Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an offer?

Use our online price estimator for a same-day number, or call us directly. We’ll confirm the final offer by phone before the truck ever shows up.

How much can I get for my scrap car?

Offers typically range from $50 to $5,000 depending on weight, condition, and current scrap metal prices. Use our online estimator for a same-day number.

Can I get a quote without giving my exact address?

Yes, we only need your general area (city or neighborhood) to give you a number. We confirm the exact pickup address once you decide to move forward.

Do you pay extra for vehicles with valuable parts like catalytic converters?

Your offer is based on the vehicle’s overall weight and condition, not individual part values — we don’t buy catalytic converters as standalone items.

What is the minimum scrap value of a car?

Scrap value is driven mainly by a vehicle’s weight (scrap metal price) plus any parts still worth recovering, so it varies by car — there’s no single fixed minimum. The fastest way to know what your specific vehicle is worth is to get a same-day quote rather than guessing from a general number.

Who pays the highest price for scrap cars?

It depends on the vehicle, but as a rule, buyers who pay based on the car’s actual weight and recoverable parts (rather than a flat lowball estimate) tend to offer more than a typical junkyard walk-in price. We calculate offers from your car’s real weight and condition rather than guessing, which is why our quotes are usually competitive with or better than a generic scrapyard offer.

Where can I get cash for scrap cars in Vancouver, BC?

Vancouver Scrap Car buys scrap and junk cars anywhere in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. We give you a cash offer based on your vehicle’s weight and condition, tow it for free, and pay before the tow truck leaves — no need to drive anywhere or wait for a check.

Is selling to a scrap car buyer different from selling privately?

Selling privately can sometimes get more money for a running vehicle, but it means dealing with buyers, negotiating, and handling the paperwork yourself. Scrapping is faster and guaranteed — we handle the ICBC transfer and pay on the spot, no back-and-forth.

How fast can you pick up my car?

Most vehicles in Metro Vancouver are picked up within 24-48 hours of your call, often the same day.

Can you pick up today?

Often, yes. Same-day pickup is often possible from Vancouver out to Chilliwack, depending on when you call. We don’t promise a set time, so call and we’ll tell you what we can do that day. For cities further out, we’ll confirm a day with you on the phone.

Is towing really free?

Yes, towing is always free anywhere in our service area, and we pay by cash or e-transfer on pickup, before the tow truck leaves.

Is there a travel fee outside Metro Vancouver?

No. Towing is free everywhere we serve and is never a separate charge. For the cities furthest out (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Hope, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton), the distance can be reflected in the offer, and we tell you that upfront on the phone.

Does my car need to be running?

No. We take vehicles in any condition — running, non-running, wrecked, flooded, or missing parts.

Do you buy cars that won’t start?

Absolutely — a dead battery, blown engine, or a car that’s been sitting for years is one of the most common jobs we do. Weight and condition drive the value, not whether it starts.

What paperwork do I need?

Your government-issued photo ID and proof of ownership — your BC owner’s certificate (registration), bill of sale, or insurance papers. Missing something? Call us first and we’ll tell you what we can accept.

What if I’ve lost my registration?

Call us first. Tell us what you do have, such as a bill of sale or insurance papers, along with your government photo ID, and we’ll go over the options with you. We can’t promise every situation will work, so please call before you book a pickup.

Do I need to notify ICBC when I scrap my car?

Yes. Take your plates off before pickup (they go back to ICBC, not to us), and visit an Autoplan broker in person with your ID, plates, and our bill of sale to cancel your insurance.

Do you take cars without a clean title?

Yes — an accident history, a salvage or rebuilt status, or a rough title has never stopped us from taking a vehicle. The one thing that does is an active lien; see below.

Does an active lien stop the sale?

Yes. If a lender still has a registered financial interest in the vehicle, it needs to be cleared before we can take the car. Everything else about a rough title is fine.

How do I get paid?

You’re paid on pickup, by cash or e-transfer, before the car leaves. The driver checks the car against the photos and details you gave us. If it matches, you get the price we agreed on the phone.

What if my car is in an underground parkade or a tight spot?

Let us know when you book. Our driver will assess the best way to get the vehicle out, and in most cases we can still manage the pickup with the right equipment.

Do you buy anything besides cars?

Yes — we buy cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles.

What happens to my car after pickup?

Fluids are drained and handled separately, usable parts are pulled for resale, and the remaining metal is recycled — very little of a scrapped car ends up in a landfill.

Which areas do you serve?

The Lower Mainland from Hope to Pemberton. That covers Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Hope, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.