how much would i get to scrap my car

Don't lose money by destroying your vehicle


If you've read any of our previous articles on junk car price recommendations, you may have noticed that a lot of them advise you to remember to submit a road tax claim for your old vehicle. This advice isn't inherently inaccurate, but it is a little out of date. Since 2014, the DLVA has stopped using paper tax discs and instead processes all road taxes through online databases. You might not even have had one if you're a new driver. You don't have to worry about it affecting the value of your scrap car because they will instantly return the money to you after you let them know you're scrapping your car.


Your question, "What is the worth of my trash car?" is one that we are aware of. You're not by yourself, for sure! This is one of the main issues for many people when considering to scrap their car. If you've done a lot of web research, you probably already know that it can be challenging to get an accurate price for your junk car due to the wide range of factors that can affect it. This comprehensive guide on pricing factors and costs is meant to help you narrow down your options so that you will know what to expect when you sell your scrap car.

Ensure you reach a price guarantee with your scrap auto dealer


One of the most important factors in receiving the best pricing is actually locating the right dealer in your area. Many people are unaware of how location might affect the amount they could get for their scrap car. The farther your dealer must travel to collect, the more likely it is that they will lower the price to cover their costs. So it is best to start with the neighbourhood dealers if you want to get the most money for your car.

Ensure you reach a price guarantee with your scrap auto dealer

Receive a refund on your vehicle's road tax


By the end of the month, the majority of dealers are fully booked (or very close to it), so they temporarily lower their prices to stay competitive. Although it might sound paradoxical, what it actually accomplishes is to reduce the amount of incoming business, giving them more time to attend to their current customers. By doing your research in the beginning of the month and requesting a guaranteed estimate while costs are at their lowest, you can profit from this lull. Within the first two weeks of each month would be the ideal moment. If you can afford to let your junk car sit in the driveway for a few days (or weeks) while you shop about for the lowest price, you'll be in a particularly favourable position.

Scrap Car Prices: A Guide To UK Scrap Car Values


Try to resist the impulse to take things out of your car. Usually, the cars with the highest scrap value are the ones that still have the majority of their original parts. The value of any missing parts will typically be subtracted from the total amount junk car buyers are ready to pay for your car. Additionally, there is no guarantee that you will be able to sell these individual parts for a fair price. The value of your scrap car will be significantly impacted by removing particularly crucial parts. For instance, taking out the engine can lower the value by as much as £67, while taking out the catalytic converter can lower the value by as much as £30. Regardless of the price you receive for the parts you sell for your car, this value decline still occurs. This represents a considerable reduction given that the majority of scrap cars have a value of between £100 and £300. The risk is usually not worthwhile for most people. Depending on what you've taken out, it can also be challenging to get your car back. Have you ever tried to tow a car that was missing its wheels? We have, and it is a nightmare come true! If you're not paying attention, the dealer can charge you more to make up for the extra time and work.

Find the best price from the closest dealers first


This advice focuses more on avoiding unnecessary expenses than it does on maximising value. The bad news is that some providers of trash vehicles could be cynical and dishonest. The good news is that they are not common, and if you know what to look for, you can easily recognise their preferred tricks. Some of the most typical are listed below: Never trust someone who offers to take your trash car off your hands as a "fa favour" and claims it isn't worth paying for. All End-of-Life vehicles have value, even if they are only worth their weight in scrap metal. If you don't have a logbook, some scrap dealers will try to lower the price by £25 for you. Don't allow it! One is typically not necessary. Technically, as long as you remember to let them know, the DVLA does not require a logbook if you are scrapping your car. (Scrap Car Network will, of course, refrain from engaging in such nonsense. Only authorised treatment facilities are our clients (professionals who are reputable, legally licenced, and have a track record of delivering high-quality service.)

To get the best price, it all comes down to when you buy


This is an essential step in choosing a scrap vehicle dealer; having a price guarantee is always a good idea. Again, you can anticipate this from Scrap Car Network. However, with a small number of other dealers, the person who comes to take up your car can make an attempt at a last-minute bargain with you at your front door. They rely on the threatening nature of this. If they won't pick up your car, you can probably find someone else who will. Oddly enough, they would probably give ground rather than completely lose your business.

To get the best price, it all comes down to when you buy

Frequently Asked Questions

Even if you do remove parts, there's no sure way of knowing you'll sell the components for a fair price. Your car will be worth more if it's complete than if it has parts missing. Vehicles that contain a full complement of original components usually command the highest value when scrapped.

It's a straightforward process, fortunately. If your V5C/V5C was issued after April 2019, you'll need to complete section 4 of the V5C log book form to let the DVLA know you've scrapped it.

When scrapping your vehicle, a logbook can be useful but it's not a must, so if you don't have one, it will mean more work for you. It is important to follow the correct procedure when you aren't in possession of a logbook. This will save you from fines for breaking the law and additional costs from scrap yards.

For scrapping your car, you will need the vehicle registration document or V5C, which is the vehicle logbook. By doing so, you prove that the car you are about to sell for scrap belongs to you, thus preventing the sale of an unauthorised vehicle.