Moneymagpie Team
17th Apr 2026
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Thousands of drivers across Hertfordshire earned an average of £268 in 2025 simply by scrapping old cars they no longer needed, according to newly released local data.
The figures come from Scrap My Car Company’s annual review, which analysed vehicles collected across the county throughout the year. While many motorists assume an ageing or non-running vehicle has little value, the data suggests there is still steady cash available – even for cars that have failed an MOT or been declared SORN.
Hidden Money on the Driveway
With the cost of living still high, scrapping an unused vehicle could provide a useful financial boost. The 2025 average payout of £268 means some households may be sitting on a few hundred pounds without realising it.
In some cases, heavier vehicles achieved significantly higher returns. Larger 4×4 models, for example, averaged over £300 due to their increased metal weight.
Meanwhile, some of the most commonly scrapped cars were everyday models such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus – proving you don’t need a luxury vehicle to unlock value.
|
Make & Model |
Average Scrap Value 2024 |
Average Scrap Value 2025 |
|
Vauxhall Astra |
£286 |
£295 |
|
Ford Focus |
£268 |
£274 |
|
Vauxhall Corsa |
£245 |
£252 |
|
Peugeot 207 |
£256 |
£266 |
|
Ford Fiesta |
£242 |
£251 |
Why Do Scrap Prices Change?
Scrap values are mainly driven by:
- Vehicle weight
- Demand from recycling facilities
- Current metal market prices
- Condition and completeness
Prices can move throughout the year depending on global steel markets, meaning timing can affect how much you receive.
Is It Worth Scrapping an Old Car?
The report found the average age of scrapped vehicles in 2025 was 18 to 19 years, suggesting many owners are choosing scrappage instead of paying for costly repairs.
For drivers with unused vehicles on their driveway, scrapping could be a straightforward way to generate quick cash, while also avoiding ongoing costs such as insurance and road tax.
A full breakdown of 2025 scrap values, most scrapped models and year-on-year comparisons is available in the complete report.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.