If you have an old car sitting in your driveway, garage, or backyard, you might be wondering what to do with it. Maybe it no longer runs, maybe the repairs cost more than the car is worth, or maybe you have already upgraded to a new vehicle and the old one is just taking up space. The good news is that you can still turn that old car into money, even if it is not in perfect condition. In Australia, there are several ways to get paid for an unwanted vehicle, and some of them are much easier than people realise. This guide explains all the options in simple wording so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Why People Want To Get Rid Of Old Cars
Many people hold on to old cars longer than they need to because they are not sure how to get rid of them. Some think no one will buy a damaged or unregistered car. Others feel stuck because they do not want to deal with paperwork, strangers, or time wasters. An old car can also cost money even when you are not using it. You may still be paying registration, insurance, or storage fees. On top of that, it can lose value every year and become harder to sell.
The truth is, every old car has some kind of value. Even if it is not running, it can still be sold for parts or metal. Once you understand your options, you can turn a car you no longer want into quick cash instead of letting it sit and rust.
Can I Sell a Car That No Longer Runs?
Yes, you can. A car does not have to be in working condition to be sold. Many buyers in Australia purchase old, damaged, broken, or written off vehicles. These buyers are interested in the parts, the metal, or the shell of the car, not just whether it drives. So even if the engine is dead, the tyres are flat, or the car has not been started in years, it can still be sold for money.
Some companies even tow the car for free, which means you do not need to pay for transport. This makes the process much easier because you do not have to fix, push, or move the car yourself.
What Are My Options To Sell an Old Car?
There are a few main ways to sell an old car for money in Australia. You can try selling it privately, you can trade it in at a dealership, you can list it online, or you can use a cash for cars service that buys cars in any condition. Each option has its pros and cons, and it mostly depends on how fast you want the money, how much effort you want to put in, and the condition of the car.
Private selling can sometimes get a higher price, but it usually takes more time and can involve a lot of back and forth with buyers. Dealerships often offer lower prices because they need to resell the car for profit. Car removal Brisbane services are the quickest option because they buy the car straight away and pay you on the spot.
What Is a Cash For Cars Service?
A cash for cars service is a business that buys used, old, damaged, unregistered, or scrap cars for money. They offer instant quotes, free towing, and same day payment. You do not need to repair the car, clean it, advertise it, or wait weeks for a buyer. These companies pay based on the condition, model, and metal value of the vehicle. The best part is that you can sell your car even if it is not running or has been sitting unused for a long time.
This is the easiest way to get rid of a car without the stress of private selling. You make one call, accept the offer, and the car is picked up from your location.
How Much Money Can I Get for an Old Car?
The amount depends on a few factors such as the make, model, age, and condition of the car. Even a car that does not run can still bring in money because of its parts and metal. Cars in better condition usually receive a higher offer because they may be resold, used for working parts, or repaired. On the other hand, scrap cars are priced mainly on weight and metal value.
Many people are surprised to find that cars they thought were worthless still bring in a few hundred dollars or more. The only way to know the exact amount is to request a quote. Most companies give free quotes with no obligation, so you can compare prices before deciding.
Do I Need Any Paperwork?
You need to prove that you are the legal owner of the car. This is usually done with your licence and the car’s registration papers. If you have lost the papers, many buyers can still take the car as long as you can show proof of identity. You do not need a roadworthy certificate or insurance to sell to a licensed car buyer. That is one of the main reasons people prefer this method. It removes all the legal stress.
If your car is still registered, you may even be able to claim a refund on the unused rego after selling it.
Can I Sell a Car With No Rego?
Yes. Unregistered cars can still be sold because cash for cars companies do not require rego to buy a vehicle. They handle the paperwork on their end. You do not need a number plate, sticker, or active registration. The car can be completely off the road and still be accepted.
This is useful if the car has been sitting for months or years and you do not want to pay to register it again just to sell it.
What Happens After the Car Is Removed?
After the car is picked up, it is taken to a wrecking yard or recycling centre. Usable parts are removed and re-sold. The rest of the car is dismantled and the metal is recycled. This helps reduce waste and supports eco friendly disposal. Nothing valuable goes to landfill. Even the tyres and batteries are processed safely.
So even if your car is no longer useful to you, it can still serve a purpose in another form.
What If I Have More Than One Car?
You can sell more than one car at the same time. Many companies buy multiple vehicles in one go. They also buy utes, vans, 4WDs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. If you are clearing a property, closing a business, or getting rid of old fleet vehicles, this is one of the fastest ways to free up space and get paid.
Is It Better to Sell Privately or Use a Cash Buyer?
It depends on your goals. If you have a newer car in good condition and you do not mind waiting, private selling can sometimes bring in more money. But if the car is old, damaged, or you just want it gone fast, a cash buyer is usually the better option. You avoid advertising, test drives, repairs, inspections, and long conversations with buyers who never show up.
Most people choose the fast option when the car is no longer worth fixing.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of an old car for money is easier than most people think. You do not need to repair it, register it, or spend weeks trying to sell it online. As long as you choose a trusted buyer, the entire process can be handled in one day, from the quote to the pickup to the payment.
Once the car is gone, you get your space back, you stop paying for something you are not using, and you turn an unwanted vehicle into instant cash.