When it’s time to scrap your car, one of the first questions you’ll naturally have is probably: how much is my car worth?
Well, scrap car prices can vary considerably depending on a range of factors, so there are several key elements in play that will influence how much cash you can get. Some are things you can directly control, and others are decidedly less so! Here at EMR Vehicle Recycling, we have more than 70 years of experience with helping our customers get maximum value from their cars, so you can count on us to get you up to speed on everything you need to know. Here are the five most pivotal factors.
The age of your car
It makes sense to start with age – it’s one of the most obvious influences on your car’s value. Generally, the newer your car is, the more it’s worth, and vice versa. New cars which have sustained accident damage or mechanical failure might still be worth relatively high prices. On the flipside, any worn or outdated parts, corrosion or extensive damage can all have a negative impact on how much a driver can expect to get for their car.
There’s also the matter of weight. Older cars tend to be heavier and made with more metal, which can sometimes make them more valuable in terms of raw materials, depending on market prices. However, modern cars often contain more valuable non-ferrous metals in smaller quantities, such as aluminium or copper, which might also contribute to your car’s overall value. Ultimately, it’s the balance between age, material composition, and condition that determines how much you’ll be offered.
An important point here: never let anyone “take your car off your hands without charging you” - as if that’s doing you a favour. In actual fact, they should be paying you – all cars are worth something, even if that’s only their weight in raw materials.
The condition of your car
The condition of your car also plays a significant role in determining its value. If yours is missing key components like its engine, gearbox, or catalytic converter, that will have an impact on how much you’re able to get for it. Some people remove these parts to be sold on or reused – but this can be very risky, especially if they’re not experienced mechanics. If your car is stripped of these, it will likely only be worth the raw materials, which drives the price down.
Damage is also a key factor. Cars that have been involved in major crash – or those with extensive corrosion – tend to be worth less than cars that are more intact. This is especially true if those issues affect valuable components that dealers would otherwise reuse. If your car still starts and drives, it may fetch more, especially since that makes it easier for the scrap dealer to collect and move.
Make and model
Put simply, not all cars are equal in the scrap market. Popular makes and models with a high demand for spare parts can often be worth more. For example, if your car is a widely used model like a Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, or Volkswagen Golf, it can be more valuable. This is due to the ongoing demand for components that can be reused in similar models. The more frequently your car is seen on UK roads, the more likely it is that garages and repair shops will need parts for it.
Luxury and specialist cars may also be worth more, particularly if rare or expensive parts can be salvaged. However, this can cut both ways. Some premium models have high-value parts that are in demand, but others are so niche that there’s little resale demand. This limits what an Authorised Treatment Facility can realistically do with your car. In general, the most valuable cars are those with a strong parts market and components that are easy to remove and reuse.
Location of your car
Your location in the UK – or at least the place where you keep your car – can also have a major influence on how much you’re offered. If your car is in a remote area for example, the cost of transporting it to a scrapyard may reduce the amount that you get for it. Urban locations tend to have more facilities nearby, which can drive up competition. That often results in better offers.
The position of your car – such as whether it’s on a driveway, in a garage, or stuck in a field – can also matter. If your car is easily accessible, it’s more appealing to dealers. This is because they don’t require as much time or equipment to remove it. If specialist recovery is likely to be required though, some of that cost will likely be knocked off your final quote. At EMR, we operate one of the largest ATF networks in the UK, meaning shorter travel distances and the very best prices for you.
Current scrap metal prices
One of the biggest variables is the global scrap metal market. Prices for metals like steel, aluminium, and copper fluctuate frequently based on demand, supply chain pressures, and international trade. When metal prices are high, recyclers are more likely to offer generous rates. When prices dip, sometimes the payouts do too. These changes can happen monthly – or even weekly – and are usually influenced by construction booms, global industry demand or shipping costs.
This market-driven aspect is largely out of your control, so not really something to worry too much about. If you have the flexibility to wait, you may want to keep an eye on trends. In some cases, holding off for a bit can lead to a better return if prices start to rise. The differences can often be negligible though, and if you just want to get your old car off your driveway pronto, it’s not something you may want to pour a tonne of time into.
And speaking of getting your car gone, if you’re all set to recycle your car already, you’re in exactly the right place. With more than seven decades of experience to our name, here at EMR Vehicle Recycling, and a network of Authorised Treatment Facilities that encompasses the whole of the UK, we have a proven track record of providing truly exemplary service. And of course, you can always expect the very best price!
It couldn’t be easier to get started. All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our homepage, and you’ll have an instant online quote before you can say scrap my car. Curious to see how much your car could be worth?
