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The base figure: scrap metal weight
The floor price for any scrap car starts with its weight. Scrap steel prices are tracked by commodity markets and fluctuate regularly — sometimes week to week. A typical family saloon weighs around 1,200–1,400 kg, a large estate 1,500–1,800 kg, and a small hatchback 1,000–1,200 kg. Multiplied by the current per-tonne rate for automotive scrap steel, this gives the base scrap value before any other factors are applied.
This is why heavier vehicles — large SUVs, estates, and people carriers — tend to attract higher base scrap values than smaller city cars. More metal means more value at the base level, regardless of condition.
Catalytic converters: the biggest single variable
The catalytic converter is usually the most valuable individual component on a scrap car, and its presence or absence can shift the quote significantly — sometimes by £100–£300 depending on the vehicle. Catalytic converters contain platinum group metals (PGMs): platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are valuable on the secondary metals market regardless of whether the vehicle runs or is in any kind of roadworthy condition.
Platinum group metal prices are volatile. Palladium in particular has seen dramatic price swings in recent years. Even at moderate market rates, a catalytic converter from a common petrol-engined family car carries substantial standalone value. Diesel and hybrid catalytic converters have different compositions and are valued differently.
If your catalytic converter has been stolen — which is disproportionately common on certain Toyota, Lexus, and Honda models — disclose this at the quote stage. Buyers will factor it into the offer, and discovering a missing cat on collection day in Havering will result in a revised figure regardless.
Running vs non-running: the logistics impact
A running vehicle is generally worth a little more than a non-runner, but often by less than people expect. The main difference is collection logistics: a non-runner requires a flatbed recovery truck rather than a standard driveaway, which adds to the buyer's costs. Where the car starts and drives, collection is cheaper, and that saving is usually reflected in the offer.
Non-runners are still fully quotable and collectable. Many scrap collections in Havering and nearby areas like Greater London, Inner London and Camden involve vehicles that have been stationary for months or even years. The impact on the quote depends on what has caused the problem. A flat battery or a seized brake calliper are minor; a written-off chassis or a fire-damaged vehicle will affect the recoverable value more substantially.
Parts value and salvage potential
Some vehicles are worth more broken down for parts than as raw scrap metal. A car with low mileage, desirable components, or parts in short supply — certain European models, Japanese imports, vehicles with sought-after transmissions or trim levels — may attract a salvage offer above the base scrap rate.
Buyers who operate as both ATFs and dismantlers can offer more for these vehicles because they recover additional value through parts resale. When requesting quotes in Havering, it is worth checking whether the buyer operates a dismantling business alongside their ATF licence. If so, the offer may reflect the parts potential as well as the scrap weight.
Other components that affect the price
Beyond the major factors above, several other components move the final figure.
The battery contributes to the quote — as scrap and, for modern hybrid or electric vehicles, as a potentially high-value reusable component. Toyota Prius and Yaris Hybrid battery packs, for example, have a strong secondary market. Disclosing that the battery is present and intact helps produce a more accurate quote.
Alloy wheels on higher-specification cars have resale or scrap value above standard steel wheels, particularly if they are undamaged. Aftermarket alloys may add further value depending on the brand and condition. Non-ferrous metals throughout the vehicle — aluminium components, copper wiring harnesses, and electrical connectors — add to the overall recoverable value, though these are generally already factored into the weight-based calculation. Collection access and distance in Havering affects the logistics cost. A vehicle parked on a main road with easy flatbed access costs less to collect than one in a narrow terrace, a multi-storey car park, or a property with restricted access. Difficult access does not prevent collection, but it may be reflected in the quote.Why quotes move over time
Scrap car prices are not static. The base steel rate and PGM prices can shift meaningfully over weeks or months, which means a quote from three months ago may be materially different from today's figure. Market conditions, buyer demand, and parts resale trends all feed into the live rate.
If you are not in a rush, it is occasionally worth monitoring whether metal prices have moved significantly before requesting a quote. Online scrap metal price trackers publish weekly figures. For most people, however, the convenience of prompt collection outweighs any marginal timing benefit.
How to get the strongest quote in Havering
The most reliable way to get a strong quote is to provide complete, accurate information. State the real condition of the vehicle, including damage, mechanical issues, and whether any major parts are missing. Mention whether the car starts and moves, whether keys are available, and whether there are any access restrictions at your address in Havering.
Accurate details allow buyers to make a firm offer rather than hedging with a conservative figure to cover potential surprises. Underrepresenting the condition rarely produces a better outcome — it typically results in a revised offer on the day when the driver checks the vehicle. Accurate information upfront produces a reliable quote and a straightforward collection.
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