Scrap Car Prices UK
Scrap car prices in the UK typically range from £150 to £400, depending on the weight of the vehicle, current scrap metal prices, and your location. The national average in 2025 was around £226. Heavier vehicles such as SUVs and 4x4s fetch more than smaller hatchbacks, and prices are higher in areas with more competing scrap dealers. All prices must be offered by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) — the only type of company legally permitted to scrap a vehicle in the UK.
What determines your scrap car price?
Scrap car prices are calculated using three primary factors: the vehicle's weight (since scrap metal is priced per tonne), the current market price of steel and other metals, and your postcode. A Ford Focus in Liverpool may be quoted £144, while the identical car in Aberdeen may return £117 — same weight, same parts, different regional market.
How much is my scrap car worth right now?
The fastest way to find out is to enter your registration number and postcode for an instant guaranteed quote. Remove My Car's network of over 300 ATFs across the UK competes for your vehicle, which means you receive the highest available local price rather than a single dealer's offer.
5 ways to get the best scrap car price
1. Get your quote early in the month
Scrap dealers reduce their prices toward month-end to manage workload. Quoting in the first two weeks locks in the most competitive rates.
2. Leave all parts on the vehicle
Removing wheels, tyres, the battery or the stereo before collection lowers the quoted value and can make collection more difficult. A complete vehicle is always worth more.
3. Only use a guaranteed-price dealer
Some companies renegotiate on collection day. Always confirm in writing that the price is guaranteed — Remove My Car's quoted price is fixed, regardless of whether you have the V5C logbook.
4. Claim your vehicle tax refund
Once you notify the DVLA that your vehicle has been scrapped, you automatically receive a refund for any full months of remaining road tax. Submit notification promptly — the refund is calculated from the date the DVLA receives it, not the collection date.
5. Don't lose £25 to the logbook trick
Some dealers deduct £25 claiming the V5C logbook is required. It isn't — the DVLA does not require the logbook for scrapped vehicles. Remove My Car never applies this deduction.
Frequently asked questions about scrap car prices
How is a scrap car price calculated?
Scrap car prices are based on the vehicle's weight multiplied by the current price per tonne for scrap metal in your area, adjusted for regional competition between ATFs and the demand for salvageable parts.
Does the condition of my car affect the scrap price?
For pure scrap value, weight matters more than condition. However, if your car has functioning components — especially a catalytic converter, engine, or low-mileage gearbox — it may attract a higher offer from a breaker looking for reusable parts rather than just metal.
Do I need a V5C logbook to scrap my car?
No. The DVLA does not require the logbook for end-of-life vehicles. Any dealer who insists on deducting money for a missing V5C is using a known industry trick — avoid them.
Will the price I'm quoted be the price I receive?
With Remove My Car, yes — quotes are guaranteed, provided the vehicle's condition matches the description given. There is no haggling on collection day.
Can I scrap a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Remove My Car collects non-running vehicles across the UK. The collection team uses a flatbed or recovery vehicle where needed.
Scrap car prices by vehicle type — typical ranges
| Vehicle type | Typical scrap price range |
|---|
| Small hatchback (e.g. Nissan Micra) | £100–£180 |
| Medium car (e.g. Ford Focus) | £150–£250 |
| Large saloon / estate | £200–£350 |
| SUV / 4x4 | £250–£450 |
| Van | £200–£500 |
Prices vary by location, current metal markets, and vehicle condition. Enter your registration for a live guaranteed quote.