Selling your old or unwanted car to a junkyard might sound simple—make a call, get a price, and hand it over. But if you’ve ever done it before, you know the offers you get can vary a lot. One junkyard might quote $300, while another is willing to pay double for the same vehicle. So, how do you make sure you’re getting the best deal? It all comes down to knowing how to ask, where to look, and what details really matter.
Below, we’ll run through some practical tips that can help you secure competitive bids from junkyards across Australia, whether you’re scrapping a rusty Holden in Melbourne or an old Toyota ute in Sydney.
Do Your Homework Before Picking Up the Phone
Before you start calling around, gather the details about your car. Things like the make, model, year, mileage, and condition are the basics. If you’ve got extras like alloy wheels, a working stereo, or new tyres, note those too.
Junkyards often base their offers on the weight of the vehicle and the demand for its parts. For example, a 2005 Commodore with a decent engine can fetch more than a similar car with a blown motor. The more accurate your information, the easier it is for them to give you a fair quote—and for you to compare one offer against another.
Call More Than One Junkyard
This one’s simple but often overlooked. Don’t settle for the first offer you hear. Spend a few minutes phoning at least three to five junkyards in your area.
Let’s say you’re in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and you call a yard in Campbellfield that offers you $400 for your old ute. A quick call to another in Thomastown might bump that to $550. That’s $150 more just for making a second phone call.
It’s worth remembering that each yard has its own demand and pricing system, so getting multiple bids helps you see who’s serious about your car.
Be Honest About the Condition
It might be tempting to downplay the dents or leave out the fact that the car doesn’t start, but this usually backfires. Junkyards send a truck to pick up the vehicle, and if it’s not as described, the driver might lower the offer on the spot.
Transparency saves time and builds trust. If your car’s engine is shot, just say so. You’d be surprised—yards sometimes value non-running cars higher if they can pull valuable parts or recycle the metal.
Compare What’s Included in the Deal
It’s not just about the number they quote—it’s about what comes with it. Some junkyards throw in free towing, while others charge a fee that eats into your payout.
Here’s a quick example:
- Yard A offers $600 but wants $80 for towing.
- Yard B offers $550 with free pickup.
At first glance, Yard A looks better, but Yard B actually leaves you with more in your pocket. Always ask, “Does that price include towing?”
Negotiate (Politely)
Australians aren’t always known for haggling, but when it comes to junkyards, it’s perfectly fine to ask, “Can you do a bit better?”
If you’ve got multiple offers, mention them. Saying, “Another yard offered me $500—can you match or beat that?” often pushes the price up. You don’t need to be pushy—just confident. Remember, your car has value, even if it’s no longer roadworthy.
Timing Can Play a Role
Metal prices go up and down, and so does demand for certain parts. If steel prices are strong, junkyards may be willing to pay more. On the other hand, selling right after a big hailstorm might work in your favour too, since yards get busy buying damaged cars for parts.
If your car is still sitting in the driveway and you’re not in a rush, keep an eye on the market. A quick search online or a call to a local yard can give you a sense of whether prices are running high or low.
Ask About Payment Methods
Don’t forget to check how and when you’ll get paid. In most Australian states, junkyards will pay cash or transfer money directly into your account. Just make sure it’s instant payment on pickup, not a promise of “we’ll pay you later.”
A Real-World Example
One of our customers, Sarah from Geelong, recently sold her old Mazda 3. The first offer she got was $350. She almost took it, but after a bit of calling around, she found another yard that offered $500 and included free towing. That’s a $150 difference for less than an hour of effort—money she ended up putting toward her new car’s rego.
Bringing It All Together
Getting the best price for your unwanted car isn’t about luck—it’s about being prepared, asking the right questions, and comparing your options. A little effort upfront can easily mean hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket.
So next time you’re ready to part with an old vehicle, treat it like any other deal. Shop around, stay honest, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Junkyards want your car, and the better you understand the process, the better the outcome will be.
If you are in Sandhurst, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
South Eastern Cash For Cars
36 Ellen Rd, Narre Warren South VIC 3805
(03) 7074 2682