When a vehicle reaches its end of life, almost 90–95% of its components are recyclable, and each part carries a different scrap value.
Below is a practical, India-specific breakdown of what each part is worth when scrapped through an authorised VSF with Carbasket.
🔩 1. Metals (55–60% of the Vehicle) – Highest Scrap Value
Metals are the most valuable recyclable portion of any vehicle.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹22–₹40 per kg (varies by location & market rate on daily basis)
Includes:
- Body shell
- Doors, bonnet, fenders
- Chassis
- Engine block (ferrous metal)
- Suspension components
📌 Why valuable?
Steel and aluminium demand remains high due to construction, auto manufacturing, and fabrication industries.
🔌 2. Copper (Wiring & Motor Components) - Premium Scrap Material
Copper retrieved from wiring harnesses, alternators, and starters.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹550–₹750 per kg
(One of the highest-value recyclables)
📌 Why valuable?
Copper is essential for electrical & electronics industries.
🔧 3. Engine, Gearbox & Mechanical Components (10–15%)
These components may be:
- Recycled as metal
- Sold as refurbishment units
💰 Scrap Value:
- Engine: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
- Gearbox: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
- Alternator/Starter/Bearing units: ₹150 – ₹600 each
📌 Why valuable?
Heavy steel and aluminium components fetch good weight-based value.
🔋 4. Battery (2–3%) - High-Value Recycling Component
Lead-acid batteries have strong resale value due to lead recovery.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹900 – ₹1,500
(depends on size and lead condition)
📌 Why valuable?
Lead is 95% recyclable and reused in new batteries.
🪙 5. Catalytic Converter (<1%) – Highest Value Per Gram
Even though small, it contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
(depends on model, condition, and precious metal content)
📌 Why valuable?
Precious metals are essential in new catalytic converters & chemical industries.
🛞 6. Tyres (5–7%)
Tyres have moderate scrap value depending on condition.
💰 Scrap Value:
- Fully worn tyres: ₹80 – ₹150 each
- Reusable ones: ₹300 – ₹1,000 each
📌 Why valuable?
Used in crumb rubber, road material, and fuel for cement kilns.
🛢️ 7. Fluids (3–5%)
Fluids don’t add monetary value to the owner but reduce recycling cost and contribute to sustainability.
💰 Scrap Value: Nil to ₹50 (depending on recycler)
But proper extraction avoids ₹5,000–₹50,000 environmental fines in regulated facilities.
🪟 8. Glass (3–4%)
Windshields & windows have low scrap value due to processing required.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹2–₹5 per kg
📌 Why valuable?
Used in fiberglass, insulation, and construction materials.
🧵 9. Plastics (8–10%)
Bumpers, dashboards, trims, and panels.
💰 Scrap Value: ₹8–₹15 per kg
📌 Why valuable?
Converted into pellets for reuse in auto parts & consumer goods.
🪑 10. Interiors (4–6%)
Seats, foam, leather, and fabric.
💰 Scrap Value: Low (₹1–₹5 per kg)
But can be reused by furniture & insulation industries.
🧮 Estimated Total Scrap Value of a Car (India)
Car Type Approx. Scrap Weight Estimated Scrap Value fluctuated on daily basis,
Small Car (Alto, i10) - 650–750 kg ₹15,000 – ₹22,000
Sedan (City, Verna) 900–1,100 kg ₹22,000 – ₹32,000
SUV (Scorpio, Creta) 1,200–1,600 kg₹30,000 – ₹45,000
Luxury / Heavy Vehicles 1,700–2,200+ kg₹45,000 – ₹75,000
Actual scrap value depends on:
- Metal market rate
- Vehicle condition
- Weight
- Presence of catalytic converter
- Battery condition
- Availability of salvageable parts
Carbasket ensures digital weighing + best price.
🚗 Why scrap value is higher with Carbasket?
Because Carbasket provides:
✔ Digital weighing (no manipulation)
✔ Real-time metal price assessment
✔ Transparent breakup of parts
✔ Extra value for catalytic converter & copper
✔ Pickup from any location
✔ No hidden deductions
Plus:
You also receive CoD (Certificate of Disposal) which gives tax benefits on new vehicle purchases.
📘 FAQs: Scrap Value of an Old Car
1. What is the highest-value scrap part?
The catalytic converter (₹6,000–8,000) and copper wiring (₹550–750/kg).
2. Does scrap value depend on weight?
Yes. Heavier cars with more metal offer higher scrap value.
3. Do accessories add extra scrap value?
Not significantly. Scrap value is mainly weight + copper + catalytic converter + battery.
4. Does a damaged or accidental car fetch less value?
Not much. Scrap value is weight-based, so condition doesn’t affect it drastically.
5. How does Carbasket pay for scrapped cars?
Instant UPI/Bank transfer after digital weighing on-site.
