So, your car’s been written off. Sad times.
Maybe it’s no longer running, too expensive to fix, or simply taking up space, maybe you even tried to sell it privately but with no rego or pink slip, it’s proving hard to shift.
Now you’re thinking about selling it to a wrecker, but how much can you realistically expect to get in Sydney and NSW, Australia?
The short answer?
Anywhere from $50 to $10,000, depending on a range of factors.
While some picture wrecked cars as little more than twisted metal and broken glass, not all unwanted vehicles are in the same condition. And the better the shape your car is in, even if it’s not running, the more a wrecker may be willing to pay.
Let’s break down the key factors that influence how much you’ll get when selling your car to a car wrecker.
What Wreckers Pay For Cars In Sydney
Here we’ve put down some of our latest offers that we, as car wreckers, actually offered recently so you can get an actual real life example of how much car wreckers pay for cars in Australia.
| Price | Make/Model | Year | Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | Toyota Hilux | 2008 | Front end damage |
| $1,000 | MG 3 | 2023 | Water damage |
| $550 | Renault Megane | 2005 | Engine damage |
| $550 | BMW 320 | 2005 | Rusty |
| $2,000 | Toyota Aurion | 2012 | High kilometres |
| $1,200 | Hyundai iX35 | 2011 | Body damage |
What Affects How Much Price Wreckers Pay?
Car wreckers buy vehicles primarily for parts and scrap metal. The more value they can extract from your car, the higher their offer will be.
They do this job day in day out, so they know exactly how much your car is worth and as such give an offer fair to that.
Condition of the Vehicle
A car that still runs or has fixable issues will often fetch a much better price. Wreckers might refurbish it and sell it whole or in parts. But if the car has major damage, like a blown engine or missing components—the value drops sharply. At this point, it’s often only worth the going rate for scrap metal.
Make and Model
Popular car models tend to be worth less at the wrecking yard.
That’s because spare parts are easier to come by, lowering their value. On the flip side, rare or high-end vehicles (think luxury or imported models) can attract better prices since their parts are harder to find and therefore more valuable.
Age of the Vehicle
Most cars depreciate over time. As they get older, they’re less likely to have usable parts, and any existing parts may already be widely available.
That said, classic or collectible cars are an exception, they might actually increase in value depending on their rarity and condition. So you might want to think twice about using a cash for cars service if your car is rare.
Location
Where your car is located can impact how much wreckers are willing to pay. Urban areas typically see higher prices thanks to a larger customer base looking for parts.
However, in regional Australia, usually the opposite is true. Fewer buyers mean less demand, and often, lower offers.
Scrap Metal Prices
Because wreckers recycle cars for metal as well, global scrap prices matter. When demand for scrap metal is high, you’ll get a better price.
When it dips, you can likelu expect lower offers from car wreckers.
Want to check current scrap rates in Australia?
Visit: www.priceofscrapmetals.com/australia
Just keep in mind: wreckers still need to make a profit, so you won’t get the full scrap value of your car’s weight.
Additional Considerations
Other small details can tip the scales in your favour (or not):
- Leather interiors, bull bars, or upgraded wheels? Extra value.
- Difficult to tow or dismantle? Expect a lower price.
- Rare parts or accessories? May boost your offer.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Car Worth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a wrecker will pay. Every car is different, and every wrecker has their own pricing model. The best way to find out?
We offer zero-obligation valuations and same-day pickup across the whole of Greater Sydney. You might be surprised how much cash your old, junk car could fetch.
Reach out today and see what your vehicle is really worth.
Why Choose Metro Car Removal?
At Metro Car Removal, we offer FREE car removal across greater Sydney and pay you cash on the spot, even for junk, old, or damaged vehicles.
Here’s why people love us:
- No hidden costs or towing fees
- We come to your location anywhere in Sydney or Greater Sydney
- We pay competitive prices for all vehicles
- Environmentally responsible disposal & recycling
We’re not just scrapping cars, we’re extracting value and offering convenience to you! And in today’s busy world, that sounds pretty good to me!