How Much Is My Scrap Car Worth? UK 2026 Price Guide
"How much is my scrap car worth?" is the question we hear most often when a vehicle has reached the end of its useful life. In 2026, scrap car values in the UK are driven by three main factors: metal weight, working parts, and the catalytic converter. This guide breaks down each, gives 2026 indicative ranges, and explains how to get the best price when you scrap your car.
The three components of a scrap car quote
- Scrap metal weight — the bulk of the value. A typical small hatchback weighs ~950 kg of recoverable metal; an SUV can exceed 1,800 kg.
- Working parts — engine, gearbox, alternator, electronic control units, alloy wheels and good tyres add value above pure scrap weight when the vehicle is recent enough to share parts with cars still on the road.
- Catalytic converter — contains platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of these PGM metals fluctuates daily and can make a meaningful difference in the quote.
Indicative 2026 UK scrap car prices
These are typical ranges for a non-running car collected free of charge by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF):
- Small hatchback (Corsa, Polo, Fiesta — 850–1,000 kg): £100–£250
- Mid-size saloon (Focus, Golf, Octavia — 1,200–1,400 kg): £150–£400
- SUV / 4x4 (Qashqai, Tiguan, X-Trail — 1,500–1,800 kg): £200–£550
- Diesel van (Transit, Vito, Sprinter): £250–£700
- Premium / large saloon (E-Class, A6, 5 Series): £200–£800 depending on year and parts demand
Hybrids and electric cars are valued separately — the battery pack and high-voltage components require specialist handling, and quotes vary widely based on battery state-of-health.
What pulls the price up
- Recent model year — parts demand is higher.
- Complete catalytic converter still fitted.
- Aluminium wheels in good condition.
- Working engine even if the chassis is damaged.
- Clear V5C with no outstanding finance.
What pulls the price down
- Cat-N or Cat-S insurance write-off history.
- Missing catalytic converter (theft is common — declare honestly).
- Outstanding finance — must be settled before sale.
- Vehicle stuck on private land where access for the recovery truck is difficult.
- No keys or V5C — possible but the quote is lower.
How InterCar values your scrap car
InterCar is a UK Authorised Treatment Facility and offers a transparent instant quote based on:
- Make, model, year, mileage and condition you describe online.
- Live metal prices on the day of quote.
- Catalytic converter status (present, removed, stolen).
- Battery state-of-health for hybrids and EVs.
The quote is firm: the price we offer online is the price we pay on collection, provided your description matches the vehicle on arrival. Free same-day collection, DVLA notified, certificate of destruction issued — all included.
How to maximise the price when you scrap your car
- Remove personal belongings, aftermarket stereos, and accessories you want to keep — clear collection access saves time and helps the quote.
- Keep the catalytic converter on the vehicle — selling it separately is illegal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 unless you trade with a registered yard.
- Hand over both keys and the V5C — missing items reduce the offer.
- Honest disclosure of write-off history avoids on-the-spot renegotiation.
- Compare quotes from at least two ATFs — only trade with someone who pays into your bank account, never cash for scrap (banned in the UK since 2013).
The legal essentials in 2026
It is illegal in the UK to scrap a car for cash — payment must be by bank transfer or cheque. The buyer must be a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility. The DVLA must be notified of destruction (the ATF does this and gives you a Certificate of Destruction). After destruction, you receive a partial road tax refund for any full months left.
For a free instant quote with same-day collection across the UK, see our scrap my car service — and if your car is still running and worth more than scrap value, our vehicle buying service often pays significantly more.
