Introduction
When your older vehicle is no longer operational or is too expensive to repair, disposing of the vehicle at a scrap yard is a good option to consider. Many people think that scrap yards pay the same fixed price for all scrap cars, but this is not the case. Ontario scrap yards must follow a proper process to value your vehicle. They will consider many significant factors before providing a quoted price.
This blog breaks down the key factors Ontario scrapyards consider when pricing older vehicles. If you are thinking of disposing of your vehicle at a scrap yard, this blog can help you understand the many factors that will affect your price. Ultimately, you will be able to make better decisions and steer clear of lowball offers.
What Exactly Happens To Old Cars In Scrapyards?
Scrap yards purchase old, damaged, or unwanted vehicles to recycle their parts and metal. They will pull useful parts from them and scrap the rest. When a vehicle is driven to the scrapyard, it will not be placed directly in the crusher. First, the professionals will take a look at the vehicle to see if it is salvageable. Things like tires, batteries, engines, and catalytic converters are removed and typically sold back into the aftermarket.
The metal part of the vehicle will be processed for recycling. The yard will separate steel, aluminum and other metals, crush them, and send them to a metal processing facility. The processed metal gets made into new products such as household appliances, construction components, or even a new part for a vehicle. That is why the value of your vehicle is based on both the individual part values and the weight of scrap metal, too.
Factors That Affect The Value Of Your Scrap Car
Scrap yard attendants will check several important items before letting you know the final buy-off price for your vehicle. Let’s go over the factors yards in Ontario usually look at when appraising a junk vehicle.
- Weight Of The Vehicle
The total weight of your car is significant since scrap yards are paid for selling metal by the ton. Heavier cars contain more steel and aluminum, which are the most recycled metals. Generally, larger cars such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans hold better value than compact cars. Scrap yards will more often than not weigh your vehicle on a certified scale and value your car according to the price of metal per ton.
- Present Market Price For Scrap Metal
The global consumption of scrap metal will have a say in how much you get for your car. Scrap prices are never the same. Scrap metal prices fluctuate every single day based on local and global supply and demand. So, when metal prices go up, scrap yards will pay more for old cars. When scrap prices decrease, they will pay less for a car. Scrap yards in Ontario tend to set their prices based on local rates, which change on a weekly or daily basis.
- Car Condition
A car in good shape can add more value because it can have functional parts for resale. If your car has a functioning engine, transmission, battery or catalytic converter, the scrap yard can sell them individually. This is in addition to what they would pay you for the scrap metal. Lastly, even if the car does not run, many items have value left (tires, mirrors, seats, radios). If any of these things are still functional, the scrap yard will factor this into your quote.
- Year, Make, and Model
There is a greater demand for automobile parts from popular makes/models of vehicles, which can affect their scrap value. If you have a common car, such as a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, it will be easier to sell those parts. Rare cars or models that have been discontinued may not sell for much because there isn’t enough demand in the market. The year will also play a role because recent vehicles typically have more modern parts that can be sold at a greater expense.
- The Value of a Catalytic Converter
In most cars, your catalytic converter is one of the most valuable components, often worth a few hundred dollars. Catalytic converters contain precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are limited resources, making them very desirable with good resale value. Scrap yards look at this part very closely before making you a final offer. If your catalytic converter is removed, broken, or damaged, your final offer could decrease substantially. For this reason, it is very common in Ontario (and elsewhere) to see thefts of catalytic converters.
- Scrap Yard Situated Here
Depending on where you live, where the scrap yard is, it could also affect your final payout. Many scrap yards in Ontario offer free towing of scrap vehicles if they are located within a certain distance of the scrap yard. If your car is too far away, the scrap yard may collect towing fees from your payout. Depending on where you live in the Greater Toronto Area, the scrap yards in Mississauga or Hamilton may pay differently based on their scrap metal prices and demand for spare parts.
- Ownership And Title Documents
Having your car’s ownership documents will speed up the scrapping process and add a layer of trust in the transaction. In Ontario, you must sign over the ownership of your car and remove its license plates before scrapping a vehicle. Without the right documents, some scrap yards may require you to do a deal without the right paperwork or, at least, pay for the extra paperwork before completing the purchase. It is usually good practice to do the documentation early so you don’t have to eat into your payout.
Also Read: 10 Reasons to Choose a Licensed Car Scrapyard in Ontario
How To Get The Best Scrap Value For Your Car
If you plan smartly, you can increase the value of your scrap car before sending it to a scrapyard.
- Remove Personal Belongings
Before handing over your vehicle, empty the glove box, trunk, and under the seats. Scrap Yards won’t be responsible for any lost items once the car is gone. - Take Out Reusable Parts
You can remove valuable parts like the battery, stereo system, or GPS unit before scrapping. Sell these parts separately for extra cash. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first offer you get. Contact at least 3–4 scrapyards in your area. Compare their rates, towing charges, and extra services before choosing one. - Check For Seasonal Price Changes
Scrap metal rates often rise in summer and early fall due to construction and manufacturing demand. If possible, time your car sale during these months for a better payout.
Legal Steps To Follow Before Scrapping Your Car In Ontario
Ontario has strict guidelines for scrapping vehicles, and following them helps you avoid legal trouble.
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- Remove your license plates before the car leaves your property.
- Complete the back of your vehicle ownership (green part) under the ‘Sale of Vehicle’ section.
- Return the plates to a ServiceOntario centre if you no longer need them.
- Cancel your insurance coverage to avoid future payments.
Conclusion
Now, knowing how scrapyards determine the value of your old vehicle, you can make more informed decisions. Always check the weight of your car, assess its condition, determine if it has any salvageable parts, and research the current market price for metal before accepting an offer. If you live in Ontario, you might want to know that Greenway Auto Recycling is one of the most reputable names in scrap car removal.
We handle it all from the removal of your plates and the paperwork. Our staff is determined to make that process as simple and stress-free as possible. If you’re looking for a reliable, quick, and honest service to remove your scrap car from your property, contact Greenway Auto Recycling today for a fast, fair, and eco-friendly car scrapping experience in Ontario.
