How removing parts changes a quote
Our quote is weight-based for a complete car (£164 per tonne plus £15). Taking parts off lowers the weight the yard is buying and can leave the car harder to collect, so check the effect on the price before you start.
Alloy wheels
Confirming alloys adds £52 to our quote. A set in good condition with decent tyres may fetch more sold privately, but the car then needs wheels to be moved. Only do it if you can put steel wheels back on.
Catalytic converter
It contains precious metals and is part of why a complete car is worth more than steel alone, but it is inside our per-tonne rate rather than priced separately. Cutting it off leaves an open exhaust, and specialist buyers pay by content, so get real offers rather than assuming a figure. See our catalytic converter guide.
Engine and gearbox
A known-good engine or gearbox is the most valuable single part, but removing one needs a hoist, time and skill, and you must be able to show it works. Most people are better leaving it for the yard to test and sell as a used part.
Electronics
Infotainment units and instrument clusters can sell if they are complete and match a popular model. Check sold listings for your exact part number before you take one out.
Leave these on
Body panels, glass, seats and trim have little resale value individually and add to the weight the yard buys. If a part sells for less than the quote drops and takes hours to remove, leave it.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get less if I remove parts?
Probably. The quote assumes a complete car. Tell the yard what you plan to remove and ask for a revised price before you do it.
Can I sell my catalytic converter separately?
Legally you can sell it to an authorised dealer, and payment must not be in cash. Whether it beats keeping it in the car depends on the offers you get, so compare them with the price of the complete car.
What is the most valuable part of a scrap car?
By individual part, a known-good engine or gearbox, then the catalytic converter and some electronics. By convenience, the complete car sold on its weight is usually the simplest route.
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