What Is Your Car Worth?
Select your vehicle type and condition for a free scrap car valuation based on current metal rates across Manchester and Greater Manchester. No registration number needed and no obligation to proceed.
Want to know the exact scrap value of your car? Enter your registration for a precise guaranteed price in seconds, with free collection and same-day payment included.
Get Exact Quote →
How the Scrap Value of Your Car Is Worked Out
The scrap value of a car comes down to two things: the weight of metal in the vehicle and what that metal is currently selling for on the commodity market. Steel makes up roughly 65% of a typical car by weight, with aluminium, copper and precious metals in the catalytic converter adding to the total.
Scrap metal prices shift every working day. The rate today may differ from the rate next week, which is why our instant quote tool pulls the live market rate when you enter your registration rather than using a fixed price.
This valuation tool uses typical kerb weights and recent average metal rates to give you a ballpark figure. The actual price you receive will depend on your specific vehicle and the rate on the day of collection. Our scrap car prices guide breaks down every factor in full detail.
What Affects the Price?
Vehicle Weight
The single biggest factor. Heavier vehicles contain more metal and earn a higher scrap price. SUVs and estates typically earn more than city cars.
Current Metal Rate
Scrap steel prices fluctuate daily. We track the market every day to ensure our quotes reflect the current going rate.
Reusable Parts
Some vehicles have parts that carry salvage value above straight scrap. This is factored into quotes where it applies.
Condition
Extreme damage may reduce weight through missing components but most faults and damage have minimal impact on scrap value.
Scrap Car Value Calculator FAQ
Common questions about scrap car values, how prices are calculated and what affects your quote. For an exact price based on your specific vehicle, use our instant quote tool.
Scrap car value by weight is calculated by multiplying the vehicle's kerb weight (in tonnes) by the current scrap steel price per tonne. A typical car contains around 65% steel by weight, with aluminium, copper and catalytic converter metals adding further value. A 1,200 kg car at £130 per tonne yields roughly £156 in base steel value, with a full all-in scrap price typically ranging from £120 to £280 depending on market conditions.
This calculator gives a ballpark estimate based on your vehicle category and typical kerb weights. Actual scrap values vary because exact vehicle weight, current daily metal prices and whether your catalytic converter is intact all affect the final figure. For a precise quote tied to your specific vehicle and today's live rate, enter your registration on our instant quote page.
The scrap value of your car depends on its weight and the current scrap metal rate. As a rough guide: small city cars are worth £80 to £200, family cars £150 to £320, large SUVs and 4x4s £280 to £520. These ranges shift with the commodity market. Use the calculator above for a ballpark figure, or enter your registration for a firm price based on your exact car.
Scrap metal prices change every working day as steel and aluminium are traded on international commodity markets. Prices can shift by 5 to 15% in a single week during volatile periods. Our quote engine is updated each morning to reflect the current rate, so the price shown when you get a quote is accurate to within hours.
For scrap purposes, cosmetic condition has very little effect on the value. A dented, rusty or flood-damaged car will earn the same scrap price as a cleaner one of the same weight, because scrap processors care about metal content, not appearance. The main exceptions are a missing catalytic converter (which reduces value) and significant missing body panels (which reduce total weight and therefore price).
Yes. You do not need a V5C logbook to scrap your car. You will need valid photo ID and to confirm you are the legal owner or registered keeper. We will guide you through the alternative DVLA notification process. The absence of a logbook does not reduce the scrap price of your car.
Find Out What Your Car is Worth Today
Get your free instant quote in seconds. No obligation, no hidden fees, no hassle.
