If you’re thinking about scrapping your car in 2025, one of the first questions that comes to mind is likely: “How much is my car worth?”
The truth is that all scrap car values can vary massively depending on several key factors.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything that affects your scrap car’s worth in 2025, from the weight of the vehicle to its condition, parts value, and even where you live in the UK.
Let’s take a look at the top 7 things that go into your quote.
In scrap, weight = money. Your vehicle’s value is primarily based on the weight of its metal. The heavier your car, the more it’s worth to us.
If your car is stripped of parts or panels, expect a lower quote.
Want more detail? Read our 2025 Scrap Price Drop guide to understand why rates have been lower this year.
If your vehicle is fairly new and still has key components in good condition, like the engine, gearbox, or body panels, it might hold salvage value rather than just scrap.
Scrap value =Â metal weight only
Salvage value = potential resale or reuse of parts
If your vehicle qualifies for salvage, you could get significantly more, but this depends on demand and condition.
Wanting to read more? Read our guide: scrap vs salvage!
Scrap car values aren’t the same everywhere.
Urban areas, such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham, typically offer higher prices due to demand, local scrapyard availability, and competition. In rural or remote areas, transport costs may reduce your quote.
In addition, cities with ULEZ zones (such as London and Birmingham) have seen a sharp rise in scrappage as drivers upgrade vehicles to avoid daily fines. Paired with government incentives and local grants, this often leads to a surge in supply, which can temporarily lower prices in those areas. However, strong demand and high yard competition in major cities can sometimes balance this out.
If you’re in the North West, check out our Scrap My Car in Lancashire guide.
Just like fuel or metal prices, scrap values fluctuate throughout the year.
Checking current scrap prices and acting fast can help you get a better deal.
Quotes change daily, so our advice is to accept a quote if you’re happy with it. If you go back a few days later, it may be reduced.
Yes, missing paperwork or keys can affect your quote.
With Scrap Local, we don’t reduce your quote with a missing V5C, this doesn’t mean other companies will do the same, so ensure you’re disclosing this information when getting a quote.
If your vehicle has no keys and is locked, we won’t be able to collect it using our standard trucks, as we can’t put it into neutral or release the handbrake safely. In this case, you’d need to contact a company that operates a HIAB (crane-lift) vehicle. These are harder to find and typically offer lower quotes.
However, if the vehicle is unlocked and accessible, we can still collect it without keys. Our drivers carry booster packs and winches to load non-runners safely. As long as the car can be loaded, you’ll still receive the agreed scrap price.
See our guide: Paperwork and Documents needed for a scrap car collection.
If your vehicle still has its catalytic converter, this can add significant value, especially on petrol models and hybrids.
Similarly, electric and hybrid batteries can sometimes fetch more, depending on their condition and rarity.
If you’ve removed the CAT or battery, be aware that this can either considerably reduce your quote or may not be collected at all.
Different buyers will give you different prices. It depends on whether they:
At Scrap Local, we send your vehicle out to our trusted UK-wide network, helping you get the best quote from local yards, with no last-minute chipping or hidden fees.
Fill out our online form, and we’ll get you a guaranteed price from a scrap car buyer local to you.
Choose a service & we’ll search our network to find you the best scrapyard for your enquiry!
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.
