How to Calculate the Scrap Value of Your Car in Singapore
TL;DR: The scrap value of a Singapore car is the sum of its ferrous body weight (curb weight × ~$0.35/kg HMS rate) + catalytic converter ($50–500) + lead-acid battery ($15–30) + any recoverable non-ferrous wiring. A typical 10-year-old Toyota Corolla (curb weight ~1,300 kg) scraps at around S$455 for the body + S$120 cat + S$25 battery ≈ S$600 total, before tow cost (free with Molten Steel).
If your COE is up or your car has failed inspection, scrapping it for metal value is often more profitable than a dealer trade-in, especially for older vehicles with little residual market demand. This guide gives you the exact formula we use at Molten Steel to quote scrap car payouts, with worked examples for common Singapore models. For service details see our scrap car service page.
The Core Formula
Scrap value = (curb weight × HMS rate) + catalytic converter + battery + non-ferrous recoverables − tow cost
Each component has a range. Let’s unpack them.
1. Body Weight × HMS Rate
HMS stands for Heavy Melting Steel — the industry standard grade for ferrous scrap destined for electric arc furnaces. A stripped car body (after fluids, battery, and cat are removed) is effectively HMS-grade steel once it goes through the shredder.
Current HMS rate (April 2026): S$0.33–0.38 per kg, tracking Turkish rebar benchmarks and container freight rates. We quote S$0.35/kg as the working mid-point.
Curb weight is the manufacturer’s listed weight of the empty vehicle with standard fluids. You can look this up in the log card, the owner’s manual, or online. Typical ranges:
| Vehicle type | Curb weight | Body scrap value @ $0.35/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Compact hatch (Vios, Jazz) | ~1,050 kg | S$368 |
| Mid-size sedan (Corolla, Civic) | ~1,300 kg | S$455 |
| SUV (CR-V, RAV4) | ~1,650 kg | S$578 |
| MPV / van (Hiace, Alphard) | ~1,950 kg | S$683 |
| Pickup (Hilux, Ranger) | ~2,100 kg | S$735 |
2. Catalytic Converter Value
The cat is usually the single most valuable component in a scrap car because of its platinum, palladium, and rhodium (PGM) content. Values vary massively by make, age, and engine spec. See our dedicated catalytic converter scrap service page for make-by-make pricing.
| Cat type | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Small petrol (Vios, Jazz 1.0–1.3L) | S$50–120 |
| Standard petrol (Corolla 1.6L) | S$100–180 |
| Large petrol / hybrid (Camry 2.5L, Prius) | S$180–350 |
| European premium (BMW, Mercedes) | S$250–500+ |
| Diesel (DOC/DPF combined) | S$150–400 |
Hybrids often surprise sellers — the Prius and Camry hybrid cats contain more PGM per unit because they cold-start more frequently. An Alphard 2.4 hybrid cat has fetched over S$600 at peak rhodium pricing.
3. Lead-Acid Battery
A standard 12V automotive lead-acid battery weighs 14–22 kg depending on amp-hour rating. Lead scrap buys at around S$1.20–1.60 per kg in April 2026, so you are looking at S$15–30 per battery. EV traction batteries are a different market entirely (we do not currently buy those at retail yards).
4. Non-Ferrous Recoverables (Copper Wiring, Aluminium)
Modern cars contain 20–30 kg of copper in the wiring harness, starter motor, alternator, and radiator. Most of this is #3 braziery grade (inside insulation), worth S$4–6/kg. Aluminium appears in the engine block, wheels (if alloy), and some body panels — worth S$1.30–2.10/kg.
We typically factor S$80–150 into our quote for non-ferrous recoverables from a mid-size sedan. For a deep dive into copper grades see our copper scrap grading guide.
5. Tow Cost (Free With Molten Steel)
Commercial tow in Singapore runs S$80–150 depending on distance. With Molten Steel, pickup is included for any scrap vehicle within mainland Singapore. Net-net, that’s S$80–150 you don’t have to subtract from your payout.
Worked Example 1: 10-Year-Old Toyota Corolla
A 2016 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 with an expiring COE, ~180,000 km, running but tired:
- Curb weight: 1,300 kg × $0.35/kg = S$455
- Catalytic converter (1.6L petrol): S$120
- Battery: S$25
- Non-ferrous (copper, aluminium): S$100
- Tow: S$0 (free)
- Total payout: ~S$700
Worked Example 2: 15-Year-Old Honda CR-V
A 2011 Honda CR-V 2.4L SUV, no longer inspectable:
- Curb weight: 1,650 kg × $0.35/kg = S$578
- Catalytic converter (2.4L petrol): S$200
- Battery: S$28
- Non-ferrous: S$130
- Total payout: ~S$936
Worked Example 3: 12-Year-Old Mercedes E-Class
A 2014 W212 E250 with a blown transmission:
- Curb weight: 1,720 kg × $0.35/kg = S$602
- Catalytic converter (European premium): S$420
- Battery (heavier AGM): S$35
- Non-ferrous (more copper in German wiring): S$170
- Total payout: ~S$1,227
What Affects the Quote
- PARF/COE status: If PARF or COE rebate is still claimable, scrap via LTA de-registration first. That can add thousands.
- Cat presence: Stolen or aftermarket-replaced cats can drop the quote by S$100–400.
- Fire or flood damage: Melted wiring reduces copper recovery.
- Commodity movements: HMS, copper, and PGM prices all move daily. Check current scrap metal prices.
FAQ
How much is my scrap car worth in Singapore?
A typical non-running passenger car scraps at S$500–1,200 depending on size, catalytic converter value, and commodity rates. Luxury European cars and large hybrids can clear S$1,500+. Use the formula above for a quick estimate, or send us the log card details for an exact quote.
Do I need to drain the fluids first?
No. Molten Steel handles fluid disposal at our licensed yard. Just bring the keys and the log card.
Is LTA de-registration handled?
Yes. We process LTA scrap de-registration on your behalf and forward the scrap certificate.
Related reading
- Scrap Car Buying Service Singapore
- Catalytic Converter Scrap Value
- Copper Scrap Grades Guide
- Current Scrap Metal Prices
- London Metal Exchange Scrap Guide
Sell your scrap today. Molten Steel buys at LME-benchmarked rates across Singapore. Call +65 9106 7577 or WhatsApp.
