One of the first questions people ask when they decide to scrap their car is: how much will I actually get? The honest answer is that it depends on several factors — but understanding those factors means you can walk into the process with realistic expectations and avoid being short-changed.

Here is a straightforward breakdown of how scrap car prices work in the West Midlands in 2026.

The Main Factor: Scrap Metal Price

The single biggest influence on what your car is worth as scrap is the current price of steel and other metals on the commodity market. This fluctuates week to week based on global supply and demand.

When steel prices are high, scrap car values go up. When they drop, so does your payout. This is why you might get a different quote in January than you would in June, even for the same car.

At EasySalvage, we track the market daily and make sure our quotes reflect the current rate — not an inflated figure designed to get you to book, only to be revised on collection day.

The Second Factor: Weight of the Vehicle

Scrap is priced per tonne, so heavier vehicles are worth more. A large estate car or a 4x4 will fetch significantly more than a small city car, simply because there is more metal in it.

Here is a rough weight guide for common vehicle types:

Vehicle type	Approximate kerb weight
Small hatchback (Fiesta, Corsa)	900 – 1,100 kg
Medium hatchback (Focus, Golf)	1,200 – 1,400 kg
Large saloon / estate	1,400 – 1,700 kg
SUV / 4x4	1,600 – 2,200 kg
Small van (Transit Connect)	1,400 – 1,800 kg
Large van (Transit, Sprinter)	1,800 – 2,500 kg

What Scrap Car Prices Look Like Right Now

Based on current metal prices, here are approximate values for common vehicles in the West Midlands:

Vehicle	Approximate value
Ford Fiesta / Vauxhall Corsa	£150 – £250
Ford Focus / Vauxhall Astra	£200 – £350
VW Golf / Honda Civic	£220 – £370
BMW 3 Series / Audi A4	£250 – £420
Ford Mondeo / Vauxhall Vectra	£280 – £450
Range Rover / Toyota Land Cruiser	£400 – £700+
Ford Transit van	£350 – £650

These are scrap values only — if your car has usable parts in good condition, it may be worth more as a salvage vehicle than as straight scrap.

Does Condition Affect the Price?

For straight scrap, condition matters less than you might think. Whether the car runs or not, has a smashed windscreen, or is missing a door, the scrap value is primarily based on weight and metal content.

However, condition does matter in a few specific ways:

Catalytic converter — if your car still has its catalytic converter, it adds value because it contains precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium). A missing cat will reduce the offer slightly.

Engine and gearbox — if these are in working order, they may have value as salvage parts above and beyond the scrap price.

Fuel in the tank — we drain and recycle fuel, but a full tank does not add to your payout.

Missing parts — if significant parts have already been removed (wheels, battery, engine), the weight is lower and the price will reflect that.

Watch Out for These Common Tricks

Not all scrap car buyers operate the same way. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Inflated online quotes — some online calculators give you an unrealistically high figure to get your details, then reduce the offer when the driver arrives. Always confirm the price is firm before booking.

Unlicensed buyers — it is illegal to sell a car to a buyer who is not registered with the Environment Agency as a licensed scrap metal dealer. Always ask for their licence number. EasySalvage is fully licensed and DVLA-registered.

No Certificate of Destruction — if a buyer does not provide a CoD, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle even after it has left your hands. Always insist on one.

Cash-in-hand without paperwork — legitimate buyers will always complete the V5C transfer and notify the DVLA. If someone wants to take the car without any paperwork, walk away.

How to Get the Best Price for Your Scrap Car

A few practical steps can help you maximise your payout:

1. Get multiple quotes — prices vary between buyers, so it is worth calling two or three.
2. Be accurate about the condition — describing the car honestly means the quote you get is the price you receive.
3. Keep the catalytic converter — do not let anyone remove it before collection, as it reduces the value.
4. Check if any parts have salvage value — if the car has low mileage or rare parts in good condition, mention this when you call.
5. Time it right — if you are not in a rush, it can be worth waiting for metal prices to improve.

Get a Quote from EasySalvage

We cover the whole of the West Midlands — Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, and everywhere in between. Call us on 0121 389 4250 for a firm, no-obligation quote based on today's metal prices.

We have been buying scrap and salvage vehicles across the region since 2001. Our prices are honest, our process is straightforward, and we always provide a Certificate of Destruction.