Not all scrap cars are created equal. Some vehicles are worth significantly more than others, and understanding what drives scrap value can help you get a better deal. Here are the factors that make certain cars worth more when it is time to scrap them.
Heavy Vehicles Win on Metal Value
Since scrap metal is priced by weight, larger and heavier vehicles naturally fetch higher prices. Full-size SUVs, large estate cars, people carriers, and vans contain more steel and iron than small hatchbacks. A Range Rover shell, for example, will be worth considerably more for scrap metal than a Fiat 500.
Catalytic Converter Quality
The catalytic converter is often the single most valuable component. Vehicles with larger engines tend to have more valuable catalytic converters because they contain higher quantities of precious metals. Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) also have value. Hybrid vehicles often have larger and more valuable catalytic converters than their non-hybrid equivalents.
Cars with Desirable Parts
Vehicles with parts in high demand through breakers yards command higher scrap prices. Popular models like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, BMW 3 Series, and Volkswagen Golf have strong parts demand because so many are on the road. A scrap car with a working engine from one of these models is worth more than one with a seized engine.
Aluminium-Heavy Models
Aluminium is worth significantly more per kilogram than steel. Cars built primarily from aluminium, such as many Jaguars, Range Rovers, Audis, and some Teslas, command premium scrap prices. The lightweight construction that was once a selling point becomes a financial advantage at end of life.
Models That Hold Value
Generally, the cars worth most for scrap include Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover models, BMW X5 and X3, Mercedes ML and GLE class, large Volvo estates, Toyota Land Cruiser, and commercial vans like the Ford Transit.
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