Have you recently been pondering, ‘How much is my van worth for scrap in the UK’? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of van owners across the country reach a point where fixing or selling their van no longer makes any sense.
Whether your van’s failed its MOT, been written off or simply isn’t worth keeping, scrapping it is often the best option. This is especially true if you want a quick, hassle-free way to move on.
Based in Horton in Slough, Sell The Van makes scrapping simple. But let’s get into the details: what actually determines how much your van is worth? And how can you get the best possible price when you’re selling for scrap in the UK?
1. Age of the Van
As might be expected, age is one of the first things any dealer will look at. The older the van, the more likely it is to be valued based on weight alone (rather than potential for resale or reusable parts).
- Vans under 10 years old. Might still have value as repairable or salvageable vehicles. These can fetch more than scrap value.
- Vans over 15 years old. Often only worth their metal weight, unless parts are in high demand.
In general, newer vans equal more money. However, this isn’t always black and white; a well-maintained older van can still have value in terms of spares, depending on the condition.
2. The Condition of Your Van
Even if your van is old, the condition still matters. Here’s what scrap yards and dealers usually consider:
- Is the van driveable? Running vans can be easier to collect and may fetch a higher offer.
- Does it have working parts? Working engines, gearboxes, radiators, mirrors and interior fittings can all boost value.
- Is there significant damage? If the van is crashed, burnt out or suffers from heavy rust, you might only get basic scrap weight.
- Tyres, wheels and catalytic converters are also of value. If these are intact, that can mean more cash in your quote.
3. Make and Model
The make and model of your van play a big role in determining what it’s worth. Popular makes like Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Vauxhall and Peugeot often have higher scrap value due to strong demand for replacement parts.
There are a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, some models are in higher demand because buyers find it easier to buy used parts. Common models are also popular with mechanics and repair centres, since they always need spare parts for those vehicles. Rare or unpopular vans might be worth less, as parts are harder to shift.
Examples of vans with strong scrap value include:
- Ford Transit
- VW Transporter
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Peugeot Boxer
- Renault Trafic
4. Weight of the Van
Scrap value is often based on the van’s weight, specifically its metal content. The heavier the van, the more it’s worth in scrap metal terms.
- A small van might weigh around 1,500 kg and fetch £200–£300.
- A large commercial van could weigh 2,500+ kg and fetch £400–£600, depending on metal prices.
- Your van’s kerb weight (you’ll find it in the manual or logbook) gives a good ballpark estimate of scrap metal value.
5. Location in the UK
Where you’re based affects how much your van is worth, simply due to transport costs and competition between scrap dealers.
In cities and towns, scrap dealers are more competitive. Prices tend to be higher and vehicles can be collected faster. In rural areas, there are fewer dealers, so there’s less competition. This can result in slightly lower prices. Travel time for collection can also reduce your payout.
At Sell The Van, we are based in Horton, Slough, but work with clients across the UK, so we can find you the best price wherever you are.
6. Scrap Metal Market Prices
Metal prices go up and down depending on global demand. Scrap yards base their offers on the going rate per tonne of steel, aluminium, and other metals.
As of now, scrap metal prices are relatively strong in the UK, with average rates meaning most vans are worth at least £200–£500 depending on size and parts.
Keep in mind:
- Prices can change monthly.
- Spring and summer often see higher rates.
- Salvageable parts can boost value on top of scrap weight.
7. Paperwork and Legal Requirements
Scrapping a van isn’t just about the cash; you need to do it legally.
- Always scrap your van through an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) as proof your van’s been properly disposed of.
- Notify the DVLA that the van’s been scrapped; this avoids future tax or fines.
At Sell The Van, we handle all the paperwork for you, so you don’t have to worry about legal headaches.
If you want a fast quote, free collection and peace of mind, simply enter your reg, get your price, and let us take care of the rest.