How Much Is My Scrap Car Worth in Burnaby?
A plain guide to what sets the price of a scrap car, and how to get the most for yours.
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Get Your Free Cash Offer
Tell us about your vehicle. We reply with a clear price, often the same day.
A scrap car is worth what its metal and usable parts can bring in, minus the cost of picking it up. In Burnaby, the price mainly depends on the car’s weight, today’s scrap metal prices, the year, make and model, and whether major parts like the engine and catalytic converter are still there. The only way to know your exact number is to get a quote for your car.
What Decides Your Scrap Car Value?
- 01
The Weight of the Car
Metal is the base of every scrap car price. A full size pickup or SUV has much more steel than a small hatchback, so it is usually worth more. The weight we use is the car’s empty weight, without people or cargo.
- 02
Scrap Metal Prices This Week
Scrap metal prices change with the market, just like gas prices. The same car can be worth a little more or a little less from one month to the next. This is why any price you see online can be out of date by the time you read it.
- 03
Year, Make and Model
Some cars have parts that are always in demand. A common model with good parts can be worth more than its weight alone. A rare or very old model may be worth only its metal value.
- 04
Is the Car Complete?
A car with its engine, transmission, catalytic converter, battery and wheels is worth more than one with parts taken out. If parts are missing, tell us when you ask for a quote so the offer is right from the start.
- 05
Condition
A car that runs or rolls is easier to move and often worth more. Damage, rust and water damage lower the value, but they do not make a car worthless.
- 06
Pickup Location and Access
A car on an open driveway in Burnaby is quick to pick up. A car deep in an underground parkade or far from the road takes more time and equipment, which can affect the offer.
Why Online “Up To” Prices Are Misleading
You may see ads that say “we pay up to $X for your car.” Those numbers usually describe the best possible car on the best possible day. When the driver arrives, the price can drop. At Metropolis Auto we do it the other way around. We ask about your car first, then give you one clear number. If the car matches what you told us, that is what you get. Read more about how we work.
How to Get the Most Cash for Your Scrap Car
- Be honest about the condition. An accurate description gets you an offer that sticks.
- Send good photos. All four sides, the inside and the engine bay.
- Keep the parts on the car. Removing the battery, wheels or catalytic converter usually lowers the total offer more than you would get for the parts on their own.
- Have your papers ready. A car with its registration and an owner who can sign is quick and simple to buy.
- Make access easy. Clear the path to the car and tell us about any parkade height limits.
Scrap, Sell Privately, Trade In or Donate?
| Option | Money you get | How fast | Effort for you | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sell for scrap | Fair cash offer based on weight and parts | Fast, often within days | Low: one call | Old, damaged or non running cars |
| Sell privately | Often the most for a good, running car | Slow, can take weeks | High: ads, calls, test drives | Cars in good running condition |
| Trade in at a dealer | Usually low for older cars | Fast, but only if you buy a car there | Low | People buying a new car from that dealer |
| Donate | No cash; a tax receipt may be possible | Varies | Medium | People who want to support a charity |
If your car runs well and needs no work, a private sale may be worth the effort. If it needs costly work or does not run at all, selling it for scrap is usually the fastest way to get cash.
Ready for Your Real Number?
Every car is different, so the best way to find out your scrap car value is to ask. Learn how our scrap car removal works, or see how we buy damaged and non running cars. Before pickup, check our BC paperwork guide so you have the right papers ready.
Why can’t you tell me a price without seeing my car?
Every scrap car is different. Two cars of the same model can have very different values if one is missing its engine or catalytic converter. Metal prices also change every week. Metropolis Auto gives quotes based on the details and photos you send, so the number you get is one we can stand behind when our driver arrives in Burnaby.
Does a car that runs get a higher price?
Usually, yes. A car that runs or rolls is easier and faster to load, and its engine and transmission may still have value. But a car that does not run is not worthless. Metropolis Auto buys many non running cars in Burnaby and still pays for their metal and usable parts. Tell us honestly how the car runs when you ask for a quote.
Should I take parts off before selling my car?
In most cases, no. Taking off the battery, wheels or catalytic converter lowers the offer for the whole car, often by more than you would get selling those parts on your own. It also takes your time and tools. Metropolis Auto gives the best offer for complete cars, so leave the parts on unless you have a buyer lined up.
Do scrap car prices change during the year?
Yes. Scrap metal prices go up and down with the market, so the value of the same car can change from month to month. That is why Metropolis Auto does not post fixed prices on our website. Call us or send your car’s details, and we will give you a quote based on today’s market in Burnaby.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Getting a quote from Metropolis Auto is free, and you are under no pressure to accept it. Call (236) 242 0416 or use our quote form with your car’s year, make, model, condition and location in Burnaby or a nearby city. We give you a clear cash offer, and you decide if it works for you.
Find Metropolis Auto in Burnaby
Metropolis Auto
Address
208 4820 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4P1