How to Get the Most Money for Your Scrap Car in Canada
Most people accept the first offer they get and leave $50–$200 on the table. These six tactics consistently get better results — none of them take more than 15 minutes.
Quick summary — what moves the needle
The tactics in detail
Know your catalytic converter before calling
+$50–$150The single biggest leverage point most people never use. An OEM (original factory) catalytic converter contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — it's worth $80–$200 on its own. Yards factor this into their offer, but many won't tell you the breakdown.
Check your ownership papers or VIN lookup to confirm if the cat is OEM. Then say: "The catalytic converter is original equipment — I'm pricing that in." Yards pay more when they know you know.
Get at least two quotes
+$50–$100A $50–$100 difference between yards in the same city is common for the same car. Yards price based on their current need for steel — a yard that's low on inventory will bid higher than one that's full.
Call two yards, get both numbers. Then call the lower one back and say: "I have a higher offer from another yard. Can you do better?" You don't need to name the yard. This works more often than it doesn't.
Use current steel prices as your reference
+$30–$80Scrap yards buy your car based on the current steel price per kilogram. Ontario steel (HMS #1) is currently trading at $0.18–$0.22/kg. A 1,400 kg car has roughly $250–$300 in steel alone. Yards know this — knowing it too changes the negotiation.
Say: "Steel is strong right now at around $0.20/kg. My car weighs about [X] kg — I'm expecting the top of that range." This works best with larger vehicles where the steel value is significant.
Confirm towing is included before agreeing
Avoid -$75–$150 deductionSome yards quote a price then deduct $75–$150 for the tow truck at pickup. This is legal but catches many people off guard. The fix is one question asked before you say yes.
Before agreeing to any price, ask: "Is that price with free towing included?" If they say the tow costs extra, factor that into your comparison — or use it to negotiate the base price up.
Don't call on a Friday
Better service, less pressureYards are busiest on Fridays managing pickups booked earlier in the week. You're more likely to get a distracted or rushed quote. Monday and Tuesday — right after a weekly price update — tend to get more accurate and slightly more competitive quotes.
Call Monday or Tuesday morning. Yards are fresh off their weekly price survey and more likely to spend time quoting correctly.
Remove valuable accessories before calling
Keeps money in your pocketA scrap yard is buying the metal — not the stereo, winter tires on rims, trailer hitch, toolbox, or aftermarket parts. Once you hand the car over, those extras go with it.
Before pickup, remove: aftermarket wheels (replace with steel rims if you have them), roof racks, trailer hitches, aftermarket audio, and anything else with resale value. Sell those separately.
Common mistakes that cost you money
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Accepting the first offer | Always get a second quote — 10 minutes, potentially $100 more. |
| Letting plates go with the car | Plates belong to you in every province. Remove them before pickup. |
| Not confirming tow is free | Ask explicitly before agreeing to a price. |
| Leaving aftermarket parts on | Remove any accessories with resale value before the tow arrives. |
| Not mentioning the OEM cat | Say it upfront — yards pay more when they know it's original. |
| Calling without knowing vehicle weight | Look up your year/make/model curb weight — it's your main leverage. |
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to negotiate a higher scrap car price?
Lead with your catalytic converter. If it's OEM, tell the yard before they quote. Then get a second quote and use the higher number to push the lower yard up. These two steps alone typically add $50–$150 to the offer.
Do scrap yards negotiate?
Yes, within a range. Yards have a floor price based on current steel costs. They also have margin built in for negotiation. Knowing your cat converter type and having a competing quote gives you the most leverage.
Is it worth getting multiple quotes for a scrap car?
Almost always. The same car can get quotes $50–$100 apart from different yards in the same city. The yards price based on their current inventory needs, not a fixed formula. Getting two quotes takes 10 minutes and frequently pays off.
Does the time of year affect scrap car prices?
Modestly. Steel prices tend to be stronger in spring and early summer when construction activity peaks and demand for recycled steel rises. Winter tends to be softer. The difference is usually $10–$30 on a typical car — not enough to hold a car for months, but worth knowing.
What do scrap yards actually pay for?
Primarily: (1) steel weight — the heavier the car, the more it's worth, (2) catalytic converter — OEM cats contain precious metals worth $80–$200, (3) whether the car runs — running cars are easier to maneuver and worth slightly more. Cosmetic damage, age, and colour are irrelevant.
Should I sell parts before scrapping?
Only if you have time and storage. Parting out a car takes weeks and requires space. For most people, scrapping whole for same-day cash is the better trade-off. The exception: a low-mileage engine or transmission in a popular model can sell for $500–$2,000 separately.
Can I get more money if my car still runs?
Slightly — typically $50–$150 more than a non-running car. Running cars are easier to move around a yard and may have components worth parting out. But the steel weight and catalytic converter are still the dominant value drivers.
Related
Know your number before you call
Get a free estimate based on your vehicle and current Canadian scrap prices.
Get Free Estimate →