Should I Scrap My Car? How to Decide

If your car has just failed its MOT, needs an expensive repair, or has been sitting on the drive for months, you've probably wondered whether it's worth keeping. Here's a straightforward way to decide between repairing, selling and scrapping.

Signs it's time to scrap your car

• The repair bill is more than the car is worth. If a garage quotes more than the car would sell for once fixed, scrapping is usually the better deal.
• It's failed its MOT with major or dangerous faults, such as serious corrosion, structural damage or brake problems that are costly to put right.
• It keeps going wrong. A string of smaller repairs can add up to more than the car is worth over a year.
• It doesn't run, or it's been written off by your insurer.
• It's been off the road for a long time. Cars that sit for months often need batteries, tyres, brakes and more before they're roadworthy again.

When selling makes more sense

If your car runs, has an MOT and is in decent condition for its age, it may be worth more sold as a used car than scrapped. Selling privately usually gets the most money but takes the most time. Part-exchange or an online car buying service is quicker, but pays less.

Scrapping makes most sense when the car's value as a used car is close to, or below, its value as scrap. It's also the quickest option: one booking, free collection, and you're paid by bank transfer.

What is my car worth as scrap?

Mostly its weight, its age and make, today's metal prices, and whether anything is missing, like the catalytic converter or battery. Newer cars with reusable parts can be worth more than their weight in metal. We explain it in full in how much is my car worth in scrap. The quickest way to find out is to get an instant quote. It takes a minute and there's no obligation.

Before you scrap your car

1. Keep your private plate, if you have one. Apply to take the registration number off the car before it's scrapped, or you'll lose it.
2. Remove your belongings. Check the glovebox, boot, door pockets and under the seats.
3. Find the V5C log book. If you can't, you can still scrap your car without a log book.
4. Don't strip parts off. A complete car is worth more, and removing parts like the engine, gearbox or wheels lowers the price.
5. Cancel your insurance once the car has been collected, not before.

After you scrap it

We pay you by bank transfer, as the law requires. It's illegal to be paid cash for a scrapped car in England and Wales. You must tell the DVLA you've scrapped the car, and you'll get a Certificate of Destruction to show it's been properly destroyed. Once the DVLA has your details, they refund any full months left on your vehicle tax.

Still not sure? Get an instant quote to see what your car is worth as scrap, then decide. Or call us on 01354 572706 and we'll talk it through.