Scrap Car Value Calculator

Scrap value starts with weight. Enter your car's weight in tonnes, set the price per tonne on the slider, and see what the metal comes to. When you want a real figure, send the registration and postcode for a free valuation.

  • Free, no-obligation valuation
  • Valued by a person
  • Free collection
  • Paid on collection

For a no obligation quote, complete the form or call

0800 002 9733 or 07766 797 352

GB

Work out your car's scrap value

On your V5C log book it is the ‘mass in service’, in kg — divide by 1,000 (1,250 kg = 1.25 tonnes). Not to hand? Pick your make and model for a typical weight:

£150 / tonne
£50£400

Set the rate per tonne you want to work with — for example a rate you have been quoted.

Enter a weight between 0.3 and 4 tonnes, or pick a make and model, to see the figure.

How the calculation works

The calculator multiplies two numbers:

  1. Weight in tonnes.Your V5C log book gives the ‘mass in service’ in kilograms; divide it by 1,000. A car with a mass in service of 1,180 kg weighs 1.18 tonnes.
  2. Price per tonne. Scrap is traded by weight, and the rate per tonne moves with the metal markets and from area to area. Set the rate you want to work with, such as one you have been quoted.

For example, 1.18 tonnes at £150 per tonne comes to £177. Move the slider to see how much the rate matters.

Why a real valuation can differ

Weight sets the floor. The figure a collection company offers also depends on:

  • parts that can be reused or sold on, such as the engine, gearbox, panels and lights;
  • the catalytic converter, which contains precious metals;
  • the car's condition, and whether anything is missing or badly damaged;
  • where the car is and how easily it can be collected.

A person at the collection company covering your area makes the valuation, ‘subject to contract’, and confirms it when the car is inspected on collection. More on how scrap value is worked out and what affects scrap car prices.

Typical weights by model

Picking a make and model fills in the middle of that model's typical weight. Small city cars weigh well under a tonne, family hatchbacks around 1.1–1.4 tonnes, and large SUVs and vans 2 tonnes or more. Every model page lists its weight range, generations and clean air zone guidance: browse them on cars we accept.

Who does what

  • Scrap A Car For Cash (operated by Lead Stack Ltd, company number 15877625) takes your enquiry and passes it to an affiliated vehicle collection company that covers your area.
  • The collection company values the vehicle, collects it free of charge and pays you on collection, in line with the terms you agree with them.
  • If the vehicle is completely scrapped, that happens at an authorised treatment facility (ATF), which gives you a Certificate of Destruction. A vehicle that is repaired and resold instead does not get one.

More detail: how it works and our terms and conditions.

Related guides

How scrap value is worked outWeight, metal, parts, condition and why a figure can change.Scrap car pricesWhat decides a valuation and how it is made.How you are paidWhy scrap cars are paid by bank transfer, and the ID you need.

Get a real valuation

Enter the registration and postcode, or call us, and the collection company covering your area will contact you with a free, no-obligation valuation.

Get a free valuationCall free: 0800 002 9733

We take enquiries from across England, Scotland and Wales — see the areas we cover.