Scrap Car Prices

There is no single price for a scrap car. Each vehicle is valued individually by the collection company that would collect it. The valuation depends on what the car is made of, which parts can be reused and the condition it is in.

We do not publish price lists, because a list could not reflect your particular car. This page explains what the valuation is based on.

  • 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

How your car is valued

When you send your vehicle's details, we pass them to the affiliated collection company that covers your area. A person there values the car from the information you give and contacts you with a figure in pounds.

The valuation is given on a ‘subject to contract’ basis. It becomes binding when you sign the written contract on collection, after the collection company has inspected the car.

What affects the value

Weight and materials

Much of an end-of-life car's value is in its metal. A larger, heavier vehicle contains more of it than a small hatchback. Metal markets move, so the value of the same car can change over time.

Make, model and age

Some cars have parts in steady demand for repairing other vehicles of the same model. A car's age and specification affect whether its parts can be reused.

Reusable parts

Working engines, gearboxes, undamaged panels, lights and interior parts can all add value. So can the catalytic converter, which contains precious metals, provided it is still fitted.

Condition, MOT and mechanical state

Whether the car runs, why it failed its MOT and what is mechanically wrong all affect which parts are still usable. See MOT failure cars and non-running and mechanical failure cars.

Accident damage and write-off category

Damage reduces what can be reused, and structural damage affects whether a car is worth repairing at all. See accident damaged cars and insurance write-offs.

Missing or removed parts

A car with parts removed is worth less than a complete one. GOV.UK notes that a treatment facility can charge a fee if essential parts such as the engine, gearbox, bodywork or wheels have been removed (how to scrap your vehicle). If anything is missing, say so when you enquire.

Why valuations differ between companies

Companies value cars differently. It depends on how they sell reusable parts and materials, and on whether a vehicle is worth repairing and reselling rather than scrapping. GOV.UK notes that a treatment facility can decide to repair and sell a vehicle instead of scrapping it (where you can scrap your vehicle). Two companies can therefore offer different figures for the same car.

Why a valuation can change

The valuation is based on the information you supply. If that information is inaccurate or misleading, the valuation can be withdrawn or changed. On collection day the collection company inspects the car before the written contract is completed. It may offer a revised valuation if the car does not match what you described, if its condition substantially affects its value, or for other relevant factors that were not disclosed.

Getting an accurate valuation

The more complete your description, the less likely the figure is to change. Useful details:

  • the registration and approximate mileage;
  • whether it starts and drives, and what is wrong with it;
  • any accident damage and any write-off category;
  • any missing parts, including wheels or the catalytic converter;
  • whether you have the V5C log book and all the keys;
  • where it is and how a recovery vehicle can reach it;
  • any outstanding finance.

Payment

Collection is free, and the collection company pays you on collection in line with the payment terms you agree with it. Where a vehicle is being scrapped in England or Wales, payment cannot legally be made in cash. Payment is made using an appropriate traceable method such as bank transfer. The full sequence is on how it works.

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

MOT failure carsHow an MOT failure is valued.Non-running carsWhere a non-runner’s value comes from.Accident damaged carsHow damage affects a valuation.Insurance write-offsCategory N and S cars.Free scrap car collectionArranging collection and what to have ready.How it worksValuation, collection, payment and paperwork.

Find out what your car is worth

Enter the registration and postcode, or call us, for a free, no-obligation valuation from the collection company covering your area.

Get a free valuationCall free: 0800 002 9733

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