Current Scrap Metal Prices (January 2025)
If you're thinking about scrapping your car, understanding current prices helps you make an informed decision. But here's the key insight: scrap yards only pay for metal weight. If your car is from 2014 or newer, you're almost certainly leaving money on the table by scrapping it.
Scrap Car Prices by Weight
These are typical scrap yard offers based on current metal prices. Remember, this is metal value only - not parts value.
| Weight | Typical Cars | Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000kg | Small hatchback (Fiesta, Corsa) | £120 - £200 |
| 1,000 - 1,300kg | Medium car (Focus, Golf) | £180 - £280 |
| 1,300 - 1,600kg | Large saloon/estate | £230 - £340 |
| 1,600 - 2,000kg | SUV, large estate | £280 - £400 |
| Over 2,000kg | Large SUV, van | £350 - £500 |
*Prices are estimates based on current market rates and may vary by location
Why Your Car Is Worth More Than Scrap
The Reality: A 2017 Ford Focus weighs about 1,300kg. At scrap rates, that's worth around £250.
But the same car contains: a gearbox worth £800, a turbo worth £500, electronics worth £300, and body panels worth £400+. That's over £2,000 in parts value.
Scrap yards don't assess individual components - they just weigh the car and pay accordingly. Specialist buyers like us look at:
High-Value Components
- • Gearboxes (manual & auto)
- • Turbochargers
- • ECUs & electronics
- • Infotainment systems
Body & Interior
- • Undamaged panels & doors
- • Alloy wheels
- • Seats & interior trim
- • Lights & mirrors
Scrap Yard vs Specialist Buyer
Scrap Yard
- Pays by weight only (£150-350)
- Same price for 2010 or 2020 cars
- No consideration of parts value
- Car is crushed and recycled
Best for: Pre-2010 cars in poor condition
Specialist Buyer (Us)
- Pays based on parts value (£1,000-5,000+)
- Newer cars worth significantly more
- We assess gearbox, turbo, electronics, etc.
- Parts are salvaged and reused
Best for: 2014+ cars with specific problems
Scrap Price Trends
Scrap metal prices are cyclical. Here's how they've moved recently:
Strong demand, high energy costs
Demand softened, prices dropped
Stable, slight recovery expected
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Car Worth More Than Scrap?
If your car is from 2014 onwards, it probably is. Get a free quote and see how much more we'll pay compared to scrap value.