If you have ever called a scrap dealer and been surprised by the price — either higher or lower than you expected — you are not alone. Scrap car prices can seem unpredictable, but there is a clear logic behind every quote. Understanding it puts you in a much stronger position when it comes to getting the best deal.

The Main Factor: Scrap Metal Weight

The single biggest driver of your car's scrap value is its weight. Scrap dealers buy cars primarily for the metal they contain, and that metal is sold on to recyclers by the tonne. Heavier cars — large SUVs, vans, estate cars — are worth more than small city cars simply because they contain more steel and aluminium.

A typical family saloon weighs around 1,200–1,500kg. At current scrap metal prices, that translates to a base value before any other factors are considered.

Current Scrap Metal Prices

Scrap metal prices fluctuate daily based on global commodity markets. Steel, aluminium, copper, and catalytic converter metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) all have their own market prices that change constantly.

This is why a quote you received six months ago may be very different from one you receive today. Reputable dealers like EasySalvage will always quote based on the current market rate.

The Condition of the Car

A car that drives is worth more than one that does not — but not always by as much as people assume. The difference is mainly in the cost of collection: a non-runner requires specialist equipment to load, which adds to the dealer's costs.

What matters more is whether the car is complete. A car with its catalytic converter, engine, gearbox, and body panels intact is worth significantly more than one that has been stripped. Catalytic converters alone can be worth £50–£500 depending on the vehicle, because of the precious metals they contain.

Make and Model

Some makes and models are worth more as scrap because:

• Catalytic converter value — certain cars (Honda Jazz, Toyota Prius, BMW 3 Series) have converters containing higher concentrations of precious metals
• Parts demand — if there is strong demand for second-hand parts from a particular model, a dealer may offer more because they can sell components before scrapping the shell
• Aluminium content — premium and sports cars often use more aluminium, which is worth more per kg than steel

Mileage and Age

These matter less than most people think when it comes to scrap value. A 2005 Ford Focus with 200,000 miles is worth roughly the same as a 2005 Ford Focus with 80,000 miles — because both will be crushed and recycled, not repaired and resold.

Where age and mileage do matter is if the car still has value as a runner or repairable vehicle. A low-mileage car in good condition might be worth more sold privately or to a trader than as scrap.

Location

Distance affects the price because collection costs money. A car in Darlaston, right on our doorstep, costs less to collect than one in Cornwall. Most West Midlands dealers — including EasySalvage — offer free collection across the region, but nationwide collection may affect the final offer slightly.

How to Get the Best Scrap Price

1. Get multiple quotes — prices vary between dealers, so it pays to shop around
2. Be accurate about condition — an honest description means no surprises on the day and no last-minute price reductions
3. Keep the catalytic converter — never remove it before selling; it is worth more in situ
4. Do not strip the car — removing parts reduces the value more than you might gain selling them separately
5. Check the current metal price — sites like metalprices.com give you a rough idea of the market

What EasySalvage Pays

At EasySalvage, we base every quote on the current scrap metal market, the weight and condition of your vehicle, and our knowledge of parts values. We guarantee the price we quote — provided the car matches the description — for 20 days.

Call us on 0121 389 4250 or submit your car details online for a free, no-obligation quote. We cover the whole of the West Midlands and can arrange nationwide collection.