
Your Guide To Scrap Car Values
The scrap car value of a car is determined by many factors!
Understandably, if you have a car for scrap that you want to sell, it’s important to find the best scrap car price for your old set of wheels.
Our handy guide breaks down what makes the scrap car value of a car, How to calculate the scrap car value of your vehicle as well as some tips on getting the best quote when scrapping your car from our trusted network of local car scrap yards and car breakers.
Table of Contents
What Is The Scrap Car Value Of A Vehicle?
The scrap car value is simply how much your old vehicle is worth. How much your scrap car is worth depends on a few factors.
These include the current price per tonne in your area, vehicle age, make and model as well as if your vehicle is complete with steel alloys, engine and any other key components that add to the metal weight.

How To Calculate The Scrap Car Value Of A Vehicle
To calculate the scrap car value you will need the weight of your vehicle.
- 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).
In a nutshell, how much your car is worth for scrap depends on the following:
Whether your vehicle is a hatchback, saloon, 4×4 or trade van, the metal weight will be the contributing factor of the scrap car price you receive.
Of course, how much a car shell is worth in scrap will be much different than a vehicle that contains steel alloy wheels, is complete with all body panels and has a battery.
Some vehicle brands can be worth more than others. This is due to the materials used as well as the ability to salvage certain car parts that can be repurposed for popular models.
Key vehicle brands that offer a better scrap car value than their counterparts include Honda, BMW, VW, Audi & Toyota.
Salvage vehicles are those that were manufactured and first registered in 2012 or earlier.
If your vehicle has recently failed its MOT or has become a damaged or broken car over time, it may be salvageable for parts that can be repurposed for other vehicles on the road.
Scrap Metal Prices change constantly and are affected by social and economic factors worldwide.
For this reason, the price you receive for your vehicle can change in a week!

How Can I Get The Best Scrap Car Value?
To get the best scrap car price, ensure your vehicle is complete, has steel alloys, a battery as well as any other key components which can provide you with a higher scrap car value.
In addition, it’s important to sell your car for scrap to a trusted recycler.
Not only can we get you the best scrap car price, but we only work with trusted recyclers who offer a no-hassle quote, free and fast scrap car collection followed by fast payment and paperwork.
Commonly, you would ask a car scrapyard, car breaker or any other scrap car buyer to remove your car locally.
However, it’s important to check that they are licenced, trusted and reliable, assisting with the full scrap car removal process and not just pushing for a cash on collection service.
Does It Cost Money To Scrap My Car?
Unfortunately, many online providers try to mislead customers by scrapping their cars by claiming there are no fees.
Although, many scrappers are left unaware that the flashy price they receive on online scrap car value calculators are subject to change.
- If your vehicle isn’t complete you can expect to have your scrap car price reduced from your original scrap car quote.
- Some online service providers may even knock you down on price further for small scratches or a dirty interior!
Thankfully, at Scrap Local we are proud to offer you a no-hassle approach to scrap car removal. We scrap cars based on their metal weight, provide a free scrap car collection service nationwide and never charge any hidden admin fees.
It’s never been more important to remove your old polluting car. There has been recent pressure from governments as they uphold their journey to net-zero, where by 2040 the sale of petrol and diesel cars will be banned. We understand this better than most, which is why we were founded to effortlessly connect producers of scrap metal waste and end of life vehicles to trusted local recyclers. From scrap car buyers to car scrap yards and car breakers on our award-winning network, selling your old set of wheels for scrap brings us all one step closer to a greener, sustainable environment.
Is It Worth Scrapping A Car?
Of course! Scrapping your old car or van supports the local and circular economy of metal and ELV recycling in the UK.
Moreover, there are certain policies and changes introduced that support a green transition from older, polluting methods of transport. These include:
Recent MOT test changes have affected many motorists across the UK as their vehicles are now deemed un-roadworthy.
In 2020, 8 million vehicles failed their MOT test. AA Head Of Roads Policy Jack Cousens also stated that ”With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MOT, it is crucial that they are 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 near you!
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, then you could sell your car for salvage and receive better scrap car value.
Find out more on how we can help remove your damaged or broken car hassle-free!
The introduction of clean air zones across inner-city areas allows owners of highly polluting diesel and petrol vehicles to switch to sustainable alternatives.
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.
Changes to VED tax rates, which occurs every April, affects the amount of tax you pay based on the amount of CO2 emissions your car, van or 4×4 produces.
The main factors that affect the amount of VED tax you pay include:
- Amount of CO2 Emissions Produced
- Fuel Type
- Engine Size
Changes to climate and increased CO2 emissions are a growing problem across many UK cities. Phasing out polluting diesel and petrol vehicles is a key driver for a net-zero economy.
Get The Best Scrap Car Value From Our Award Winning Network
We hope you know understand more about what makes up the scrap car value of your vehicle!
You should now be able to calculate how much your scrap car is worth whilst assessing whether it’s time to ditch your old set of wheels and have it scrapped.
- 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 can assist in any of the 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 sustainable future.





Questions On Scrap Car Value
The scrap car value of your vehicle is determined by many factors such as whether your car is complete, contains steel alloys and the current scrap metal prices/ area tonnage rates in your area.
To get the best scrap car price for your old set of wheels, ensure your vehicle is complete with alloys.
This will help provide you with the best scrap car value as prices are mainly determined by the metal weight of your vehicle.
Having your car scrapped by a trusted, licenced vehicle recycler is just as important as it will ensure you remove your car legally.
You shouldn’t have to! Some providers can charge a collection fee if you’re in an area with poor coverage or require collection sooner.
Thankfully, our trusted network of car scrapyards, car breakers and scrap car buyers means we can collect nationwide, at a time best suited to you.
Check out which areas we cover!
How much your insurance write-off is worth depends on whether your car is complete, with alloys however if your vehicle is a Cat D or Cat N and can be salvageable then our expert team of salvage buyers can offer more than the usual scrap car prices.
Make an enquiry to salvage your car with our trusted network!
Scrapping a car whislt getting the best scrap car value can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect and who to trust.
Scrapping a car should be a stress-free process, which is why at Scrap Local we are proud to connect producers of scrap metal waste and end of life vehicles to trusted recyclers locally.
Whether your car is an MOT failure, insurance write-off, damaged or broken car and needs to be scrapped fast then contact us for a professional friendly scrap car removal near you!