Are scrap car prices going up or down in Hampshire in 2026?

Scrap car prices in Hampshire are shaped by three global markets moving in different directions: ferrous steel (shell weight), palladium/rhodium (petrol cats) and platinum (diesel cats and DPFs). Here's where each sits in 2026 and what it means for what your car is worth today.

Ferrous steel — the shell price

Ferrous per-tonne rates have held steady through late 2025 into early 2026, supported by construction demand and steady export volumes through Southampton docks. Expect a gentle upward drift through spring 2026 unless global steel demand softens.

Rhodium and palladium — the petrol-cat market

Rhodium and palladium came off their 2021 peaks and have stabilised at roughly a third of those highs. That means petrol catalytic converters pay less than they did four years ago, but more than they did pre-2019. Newer petrol cats (Euro 5 and Euro 6) still lead the market thanks to higher precious-metal loadings.

Platinum — the diesel-cat and DPF market

Platinum has been the surprise upside of 2025–26, tracking higher on tightening supply and hydrogen-economy demand. Diesel scrap payouts on cars with intact DPFs and cats — particularly BMWs, Mercedes and Ford Rangers — have edged up as a result.

Is now a good time to scrap?

If your car has failed its MOT, isn't running, or the repair bill exceeds market value, now is a solid time. Prices aren't dropping and the DVLA road-tax refund is worth up to 11 months back. Waiting typically costs you tax, insurance and further deterioration — rarely worth it.