3 min read · Updated
Old cars in London often end up stuck. They fail an MOT, they don't meet the ULEZ standard, or they just stop starting. The obvious answer seems to be scrap. Sometimes it is. Often the car is worth more as a car.
This guide walks through how to decide, what the law says about scrapping, and how to avoid the traps.
How scrap value works
A scrap yard mostly pays by weight and the going rate for metal. That's a fair way to price a car that's truly finished. It ignores everything else: a decent engine or gearbox, alloy wheels, a tidy interior, a catalytic converter, or a fault that turns out to be a cheap repair.
So the first question isn't 'what's the scrap price?' but 'is this car worth more whole?'
Signs a car is worth selling, not scrapping
- It runs, even if it has warning lights or an MOT fail.
- The fault is known and repairable, such as a clutch, a cambelt or a starter motor.
- The body and interior are in reasonable condition.
- It's a popular model with a steady used market, such as a Fiesta, Corolla or Golf.
- It's a hybrid or diesel that's reliable but doesn't meet ULEZ, so it's worth more outside London.
Signs it really is scrap
- It's been written off as Category A or B by an insurer. GOV.UK says these cannot be repaired.
- It has severe structural corrosion that would cost more to fix than the car is worth.
- It's been stripped of major parts.
The law on scrapping a car
When a car is scrapped, it has to go to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). The ATF issues a Certificate of Destruction, which is your proof that the car has been disposed of properly. GOV.UK says you must tell the DVLA when your vehicle is scrapped and that you can be fined £1,000 if you don't.
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, scrap metal dealers in England and Wales can't pay cash for scrap vehicles. If someone offers you cash for a scrap car, walk away.
Step by step: deciding what to do
- Check the MOT history and note what's failed or been advised.
- Check the ULEZ status on TfL's vehicle checker.
- Get a repair quote if there's a known fault.
- Get a valuation for the car as it is from a buyer who buys non-runners and damaged cars.
- Get a scrap quote from an ATF.
- Compare the two. If the car is worth more whole, sell it. If not, scrap it at an ATF and keep the Certificate of Destruction.
Before it goes
Take your private number plate off first if you want to keep it. GOV.UK says the car needs to be able to move under its own power to transfer a private number, so do this before the car stops running if you can. See our guide to selling a car with a private number plate.
Remove your belongings, cancel insurance and any TfL Auto Pay account for the car, and keep all the paperwork.
Getting it collected in London
Most old cars in London are parked on the street, and an untaxed car on a public road can be fined or clamped. We collect cars that won't start on a transporter. See selling a non-runner, selling a car with no MOT and scrap my car, or find your area on areas we cover.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so check GOV.UK for the latest.