How much is a written-off car worth?
This is the most common question among vehicle owners who have suffered an accident. The value of a written-off car depends on multiple factors, but in general terms it ranges between 10% and 50% of its market value, depending on the type of damage and demand for its parts.
At Desguaces Carend we offer personalised valuations for each vehicle, but below we give you a guide to the factors that determine the price.
Factor 1: Vehicle make and model
Not all cars have the same value once written off. The most valued models are:
- High-turnover models — such as Seat León, Volkswagen Golf or BMW 3 Series, whose parts have constant demand.
- Premium vehicles — their parts, even used, retain high value.
- Recent models — cars under 5 years old have high-value electronic parts.
Factor 2: Type and extent of damage
The type of damage is decisive in the valuation:
- Cosmetic damage — if it only has bodywork damage such as doors, bonnet or bumpers, the value can reach 40-50% of market value.
- Mechanical damage — if the engine or transmission is damaged, the value drops to 20-35%.
- Structural damage — if the chassis is damaged, the value falls to 10-20%.
- Total loss due to water or fire — usually the case that devalues the vehicle most.
Factor 3: Demand for parts in the spare parts market
The demand for spare parts for your specific model is one of the factors that most influences the final price. If your car is a very common model with many units on the road, its parts sell more easily and we can offer a better price.
For example, a written-off Seat Ibiza usually has a higher value than a car from an uncommon make, simply because there is more demand for its parts in the spare parts market.
How much can I expect to receive for my written-off car?
As a guide, these are approximate ranges for different vehicle types:
- 10-15 year old small car with cosmetic damage: €300-800.
- 5-8 year old SUV with mechanical damage: €1,500-3,000.
- 3-5 year old premium written-off vehicle: €3,000-8,000.
- Car over 15 years old with structural damage: €100-400.
These ranges are indicative. For an accurate, no-obligation valuation, contact Desguaces Carend on WhatsApp.