How We Calculate
Your Car's Value
No black boxes. No surprises. Here's exactly what goes into your offer — and why scrap market conditions matter more than most sellers expect.
Get Your Instant Offer4 Steps From Submission to Payout
Your offer is calculated in real time, then improved through competition.
You submit your vehicle details
Year, make, model, condition, location — the basics our engine needs.
We run our pricing model
We combine your inputs with live scrap rates, parts demand data, and local recycler capacity.
You receive an instant estimate
Your base offer is displayed immediately. It reflects fair market value for today's conditions.
Recyclers compete for your car
Our network of certified recyclers can place bids, potentially driving your final payout higher.
What Affects Your Offer
Seven factors shape your vehicle's value. Understanding them helps you set realistic expectations — and spot opportunities to get more.
Scrap Metal Market Price
Highest ImpactSteel and aluminum commodity prices fluctuate daily based on global supply and demand. When scrap metal prices rise, your car is worth more — even if nothing else changes.
We track live market rates and update our pricing engine daily so your offer reflects today's market, not last month's.
Year, Make & Model
High ImpactNewer vehicles and popular makes (Honda, Toyota, Ford) tend to have more salvageable parts with active resale demand. Rarer models or discontinued brands may have lower part value.
Our database tracks parts demand across Canada's recycler network to factor in your specific vehicle.
Mileage & Condition
High ImpactLower mileage means less engine and drivetrain wear, which increases the value of reusable parts. Body condition affects both part value and the cost for the recycler to process the vehicle.
We assess exterior damage, interior condition, and whether the car runs — each affects the final number.
Mechanical Condition
Medium ImpactA running, driving vehicle is easier and cheaper for recyclers to handle. Non-running vehicles require extra equipment and labour, which reduces the offer.
Airbag deployment, transmission type, and electrical issues all factor into our estimate.
Your Location
Medium ImpactPickup and towing costs vary by distance from our recycler network. Urban areas (Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa) typically receive stronger offers than remote locations.
We serve all of Canada, but proximity to a recycler partner does influence the final bid.
Vehicle Weight & Category
Medium ImpactHeavier vehicles (trucks, SUVs, minivans) contain more raw metal. At current scrap rates, extra weight adds meaningful value. A full-size pickup typically outperforms a compact car by weight alone.
We use your vehicle's category and estimated curb weight in our base price calculation.
Title & Ownership Status
Lower ImpactA clean title with no liens is the smoothest transaction. Salvage or rebuilt titles are still accepted, but may affect the offer. Financed vehicles require extra paperwork.
We handle all title types — just be upfront and we'll match you with the right recycler.
Why Scrap Metal Prices Matter So Much
At the end of the day, every vehicle gets shredded. Steel, aluminum, copper — these commodities are traded globally, and their prices swing based on manufacturing demand, energy costs, and trade conditions.
When steel prices are high, your car is worth more — even if it's in worse shape. When prices dip, even pristine vehicles net lower offers. This is why your neighbour may have gotten a different number six months ago.
We update our pricing engine daily using live commodity data. You always see an offer based on today's market, not a stale average.
Common Myths — Cleared Up
Things sellers often get wrong before they get their offer.
"Older cars are always worth less."
Age matters less than weight and condition. A 2005 full-size truck can be worth more than a 2015 compact car.
"My car needs to run to have value."
Non-running vehicles are accepted every day. Parts and scrap metal value exists regardless of whether it starts.
"The first offer is the only offer."
Our bidding system lets multiple recyclers compete, which often beats the initial estimate.
"Online offers are always lower in person."
Our estimates are based on real data. We only adjust if on-site inspection reveals undisclosed damage.
Ready to See Your Number?
It takes under 3 minutes. No commitment, no hidden fees — just a real offer based on today's market.
Get My Instant Offer