How much is a scrap car worth?

When a car comes to the end of its life, you may decide to scrap it. Whether the car is worn out or has been involved in a collision it may be worth more as scrap than as a car to use.

So, if you want to know how much a scrap car is worth, we’re here to tell you.

How much is a scrap car worth?

Not an awful lot, is the short answer. The longer answer is that it depends on all sorts of different factors and can vary significantly.

As a rule of thumb, reckon on a scrap value of £200-£400. If that’s lower than you were expecting, remember that there’s a cost to the scrappage company when they take apart your old car, salvage what can be salvaged, and safely dispose of the rest.

That rough value will vary over time as the market for scrap metal and other components goes up and down.

What impacts the price of scrap cars?

Many different factors will impact upon the value of a scrap car. These are the key ones to bear in mind:

● Make and model
The value of a scrap car will vary depending on the make and model. For example, a car that’s popular but has been discontinued may be worth more, as there will be strong demand for parts and components. Upmarket brands may use higher quality components made from better materials, which will also boost the value of a car to a vehicle recycling facility.

● Size and weight
A bigger car will generally be worth more as scrap than a small one. That’s because there’s more material – in particular more metal – that can be recycled and reused. So, a two-tonne 4×4 will be worth more to a scrappage firm than a one-tonne city car.

● Condition
A car that’s in good condition will be worth more as scrap than one which has parts missing. In this context, condition doesn’t mean the car is running perfectly – if it was, you probably wouldn’t be scrapping it. Rather we mean that the car is complete and free of rust. For example, a car with a battery is worth more than a car without one, as the components and materials in a battery are valuable and can be reused or recycled.

If parts are in good working order they can be fitted to other cars that have broken down or have been in a crash. Say the car has to be scrapped because of rear-end damage. The engine may still have lots of life left, and it may be worth more as a complete second-hand engine than as scrap metal. But if the engine is broken or seized up, the scrap car as a whole will be worth less.

Mileage can also make a difference to scrap value. As a rule of thumb, the components in a lower mileage car will show less wear and tear. A component which has thousands of miles of life left and can be fitted to another car is typically worth more than a worn-out component that will need to be scrapped or melted down.

● Demands of scrap metal
Like any raw material, the value of scrap metal goes up and down over time. This will make a difference to how much a car is worth as scrap, as much of the value comes from the metal it contains.

There’s metal in all sorts of car parts, not just the obvious ones like the body panels and engine. Batteries contain a lot of lead, while there’s copper and aluminium in radiators. Starter motors contain copper wire as well as steel and aluminium.

● Components
Some components make a car particularly valuable to a scrappage and recycling company. We’ve mentioned that a battery is valuable. Alloy wheels are another component in which a scrappage company will see value. These may be worthing selling as they are rather than melting them down. Even if there’s no demand for the specific alloy wheels on the car, they will be made from metals that are in demand and easy to recycle.

Tyres that are in good condition are also valuable, as these could be resold as part-worn tyres. Catalytic converters also add to a scrap car’s value due to the precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

Should I keep my scrap car whole or sell it in parts?

Selling a whole car for scrap is the easier option. There’s just one transaction, there’s less hassle, and the whole process can be over more quickly.

On the other hand, you could make more money if you sell it in parts. That’s not guaranteed, it depends on the make and model, and whether high-ticket items like the engine and catalytic converter are still in good condition. If so, you may be able to make more by selling these individually.

Is it worth the extra effort, though? You’ll need to be able to assess the value of your car’s components and have the knowledge and time to sell them off individually. It will help if you have an easy route to other drivers, such as through an owners’ club.

For most of us, most of the time, it’s much easier to scrap a car whole rather than selling it in parts. If you do scrap your car, you need to notify the DVLA.

Scrap car value FAQs

Is it worth scrapping a car?

When a car comes to the end of its life, it is worth scrapping it. You may not get rich given that the scrap value is likely to be in the hundreds rather than thousands of pounds. However, it makes sense for parts to be reused or recycled, rather than leaving a car unused for years, slowly deteriorating.

What are car batteries worth for scrap?

Reckon on around £5 as ballpark figure for the worth of a battery. If the car’s battery is almost new it may be worth more, and you could make more if you sell it privately, perhaps through an online auction site.

How much does it cost to scrap a car?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll be paid £200-£400 when scrapping a car. This will cover the cost to the scrappage company and will leave them with some profit.

Looking for an easy way to change your car? Then Carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.