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What is my scrap car worth?
Two cars that look equally finished can get very different offers. Here's what actually drives the price of an old, damaged or non-running vehicle, so you know what to expect before you call anyone.
- No price lists. Every car is quoted on its own details
- Written for cars, trucks and vans in BC
- Use it to compare offers, including ours
Quick answer
A scrap vehicle's price comes from its metal weight plus any parts people still want, minus what's missing. Bigger, more complete and more popular vehicles get more.
Get a cash price
Tell us about the vehicle. We call back with a number.
1. Weight and size
The base of any scrap price is the metal. A full-size pickup or van weighs far more than a compact car, so it starts higher. That's also why a heavy vehicle that doesn't run can be worth more than a small one that does.
2. Parts that are still in demand
Cars that are common on BC roads have parts that people keep buying: engines, transmissions, doors, lights, alternators. A twenty-year-old Civic or Corolla can be worth more than a rarer car of the same age because so many are still being fixed.
3. What's missing
A complete vehicle is worth the most. Missing the engine, transmission, wheels, battery or catalytic converter brings the price down, sometimes a lot. Be upfront about what's gone. A buyer who finds it missing at pickup will lower the price on the spot.
4. Whether it runs
A car that starts and drives can be sold on as a running car or for tested parts, so it's usually worth more. It doesn't need to be road-worthy, just able to start and move.
5. Damage
Collision damage reduces the parts that can be reused. Fire and flood damage reduce it most, because so little survives.
6. Scrap metal prices
Steel and other metal prices change with the market, so a quote is only good for a short time. That's normal, not a sales trick.
How to compare offers fairly
- Ask if towing is free. A higher offer with a towing fee can end up lower.
- Describe the car the same way to everyone. Same condition, same missing parts.
- Ask if the price can change at pickup, and why. It should only change if the car isn't as described.
- Check how you get paid. You should be paid at pickup, before you sign the transfer.
- Be wary of very high phone quotes. Some buyers quote high and drop the price once the truck arrives.
When a scrap price isn't the right one
If your car runs well and has a clean history, it may be worth more as a used car than as scrap. See sell my car for cash for that side of things. For cars that are truly done, scrap car removal explains pickup.
Questions about scrap car value
Why won't you give a price on your website?
Because the price depends on the vehicle's details and on metal prices that week. A posted number would be wrong for most cars. Call or send the form and you'll get a real one.
Is the catalytic converter worth a lot?
It adds value to a whole vehicle, which is why a car without one is worth less. We don't buy detached converters on their own.
Does the price change at pickup?
Only if the vehicle isn't as described, like a missing engine nobody mentioned. Describe it honestly and the price holds.
Ready to see it gone?
Call with the year, make, model and where it's parked. Most calls take a few minutes, and you'll hang up with a number.