"How much is my scrap car worth?" is the first question almost every Ontario car owner asks us — and the honest answer is: it depends. Unlike a used car sale, scrap car value isn't based on a listing price someone made up. It's based on real, measurable factors: what the vehicle weighs, what parts are still usable, and what scrap metal is trading at right now. Here's exactly what goes into your offer, and how to make sure you get the most for your car.
What Determines Your Scrap Car's Value
- Vehicle weight & scrap metal prices — heavier vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans) generally scrap for more because there's simply more steel and metal to recycle.
- Make, model & year — newer vehicles and models with in-demand parts (engines, transmissions, catalytic converters) typically fetch a higher offer.
- Condition — a running vehicle is usually worth more than a non-running one, but we buy both. Accident-damaged and flood-damaged cars are priced based on what's salvageable.
- Completeness — a car with its engine, transmission, catalytic converter, battery, and wheels intact is worth more than one that's already been stripped for parts.
- Your location — since towing is free either way, location doesn't usually change your quote, but it does affect how fast we can get to you.
Realistic Scrap Car Price Ranges in Ontario
Every quote is different, but here's a general sense of where most scrap cars land in today's Ontario market:
- Small, older, or heavily stripped vehicles: lower end of the range — mostly reflects scrap metal weight.
- Complete, running-condition sedans and compact cars: mid-range offers, especially if key parts are intact.
- Larger vehicles — trucks, vans, and SUVs: typically the highest offers, thanks to greater weight and higher-value parts.
How We Calculate Your Offer
When you call or submit a quote request, we ask a few quick questions — make, model, year, condition, and location — and give you a fair cash offer based on current scrap and parts value. There's no obligation to accept, no hidden deductions, and no surprise fees at pickup. The number we quote is the number you get paid.
Tips to Get the Most Cash for Your Scrap Car
- Get more than one quote. Prices can vary between buyers — compare before you commit.
- Leave the parts intact. Don't remove the battery, catalytic converter, or wheels before pickup — it can lower your offer.
- Have your ownership ready. It speeds up the paperwork and pickup process. (No ownership? Here's what to do instead.)
- Confirm towing is actually free. Some buyers advertise a high price, then deduct a towing fee. Ours never does.
- Remove personal belongings from the vehicle before pickup so nothing gets left behind.