When your car reaches the end of its life, selling it for scrap is often the most practical option. But before scrapping a car, one of the most common questions people ask is: “What is the scrap car price per kg?”
1. How Scrap Car Prices Are Calculated
Scrap car value is usually calculated based on weight (per kg) and the current market rate for scrap metal.
Cars are generally made from various precious metals such as steel, which forms the car’s frame, body, and other important components, along with aluminum, copper, and sometimes a catalytic converter that contains precious metals like palladium and platinum.
- Steel & Iron – Make up most of the car’s weight.
- Aluminum – Found in wheels, engine parts, and body panels.
- Copper & Brass – Present in wiring and electrical components.
- Catalytic Converter – Contains precious metals such as platinum and palladium (often sold separately).
2. Average Scrap Car Price Per Kg
While rates vary by region and market demand, scrap car prices in India generally range between ₹25 – ₹30 per kg (approximate average).
Prices may fluctuate daily based on the global scrap metal market.
For example:
- A small hatchback (~800–1000 kg) may fetch around ₹18,000–₹40,000.
- A sedan (~1200–1400 kg) could bring in ₹35,000–₹80,000.
- Larger SUVs or commercial vehicles (1500+ kg) may earn even more.
3. Factors Affecting Scrap Car Prices
Several factors influence the scrap value of a vehicle, including market conditions, vehicle type, and weight.
🔹 Current Scrap Metal Market Rate
The ongoing scrap metal market rate fluctuates based on global demand and local supply. The value of old vehicles, industrial waste, and recycled materials often changes due to variations in global trade and commodity prices.
Approximate metal rates (per kg) in India:
- Copper: ₹450 – ₹950
- Aluminum: ₹90 – ₹250
- Steel: ₹50 – ₹85
- Iron: ₹30
- Brass: ₹200 – ₹400
🔹 Vehicle Weight and Type
The weight and type of the vehicle play a major role in determining its scrap value.
Generally, sedans and SUVs fetch a higher scrap price due to their greater weight and metal content, while smaller hatchbacks tend to have lower scrap values for the same reason.
🔹 Condition of parts (if resold separately)
The engine and transmission are known as the powerhouse of a car. They are always considered valuable scrap car parts, as these components often remain useful even when the car is ready for scrapping. Authorized workshops and technicians frequently purchase old engines and gearboxes for refurbishment and reuse.
This part is reused in machines and molded to function more efficiently, allowing it to be sold at a better price.
🔹 Catalytic Converter: The Valuable Gem Inside Your Car
Another valuable part is the catalytic converter. This component is part of the car’s exhaust system and converts toxic emissions into less harmful gases. It contains precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium.
Because of these valuable metals, catalytic converters are often targeted by thieves and are commonly removed and sold separately for a high price.
🔹Alloy Wheels: Style and Substance
If a car has alloy wheels, they are a valuable contributor to its overall scrap value. These wheels are made of lightweight aluminum and are more stylish, which makes them highly desirable. Other vehicle owners often purchase pre-owned alloy wheels as an upgrade or enhancement.
Businesses specializing in wheel refurbishment frequently repair minor damages and resell the wheels in the market.
🔹Location and Demand in Your City
MyCarScrap a joint venture between 100 + channel partner operates in Delhi NCR advanced vehicle scrapping Facilities with major facilities located in Greater Noida and Delhi, Gurgaon These centers specialize in ferrous scrap recovery, systematically extracting high-quality steel from decommissioned vehicles. The recovered steel is then supplied to domestic steel manufacturers, directly contributing to India’s circular economy in the metals sector.
According to India Vehicle Scrapping Market Insights, the passenger vehicle segment dominates the market by vehicle type and is expected to hold 41.3% of the total market share by 2025.
4. How to Get the Best Value for Your Scrap Car
- Compare rates from multiple dealers.
- Remove and sell high-value parts separately (batteries, tires, alloys).
- Ensure proper documentation for safe deregistration of your car.
- Opt for authorized scrap car dealers who follow eco-friendly recycling practices.
Conclusion
Scrap car prices per kg give you a fair estimate of your vehicle’s worth at the end of its life. Keeping track of metal market rates and negotiating with scrap dealers can help you maximize returns while ensuring responsible vehicle recycling.