How Scrap Yards in the UK Value Your Car: Prices, Factors, and Trends

If you're thinking about scrapping your car, you're probably wondering: how much is it worth? Scrap car quotes vary, but understanding how they’re calculated can help you get the best deal. This guide explains the average scrap car value in the UK, what affects the quote, and how to make the most from your old vehicle.

What Affects Scrap Car Valuation?

Scrap yards typically base their quotes on:

• Vehicle Weight – Heavier cars mean more metal, which means more money. This is the biggest factor in your quote.
• Current Scrap Metal Prices – Market prices for metals like steel, aluminium, and copper directly influence payouts.
• Completeness – A car with missing parts (like wheels or a catalytic converter) will usually fetch less.
• Make and Model – Popular or common models may fetch slightly higher quotes due to parts reuse.
• Collection Costs – Some yards deduct collection fees if your vehicle needs to be picked up.o

Roadworthiness doesn’t usually affect the price — a non-runner often gets the same quote as a working car, as long as it's complete.

Average Scrap Car Price in the UK (2025)

As of mid-2025, the average UK scrap car price is around:

£227 per vehicle
(Based on industry data from Q1 2025)

Depending on your car's size and weight, you could expect:

• Small hatchback: £150 – £250
• Mid-size saloon: £200 – £300
• Large SUV or van: £300 – £500+

Yards calculate the value primarily using the vehicle weight multiplied by the current market rate for scrap steel. The presence of valuable non-ferrous metals (like aluminium or copper) can increase the total slightly.

Scrap Metal Prices (2025)

Scrap car values follow global commodity prices. Here are average UK prices per tonne (May 2025):

• Steel (ferrous): £140 – £180 / tonne
• Aluminium: £950 – £1,100 / tonne
• Copper (bare bright): £6,800 – £7,000 / tonne

Because steel makes up most of a car’s weight, fluctuations in steel prices have the biggest impact on quotes. Catalytic converters, if still in the car, can also add significant value due to the precious metals inside.

Most Commonly Scrapped Cars in the UK

Each year, certain models dominate scrapyards due to age, availability, and popularity:

• Ford Focus – The UK’s most scrapped car for several years running
• Vauxhall Astra & Corsa – Reliable workhorses that often reach end-of-life
• Ford Fiesta – Older models frequently appear in scrappage lists
• Volkswagen Golf – A common sight in scrapyards, especially older TDI variants

These cars are generally over 10 years old and no longer economical to maintain or repair.

How to Get the Best Quote for Your Scrap Car

To maximise your return:

• Keep the Car Complete Don’t remove parts like alloy wheels, batteries, or the catalytic converter — yards pay more for full vehicles.

• Shop Around Get quotes from multiple Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) or use a scrap comparison service online.

• Check for Free Collection Some yards offer free pick-up, while others deduct fees. Factor this into your decision.

• Scrap at the Right Time Metal prices fluctuate. If you can wait for a better rate, you might earn more — especially with lighter cars.

• Provide the V5C You’ll get a smoother, quicker process with your V5C logbook. If you don’t have it, the yard can still scrap the car, but it may involve extra steps.

You don’t need an MOT or insurance to scrap your car — even non-runners are accepted by most yards.

Final Thoughts

Scrap yards use a straightforward formula: weight + metal prices + parts = your quote. Understanding the components behind the valuation helps you negotiate and plan better. Always choose a licensed ATF, get multiple quotes, and avoid removing valuable parts yourself unless you plan to sell them separately.

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Still not sure what your car’s worth? Get in touch and we’ll help you compare quotes from trusted scrap yards near you.