When your car is no longer roadworthy, deciding whether to scrap or salvage it can significantly impact how much money you receive. Many car owners mistakenly assume that scrap and salvage mean the same thing. Still, these terms refer to very different processes, and understanding the distinction can help you maximise your vehicle's value.

What Defines a Salvage Car?

A salvage car typically has suffered a significant mechanical failure or accident damage but retains usable parts. These vehicles are usually under 12 years old and have components that can be refurbished or resold.

In many cases, salvage cars become uneconomical to repair for their owners due to high labour costs and expensive replacement parts. However, trade repairers and salvage specialists can often fix these vehicles more cost-effectively. They may also dismantle them for reusable parts, which increases the car’s resale value compared to scrapping.

Salvage cars often include:

Vehicles with significant engine or gearbox failures

Cars with electrical issues that are too costly for owners to fix

Accident-damaged cars with intact salvageable parts

Because salvage cars still have viable parts, they tend to fetch a higher price than scrap vehicles.

What Makes a Car Scrap?

A scrap car, or an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV), is usually at least 15 years old and no longer fit for the road. These cars often have no functional parts that can be reused and are sold purely for their raw materials, such as metal and plastics.

Scrap cars are taken to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), where they are:

Depolluted – All hazardous materials, such as fuel, oil, and coolant, are removed.

Dismantled – Usable components are taken out if possible.

Crushed and Recycled – The remaining shell is shredded, and the raw materials are repurposed.

Since scrap cars have little to no resale value beyond their weight in raw materials, their payout is generally lower than salvage cars' payout. However, scrapping is a straightforward and environmentally friendly way to dispose of a vehicle.

Which Option Pays More?

Salvaging will earn more money if your car is relatively young and has some reusable parts. However, scrapping is the best option if the vehicle is entirely beyond repair.

Factors that determine your car’s value include:

Age – Newer cars are more likely to be salvageable.

Condition – If key components like the engine, gearbox, or electrics still function, the car is likely worth more as salvage.

Market demand – Some makes and models have parts that are in high demand, making them more valuable in the salvage market.

How to Determine if Your Car is Scrap or Salvage

If you're unsure whether your car qualifies as salvage or scrap, seeking expert advice can help you secure the best price. At Motorwise, we specialise in salvage and scrap car collections, ensuring you receive a fair valuation for your vehicle.