UK Scrap Car Prices 2025: Jan - May Update
If you’ve been keeping an eye on scrap car prices in 2025, you’ll know it’s already been a year of ups and downs. With economic uncertainty and shifting demand, it’s no surprise that prices haven’t stayed steady.
The start of the year saw a sluggish opening for the UK scrap car market. In January, the average scrap value fell to £223 – a 3% drop from December 2024. While disappointing, this decline wasn’t unexpected given the broader economic pressures and market trends that typically lead to a softer post-Christmas period.
In this update, we’ll break down how the market has evolved since then, what’s driving current scrap car price changes, and how you can get the best value if you're looking to scrap your car in 2025.
Current Scrap Car Price 2025
So what’s the current scrap value right now? As of May 2025, the average scrap car price sits at £226.
This slight dip from April continues the spring’s modest corrections, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the 2025 scrap car market and why many owners are locking in quotes early.
For car owners thinking of holding out for a better scrap price, it’s worth remembering: the longer you wait, the older (and less valuable) your car becomes.
Remember, this figure is a national average – your car could be worth significantly more depending on its make, model, condition, and location. If you’re curious about your current scrap car value, now’s the perfect time to find out.
What Affects Your Scrap Car Price in 2025?
The scrap car industry doesn't exist in a vacuum. Global market uncertainty, new tariffs, and the ongoing struggles of UK steel manufacturing are all playing their part. These factors are likely to trigger more pronounced fluctuations in scrap values as we move through 2025.
To learn more, check out our guide: How Do Scrap Car Prices Work?.
While the odd market spike can mean a lucky higher payout, declines are just as likely. Unless you’re sitting on a rare gem of a vehicle, the smarter play is often to sell sooner rather than later.
Beyond the average market price, your car’s scrap value is influenced by:
The demand for scrap metal and reusable parts
The make and model
Age and mileage
Weight and overall condition
Even your postcode can make a difference
For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article: What Affects the Value of Your Vehicle?.
So while the UK average might sit around £226, your car could be worth much more. That’s why we always recommend getting an instant, no-obligation quote on Remove My Car.
Most Scrapped Car of 2025: Ford Focus Takes the Lead
Leading the pack for the most scrapped cars in the UK so far in 2025 is the ever-reliable Ford Focus. A consistent presence on the roads and in scrap yards, this popular model recorded an average value of £232 from January to May - slightly above the general scrap car price 2025 average of £226.
That said, prices for the Focus have followed a clear downward trend after a strong start to the year:
January: £233 (↓6%)
February: £245 (↑5%)
March: £240 (↓2%)
April: £220 (↓8%)
May: £222 (↑1%)
While it started the year strong, the Ford Focus scrap price has gradually corrected through spring. As always, individual values depend on the car’s age, mileage, condition, and location — meaning your Focus could still fetch a higher quote.
Top 5 Scrapped Cars (Jan - May 2025)
Here’s how the UK’s most scrapped models have fared so far in 2025:
Make & Model | January | February | March | April | May |
Ford Focus | £233 | £245 | £240 | £220 | £222 |
Vauxhall Corsa | £197 | £194 | £188 | £191 | £188 |
Ford Fiesta | £207 | £224 | £211 | £191 | £180 |
Vauxhall Astra | £210 | £212 | £204 | £228 | £213 |
Renault Clio | £190 | £191 | £183 | £177 | £175 |
The standout change was the Ford Fiesta, which jumped by 8% from January to February. However, March to May brought a general downturn for most models as values recalibrated.
So What’s Driving the Market?
Understanding why scrap car prices rise and fall isn’t always straightforward, but having an insider’s view can give you a big advantage when deciding when to do so.
Key Influencers:
Global Metal Markets – Demand for steel, aluminium, copper, and precious metals globally.
UK Steel Manufacturing Health – Domestic production challenges and policy shifts.
Recyclable Parts Demand – Value driven by demand for second-hand parts.
Seasonal Trends – Historic dips post-Christmas, recovery in spring/summer.
Location Factors – Regional variations based on recycling capacity and transport costs.
Want to understand the mechanics behind these price shifts? Don’t miss our explainer: How Do Scrap Car Prices Work?.
What’s YOUR Scrap Car Worth?
The best way to find out is with a personalised quote.
At Remove My Car, we make it easy:
Enter your reg and postcode.
Answer a few simple questions about your vehicle.
Get an instant, personalised scrap car price UK quote.