Scrap car value guide
How Much Is My Scrap Car Worth in Vancouver?
The scrap value of a car comes mostly from its weight in metal and that day’s scrap price. Here’s exactly what pushes the number up or down, typical weights by vehicle type, and how to get a firm quote instead of a guess.
- No guesswork pricing
- Typical curb weights
- Catalytic converter rules
- Last reviewed October 2026
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In short
Quick Answer
The scrap value of a car comes mostly from its weight in metal, multiplied by that day’s scrap metal price. From there, the price goes up for a complete car, a catalytic converter still in place, and parts or a model that’s still in demand. It goes down for missing parts and fire or flood damage. Anyone who quotes a flat price before asking about your car is guessing, so get a firm quote based on your car’s details.
The five factors
What Is the Scrap Value of a Car Based On?
Five things decide what a scrap car is worth:
- Weight. Most of a scrap car’s value is its metal, so heavier vehicles are worth more. A full size pickup has far more steel in it than a compact hatchback.
- The scrap metal market. Steel and other metal prices move with demand, so the same car can be worth more one month than the next.
- Completeness. A car with its engine, transmission, catalytic converter and wheels is worth more than a shell with parts pulled.
- Resale value. Some cars are worth more as used vehicles, or for their parts, than as metal. Year, make, model and mileage decide that.
- Condition. Heavy collision, fire or flood damage can change how a car is priced.
Location barely matters for us, because towing is free anywhere in our service area and nothing comes off your price for pickup.
By weight
Scrap Car Value by Weight: Typical Curb Weights
Curb weight is the weight of the empty vehicle, with no passengers or cargo. These ranges are approximate and vary by year, engine and trim:
| Vehicle type | Typical curb weight |
|---|---|
| Compact car (Civic, Corolla, Elantra) | 1,200 to 1,400 kg |
| Mid size sedan (Camry, Accord, Altima) | 1,400 to 1,650 kg |
| Compact SUV or crossover (RAV4, Rogue, Escape) | 1,500 to 1,750 kg |
| Minivan (Sienna, Odyssey, Grand Caravan) | 1,900 to 2,150 kg |
| Mid size SUV (Explorer, Highlander, Pilot) | 1,900 to 2,300 kg |
| Half ton pickup (F150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500) | 2,000 to 2,600 kg |
| Heavy duty pickup or full size van | 2,600 to 3,500 kg |
To find your car’s exact curb weight, check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications. The sticker in the driver’s door frame shows the gross vehicle weight rating, which is the loaded maximum, not the empty weight.
Not all of that weight is metal. Glass, plastic, rubber, fabric and fluids make up the rest, which is one reason a simple “weight times price” calculator rarely matches a real quote.
Why Scrap Metal Prices Change
Scrap prices are set by the metal market, not by the buyer, and they’re usually quoted per tonne. They follow demand from steel mills and manufacturers, and they can rise or fall within weeks. That’s why we don’t publish a price per tonne: it would be out of date before you read it. A quote from us reflects today’s market.
Scrap It or Sell It? When Your Car Is Worth More Than Scrap
A car’s scrap value is its floor, not its ceiling. Your car may be worth more than scrap if:
- It still runs and drives, even with high mileage or worn parts
- The damage is cosmetic, like dents, scratches or a broken mirror
- The parts are in demand, which is common with popular trucks, SUVs and hybrids
If that sounds like your car, get a same day used car offer instead. For accident damage or a car that won’t start, see how we price damaged and non running cars. Not sure? Ask for a cash for cars Vancouver quote, and we’ll price it whichever way pays you more.
What Lowers the Value of a Scrap Car
- Missing engine or transmission. These are the heaviest and most valuable parts.
- A missing catalytic converter (see below)
- Parts pulled for sale, such as wheels, the battery, the radiator or body panels
- Fire or flood damage
- A wrong description. If the car doesn’t match what you told us, the quote changes. Telling us about missing parts up front means the number won’t move at pickup.
Flat tires, a dead battery, rust and a car that hasn’t moved in months don’t lower the price on their own. We expect those with a scrap car.
The Catalytic Converter and Your Scrap Car’s Value
The catalytic converter contains precious metals, so it’s one of the most valuable single parts on a scrap car. Leave it on the car, because we price it into your quote.
Selling a converter on its own is harder than it used to be. Since March 2022, catalytic converters that aren’t attached to an exhaust system count as regulated metal in BC. Selling one means showing ID to a registered metal dealer, and the sale is reported to police. See the BC government’s list of regulated metals.
If your converter was stolen, tell us when you ask for a quote. The car is still worth something.
Watch out
Why “Up To $X” Scrap Car Quotes Drop at Pickup
Some ads promise a big number, then the driver offers less once they’re in your driveway, often with a towing or “admin” fee taken off. Before you agree to any scrap car quote, ask:
- Is this a firm price or a range?
- Does anything come off for towing, fuel or paperwork?
- What would make the price change at pickup?
- When and how am I paid?
Our answer: the price we quote is the price we pay, as long as the car matches your description. Towing is free and nothing comes off your payment. You’re paid before the car is loaded.
How to Get the Most for Your Scrap Car
- Describe the car honestly. Include the year, make, model, mileage, whether it starts and what’s missing.
- Send photos of each side, the interior and any damage.
- Leave the parts on. A complete car is worth more than the parts sold separately once you count your time.
- Have the paperwork ready. The signed registration and photo ID speed things up. Our BC car selling paperwork guide covers lost papers and estates.
- Compare firm quotes, not “up to” prices.
How We Price Your Scrap Car
Tell us about your car and we’ll give you one firm number based on its weight, today’s metal market, its completeness and any resale value. Then:
- Free pickup, usually the same day
- The driver checks the VIN and your ID
- You sign the ICBC transfer form
- You’re paid before the car is loaded
Read how our scrap car removal works, see how it works from start to finish, or check the areas we serve. Call 236 506 5190 for a firm quote.
FAQ
Scrap Car Value: Common Questions
How much is my scrap car worth?
It depends mainly on your car’s weight and that day’s scrap metal price, then on whether it’s complete and whether it has any resale value. A heavy, complete truck is worth more than a small car with parts missing. Because metal prices change, the only reliable number is a firm quote based on your car’s details. Call Cash My Car Today BC at 236 506 5190 for one.
How is the scrap value of a car calculated?
A buyer starts with the car’s weight in metal and the current scrap price, then adjusts for completeness, the catalytic converter, any parts or resale value, and damage such as fire or flood. Glass, plastic and fluids add weight but little value, which is why simple weight times price calculators rarely match a real quote.
Is my car worth more as scrap or as a used car?
If it runs and drives, is a popular model, or has only cosmetic damage, it’s often worth more as a used car. Scrap value is the floor, not the ceiling. Ask Cash My Car Today BC for a quote and we’ll price it whichever way pays you more.
Does a missing catalytic converter lower the scrap value?
Yes. The catalytic converter contains precious metals and is one of the most valuable single parts on a scrap car, so a car without one is worth less. Leave it on the car, because it’s priced into your quote. If yours was stolen, the car is still worth something, so tell us when you ask for a quote.
Why do scrap car prices change?
Scrap prices follow the metal market, which moves with demand from steel mills and manufacturers. The same car can be worth more one month than the next. That’s why Cash My Car Today BC doesn’t publish a price per tonne and quotes each car at today’s market instead.
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