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Based on current scrap steel rate of approximately £145 per tonne (HMS). Actual offers may vary by location and demand.
Get Real Quotes from Dealers Near You → RecalculateHow we calculate your scrap car value
The starting point for any scrap valuation is the weight of your vehicle combined with the current price of scrap steel. Most scrap cars are valued on their steel content, which typically makes up 60 to 70 percent of the vehicle by weight. The benchmark price used across the UK scrap industry is Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), which trades at around £145 per tonne at the time this page was updated. Heavier vehicles naturally yield more steel and therefore command higher scrap values.
Condition plays a significant role. A complete car in running order will attract the best offers because the dealer can recover value from catalytic converters, batteries, tyres and other parts before crushing. A car missing its catalytic converter or with significant parts removed will fetch noticeably less. Accident damaged and non runners are still worth scrapping, but dealers factor in the cost of extra handling. Fire and flood damaged vehicles carry the lowest scrap values because many materials are compromised or hazardous to process.
Regional variation is real and can shift offers by 10 to 20 percent. Areas with higher concentrations of authorised treatment facilities tend to generate more competition and better prices. Transport costs also affect what a dealer can offer, so a car close to a facility in a major city will often achieve a stronger price than an identical vehicle in a rural location. The best way to account for regional variation is to compare multiple offers using your actual postcode, which our quote tool handles automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Age alone has a limited effect on scrap value because the car is valued primarily on its weight and steel content rather than its road worthiness. Older cars built before around 2005 were often made with heavier steel panels, which can actually work in your favour. What age does affect is the likelihood of parts being in demand. A newer car may yield more from salvageable components such as alloy wheels, sensors and infotainment units, which can push the overall offer higher. For very old vehicles, check whether any parts are collectable before sending it to scrap.
A running car can attract a marginally better scrap offer because it is cheaper and easier for the dealer to move around the yard. However, the difference in scrap value between a runner and a non runner is usually small, often only £20 to £50, because the car will still be weighed and crushed regardless. Where a running car makes a bigger difference is if you decide to sell it for spares or to a car dealer rather than a scrap yard. Our calculator shows you the scrap estimate; if you think the car has more value as a runner, it is worth getting a part exchange or private sale valuation too before committing.
Scrap prices vary by region for several reasons. Fuel and transport costs affect what a dealer can spend on collecting a vehicle. The density of authorised treatment facilities in your area influences competition and therefore the offers you receive. Some regions also have stronger local demand for specific metals or parts. Global steel prices set the floor for all scrap valuations, but local market conditions determine how much above that floor you can realistically achieve. Entering your postcode on our main quote tool lets you compare actual offers from dealers in your area rather than relying on a national average.
The calculator gives you a realistic ballpark based on weight class, condition and current steel prices. It is not a guaranteed offer. Real quotes from authorised treatment facilities take into account your exact postcode, the precise condition of the vehicle on inspection, current demand for parts from your specific make and model, and the dealer's own cost base. The actual offer you receive could be higher or lower than the estimate. To get figures you can actually act on, use our main quote form and compare real offers from licensed dealers near you. It takes about two minutes and is completely free.