Every month, about 80,000 cars end up in the scrapyard, adding up to a total of 798,363 used cars scrapped in 2023. This figure is slightly lower than the 857,107 vehicles scrapped in 2022. Autocar gathered this info through a Freedom of Information request, looking at the months from January to October.
Guess which car topped the scrap charts in 2023? It’s the Ford Focus, with a whopping 42,637 units sent to the scrapyard. Following closely are the Vauxhall Corsa and Astra, with 35,578 and 34,405 scrapped, respectively. Other high scorers in the scrappage game include the Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Clio, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Polo, and BMW 3 Series. Interestingly, seven out of the top 10 scrapped cars were hatchbacks, making up a quarter of all the vehicles taken off the road.
Why the drop in scrappage? Some say it’s because of the cost-of-living crisis – people are holding onto their cars for longer. The expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone might have played a part too. On a positive note, over 37,200 people took part in the London Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage scheme until October 2023.
As of the end of September, the Department for Transport says there were 41.3 million licensed vehicles in the UK. That’s a lot of wheels on the road!
Idle to Income: Turn Your Unused Car into Quick Cash Through Scrapping
Got an old motor that’s seen better days? Scrapping it isn’t just a farewell – it’s a payday too! Especially if your car’s a sought-after model, expect some serious cash. And safety first – if your car’s a bit of a road menace, scrapping sorts that out. Oh, and if the insurance offer for your written-off car isn’t doing it for you, scrapping is a worthy alternative.
How to Scrap Your Car
If you’re scrapping without keeping parts, start by removing the registration number. Take your car to an Authorized Treatment Facility (ATF) and hand over the V5C logbook while informing the DVLA.
If you plan on keeping parts, take environmental precautions, let the DVLA know the vehicle is off the road, and apply to remove the registration number before scrapping at an ATF.
For seriously damaged vehicles registered abroad, use an ATF and get a Certificate of Destruction, notifying the driving authority in your home country.
Required Documents:
- V5 Registration Document: Crucial for the process; replace lost copies by paying a fee to the DVLA.
- V5C/3 Yellow Slip: Confirms the car sale and is issued by various entities.
- Certificate of Destruction (CoD): Essential for proving correct disposal; available to individuals or companies with ATF permits.
- Photo ID and Proof of Address: Necessary for the scrapping process.
Scrapping Financed or Leased Cars:
Reputable scrap buyers won’t accept cars with outstanding finance; settle the debt before scrapping to avoid legal complications.
Terminate Your Insurance and Deregister Your Vehicle
Instant Quote for Your Scrap Car – Let’s Begin!
No matter the mileage or wear and tear, we’re here to offer a fair price for your vehicle. If you’re in the market for potential buyers for your old, used, or scrap car, we’re interested! We’re ready to purchase any car, and you’ll get a free valuation along with the best price. The only thing we need is the info below. Ready to roll?
