Quick answer
An MOT failure is mostly valued on weight and the scrap metal market, plus make, model, completeness, the catalytic converter, keys and V5C. We Buy Scrap Cars Corby gives an instant online price, free collection and payment by bank transfer. Call 07598 314366.
- Price
- Instant online
- Collection
- Free
- Payment
- Bank transfer on collection
- Paperwork
- Certificate of Destruction
On this page
- What a failed MOT means for the value
- How much is my MOT failure worth?
- Price factors for MOT failures
- Why the failure reason rarely matters to us
- When an MOT failure might be worth more than scrap
- Advisories piling up
- What happens after you accept
- Paperwork and payment
- What to have ready before you ask for a price
- Clearing the car before it goes
- Other cost guides and services
What a failed MOT means for the value
A car that has failed its MOT cannot legally be driven on the road, except to a pre-booked test or to a garage for the repairs. For many owners that changes the car overnight from transport into a problem on the driveway.
For us, the failure itself is not the main thing. We price an MOT failure in much the same way as any other end of life vehicle, starting with what it weighs and what is still fitted. The fact that it failed does not, on its own, knock the value down.
How much is my MOT failure worth?
The figure is driven by the same core factors as any scrap car. Weight comes first, because scrap is priced by the tonne. The scrap metal market comes second, because that price moves over time. After that, the condition of the car and the paperwork you have fine-tune the number.
The quickest way to find out is to put your registration and postcode into our instant price tool. You will see a figure for your car, based on its real details.
Price factors for MOT failures
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Weight of the car | Main driver of value. Larger, heavier cars are normally worth more |
| Current scrap market | The rate per tonne changes, so values shift up or down over time |
| Reason for the failure | Rarely changes a scrap price, since we value the car as metal |
| Engine and gearbox fitted | Keeps the value up. Removed parts reduce it |
| Catalytic converter present | Important. A missing converter lowers the offer |
| Keys and V5C | Make collection and paperwork straightforward |
| Location of the car | Part of how the price is worked out, though collection itself is free |
Why the failure reason rarely matters to us
A car might fail on corroded brake pipes, a worn suspension arm, structural rust on the sills or a dozen smaller items. To a garage, those are very different jobs. To a scrap buyer, the car still weighs the same and still has the same parts fitted.
That is why we don't ask you to send us the failure sheet before you get a price. The questions in our form focus on completeness, keys and paperwork, because that is what affects the figure.
When an MOT failure might be worth more than scrap
Not every failed car should be scrapped. If the car is fairly new, in good order overall and has failed on a small, cheap item such as a bulb, a wiper blade or a tyre, it may be worth repairing and keeping or selling privately. In that case, scrap value could be well below what the car is worth on the road.
On the other hand, big failures change the sums. Structural rust, a failing gearbox, a worn clutch or a blown head gasket can cost more to fix than the car is worth. When repairs cost more than the car's value, scrapping is often the sensible option.
If you are on the fence, read our guide on whether to scrap or repair your car. It walks through the decision with a simple table, so you can be confident before you accept a price.
Advisories piling up
Some cars pass, but with a growing list of advisories. Those warnings tend to turn into failures at the next test. If you can see a large bill coming, getting a scrap price now means you know your options before you spend money on a car you are about to let go.
What happens after you accept
Once you accept the instant price, we call you to agree a collection time that suits you. Same-day collection is often possible, though we never promise it. We collect from driveways, roadsides, car parks and garages, so it doesn't matter if the car can't be driven to us.
If the car is complete and as described, the price stands. If something is different on the day, such as the catalytic converter having been removed, we explain why before we load and you can say no.
Paperwork and payment
We pay instantly by bank transfer when we collect. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 made cash payments for scrap metal illegal, so any buyer offering cash for an MOT failure is breaking the law.
Have your photo ID and proof of address ready, plus the V5C logbook if you have it. Every car we buy goes to a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility, which issues a Certificate of Destruction and tells the DVLA.
What to have ready before you ask for a price
A few minutes of preparation makes the price more accurate and the collection quicker:
- The registration number and the postcode where the car is parked.
- A clear idea of what is still fitted: engine, gearbox, wheels and catalytic converter.
- The keys, including any spare you can find.
- The V5C logbook, or proof of ownership if it has gone missing.
- Photo ID and proof of address for the person selling the car.
Clearing the car before it goes
Before collection, take out everything you want to keep. Check the glovebox, door pockets, boot and under the spare wheel. Remove dashcams, sat navs and parking permits, and cancel any toll or parking accounts linked to the registration.
If the car has a personalised number plate you want to keep, transfer or retain it with the DVLA before it is scrapped. Once the car has been destroyed, the plate is lost.
Other cost guides and services
- Our MOT failure service explains how we handle cars that have failed.
- How much is my scrap car worth? covers the general picture.
- How much is my non-runner worth? helps if the car won't start either.
- How scrap car prices work explains weight and the market in more depth.
Ready to see a figure? Get your instant price now.
Last updated 14 October 2026 by We Buy Scrap Cars Corby.
MOT Failures by area
- Corby
- Kettering
- Weldon
- Priors Hall Park
- Great Oakley
- Stanion
- Brigstock
- Gretton
- Cottingham
- Middleton
- Rockingham
- Geddington
- Rothwell
- Desborough
- Deenethorpe
- Wilbarston
- Stoke Albany
- East Carlton
- Rushton
- Great Easton
- Caldecott
- Harringworth
- Bulwick
- Grafton Underwood
- Lowick
- Barton Seagrave
Other price guides: Scrap Car Collection · Non-Runners · Damaged Cars and Write-Offs · Scrap Van Collection
Helpful guides
- How to scrap a car legally
- Certificate of Destruction explained
- Scrapping a car with no logbook
- Should I scrap or repair my car?
- How scrap car prices work
Questions people ask
How much is my MOT failure worth?
It depends mostly on the car's weight and the scrap metal market, then on completeness, the catalytic converter, keys and V5C. Get an instant price online with your registration and postcode.
Does the reason my car failed its MOT affect the price?
Rarely. We value the car mainly as metal, so the reason for the failure usually makes little difference to the figure.
Is it worth repairing an MOT failure instead of scrapping it?
It can be if the failure is minor and the car is otherwise good. If repairs cost more than the car is worth, scrapping is often the better choice.
Can I drive my MOT failure to you?
You don't need to. We collect for free from driveways, roadsides, car parks and garages, so the car stays where it is.
How will I be paid for my MOT failure?
By bank transfer when we collect. Paying cash for scrap cars is illegal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
Do I need my MOT failure certificate?
No. The instant price is based on the registration and postcode, not the failure sheet.