What Is My Scrap Car Worth in Canterbury? 2026 Guide

What 'Scrap' Actually Means

'Scrap' means a vehicle that can't be put back on the road economically — non-running, written-off, missing parts, or just too old. Every scrap vehicle still has real cash value.

Three Layers of Scrap Value

1. Working parts — starter, alternator, ECU, gearbox, panels still have buyers
2. Reusable components — engines/gearboxes needing rebuild have core value
3. Bare metal — once stripped, steel and aluminium have per-kg value

Real Scrap Prices — 2026

• Small car shell (~1 tonne) — $300–$500
• Medium sedan, non-running but complete — $400–$800
• SUV / 4WD, non-running but complete — $700–$1,500
• Ute, non-running but complete — $800–$2,000
• Van, non-running but complete — $600–$1,500
• Light truck — $1,000–$3,000
• Premium European scrap — $500–$1,800

What Affects Scrap Value

• Completeness — biggest factor
• Weight — heavier = more metal
• Make popularity — Toyota/Ford fetch more
• Age and rarity — very old can have scarcity value

What Doesn't Affect It

• WoF / rego status
• Service history
• Cleanliness
• Whether it starts

Maximise Scrap Value

1. Don't strip parts first — complete cars pay more than sum of parts
2. Disclose damage honestly
3. Get multiple quotes
4. Sell before further deterioration

Get Your Scrap Quote

Call Get a Free Quote. See also scrap car removal.