petrol vehicles is crucial for a net-zero economy.
By selling your non-compliant car or van for scrap, you can help contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment, making the world a much better place to live in.
Changes to VED tax rates, which occur every April, affect the tax you pay based on the CO2 emissions your car, van or 4×4 produces.
The main factors that affect the amount of VED tax you pay include the following:
Not to be overlooked, the rate of VED tax you pay Is another additional cost to contend with, especially if your vehicle emissions rating is higher on the tax chart.
Some vehicle brands provide scrappage schemes, an incentive whereby trading or scrapping your older vehicle can lead to a large discount or offer on newer models. This can be a fantastic option if you want to go green and switch to an electric vehicle.
In addition, certain areas such as London have now opened up a large pool of funding where you can scrap your non-compliant vehicle and receive a financial incentive.
With over 52 boroughs where the TFL London ULEZ scrappage scheme has been introduced, this is another excellent method to remove your old car and receive some ULEZ grant funding.
Yes, your vehicle has a type.
Typically, this can be broken down into scrap and salvage cars.
We hope you now understand more about what makes up the scrap car value of your vehicle!
You should now be able to calculate your scrap car’s value, assessing whether it’s time to ditch your old wheels and have it scrapped or sold for salvage.
Whether your vehicle is damaged or broken, our team of salvage buyers are on hand to provide a great price.
Has your car failed its MOT? We can remove your MOT failure hassle-free and assist in any paperwork for a convenient and reliable scrap car removal.
Is your car not compatible with a CAZ? Remove your non-compliant vehicle for a great price with our trusted scrap car network and push yourself one step closer to a greener and more sustainable future.
Want to cash in on a scrappage scheme? Our trusted scrappage scheme provider for the ULEZ expansion can do just that!
Whatever the reason, you’re safe when finding the best scrap car value for your car or van. Our award-winning network of recyclers is committed to providing a complete recycling service you can trust.
We hope our guide breaks down the factors and processes that impact the value of scrap cars.
Below are some of our more frequently asked questions on scrap car value.
We also have a dedicated FAQ section uncovering everything regarding scrap and salvage vehicles – Such as paperwork and documents, collections and payments.
The scrap car value of a car is determined by certain factors, which include the vehicle make and model, location, weight, and whether your vehicle is complete with alloy wheels (which adds to the metal weight.
The current value for scrap vehicles changes daily in line with market rates.
Due to this, it can be difficult to provide an accurate price for scrap vehicles as beyond local area prices, further information regarding the vehicle is also required to provide an accurate assessment for your car or van.
To determine the scrap car value of a vehicle, ensure you can provide the following:
To get the best price for your scrap car, ensure your vehicle is complete with all its body parts.
As most vehicles bought for scrap (as well as salvage), go off the metal weight, removing any body parts may affect the value of your vehicle.
Specific accessories, like a radio, would not be a problem. However, key body panels such as the battery, engine and rims may affect the price received for your car or van.
To find the scrap car value of a vehicle, get in touch with a trusted, licenced scrap car dealer.
We understand the pain of bringing up every yard or vehicle buyer, often leading to nuisance calls and wheeler-dealers trying to have your vehicle.
Fortunately, Scrap Local’s network of trusted, licenced scrap car buyers provides excellent value for scrap cars and an award-winning service that handles the complete process – From quote, collection payment and paperwork!
To remove your vehicle for a great price, enquire today – Prices are always guaranteed with NO hidden fees.
If your vehicle is damaged but could have some more life in it, we could salvage a car for the best price!
Vehicles we can salvage include non-runner cars, faulty cars, and vehicles written off by their insurance provider, notably cat s cars for sale.
So for these cars, we can pay more than scrap price with our network of salvage car dealers.
Get in touch today to see how we can help!
Whether you’re a scrap metal dealer, vehicle recycler or even a scrap collector, joining Scrap Local today will give you access to thousands of new enquiries each month!
Quick Links
Scrap Car Collection
Join Newsletter
©ScrapLocal.co.uk is a trading name of Code Local Ltd - All rights reserved.
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.