How much is my scrap car worth, and how do I scrap it?
A scrap car is worth at least its weight at the current metal price, and more if the engine, gearbox or catalytic converter is still usable. LJ Auto Global & Salvage buys end-of-life vehicles, non-runners and salvage outright across the UK, arranges collection and pays by bank transfer — never cash.
- Baseline value is the vehicle’s weight at the current scrap metal price
- A working engine and gearbox lift the price well above weight alone
- The catalytic converter can be a large share of the total
- Non-runners, write-offs, vans and trade lots all bought
- Collection arranged anywhere in the UK; distance affects the offer
- Paid by bank transfer — cash for scrap has been illegal since 2013
- You must still notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped
LJ Auto Global & Salvage buys end-of-life vehicles outright. Because we break, resell and export the parts ourselves rather than only weighing the shell in, a car with a working engine, an intact catalytic converter or straight panels is worth more to us than it is to a pure metal recycler.
What we buy
- Scrap and end-of-life cars — MOT failures, worn-out cars, cars that are no longer economic to repair.
- Non-runners — seized engines, failed gearboxes, electrical faults, cars that have sat unused.
- Salvage and insurance write-offs — accident-damaged cars and vans, including recorded categories.
- Vans and light commercials — Transits, Sprinters, Vivaros, Partners and similar.
- Scrap metal and mixed parts lots — trade quantities, by the tonne.
- Fleet and trade disposals — multiple vehicles cleared in one collection.
What decides what your car is worth
The floor is the vehicle’s weight at the current scrap metal price. Above that, value comes from whatever is still reusable: a running engine and gearbox above all, then the catalytic converter, then straight panels in a common colour, good alloys and undamaged light units. Whether the car still drives matters too, because a car that can be driven onto a transporter costs less to collect. Our article on how much a scrap car is worth breaks the whole calculation down.
How it works
- Send us the details. Registration, rough mileage, and an honest note of what works and what does not.
- We make an offer. Based on the vehicle, not on a generic weight table.
- We arrange collection. Anywhere in the UK, including non-runners.
- You are paid by bank transfer. Never cash — cash payment for scrap vehicles has been illegal in England and Wales since 2013.
- Paperwork is completed. The vehicle goes to an Authorised Treatment Facility and you notify the DVLA that it has been scrapped.
Scrap it, or break it and sell the parts?
If the car still carries valuable components and you have the space, tools and time, breaking it yourself returns more — see which parts are actually worth removing, then list them from 29p an item. If you would rather it was gone this week, selling it whole captures part of that value with none of the labour. Our breakers yard versus selling the parts yourself comparison sets the two side by side on return, effort, time and risk.
Before the collection vehicle arrives
- Take out everything of yours, including the boot, glovebox and under the seats.
- Remove the number plates if you are retaining a private registration.
- Have the V5C to hand if you still have it — we can proceed without it, but say so in advance.
- Cancel any outstanding finance first; a car on finance is not yours to sell.
- Do not drain the fuel or remove parts once an offer is agreed on the car as described.
Trade, fleet and multiple vehicles
If you are a garage, bodyshop, dealer or fleet operator clearing several vehicles, we buy in quantity and collect in one visit. Usable parts go into our own stock and out to export buyers worldwide, which is why we can normally pay above a straight weight price. See trade and container supply, or talk to us about a standing arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about buying, selling and shipping car parts with LJ Auto.
How much will I get for scrapping my car?
It starts from the vehicle weight at the current scrap metal price, then rises with anything still reusable — a working engine or gearbox, an intact catalytic converter, straight panels and good alloys. Send the registration and an honest description and we will give you a figure.
Do you collect scrap cars, and is collection free?
Yes, we arrange collection anywhere in the UK, including non-runners. Collection is a real cost so it is reflected in the offer rather than charged separately — which is why distance affects the price.
Can you scrap a car that does not run?
Yes. Non-runners, seized engines, failed gearboxes and accident-damaged cars are all bought and collected. Tell us it is a non-runner when you send the details so the right transport is arranged.
Will I be paid in cash for my scrap car?
No, and you should not accept cash from anyone. Cash payment for scrap vehicles has been illegal in England and Wales since the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Payment is by bank transfer.
Do I need the V5C logbook to scrap my car?
It is easier with it, but we can proceed without it — tell us in advance. Either way you must notify the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped, or you remain liable for it.
Do I still have to tell the DVLA?
Yes. The vehicle goes to an Authorised Treatment Facility and a Certificate of Destruction is issued, and you must notify the DVLA that it has been scrapped. Until you do, the vehicle is still recorded as yours.
Do you buy vans and salvage vehicles as well as cars?
Yes — vans, light commercials, insurance write-offs, salvage and accident-damaged vehicles, and scrap metal or mixed parts lots by the tonne. Fleet and trade disposals are collected in one visit.
Related pages
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