What's a Starter Motor Worth in Scrap?
Based on current Australian scrap yard rates and a typical starter motor's metal composition. Actual yard offers vary by city, load size, and material condition.
Component breakdown
A typical starter motor weighs 6kg total. Here's where the value comes from — sorted by component, with the metal type, grade, and estimated payout.
| Component | Metal & grade | Weight (kg) | Est. mid value (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casing and gear | Steel · Light Steel | 4.0 | $0.20 |
| Windings | Copper · #2 Copper | 1.5 | $15.65 |
| Solenoid housing | Aluminium · Cast Aluminium | 0.5 | $1.25 |
Before you take it in
A few minutes of preparation can lift the value toward the high end of the estimated range.
- → Often priced per unit by yards
Where to sell a starter motor
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a starter motor. Use our city directory to find yards in your area and see region-specific rates — payouts in regional and remote areas are typically lower than capital cities due to transport costs.
For larger items, call ahead to confirm pickup arrangements or weighbridge access. Most yards have minimum drop-off weights.
Other vehicle parts
Frequently asked questions
How much is a starter motor worth in scrap? +
A starter motor is worth approximately $14.54 to $19.66 AUD in scrap value, with a mid estimate of $17.10. The exact amount depends on the city you sell in (yards in remote cities pay less due to transport costs), the condition of the components, and how well the item is prepared before drop-off.
What metals are in a starter motor? +
A typical starter motor contains 4kg of steel, 1.5kg of copper, 0.5kg of aluminium, totalling about 6kg. The copper component contributes the most value (around $15.65), even though it's not always the heaviest.
How do I prepare a starter motor for scrapping? +
Often priced per unit by yards
Where can I sell a starter motor for scrap? +
Any scrap yard accepting the relevant metals will buy a starter motor. See our <a href="/cities/">city directory</a> for region-specific yards and rates. Larger items may need pickup arrangement or weighbridge access — call ahead to confirm hours and acceptance.
Is it worth scrapping a single starter motor? +
At $17.10 mid estimate, a starter motor is worth scrapping if you're already taking other items to the yard. As a standalone trip, only if the yard is nearby.