It’s a classic Melbourne scene. Tucked away in a suburban driveway, parked under a gum tree in the backyard, or taking up precious space in a garage, sits an old car. It was once a source of pride, a reliable workhorse for commuting on the Monash or for weekend trips down the Great Ocean Road. But now, it’s a problem.
It’s an unregistered, non-running, rust-bucket of a headache. The local council might be sending you letters, it’s becoming an eyesore for the neighbours, and you know, deep down, that you need to deal with it.
The common assumption? That you’ll have to fork out your own hard-earned cash to get it towed to a tip. But what if we told you that assumption is completely wrong? That lump of metal is actually a pocketful of cash waiting to happen. You don’t have to pay for car disposal in Melbourne; you should be getting paid for it.
This is your fair dinkum guide to flipping the script, turning your unwanted vehicle from a liability into an asset, and walking away with cash in hand—stress-free.
The first and most important step is to stop looking at your old car as “junk”. That vehicle, however battered it may appear, is a collection of valuable materials. A professional car removal company does not see a dead car; They see:
Scrap metal: The main body of your car – the chassis, panels, and frame – is made of steel. Steel is a highly recyclable commodity whose market value varies daily. A full-size car holds over a ton!
Salvable parts: Just because the engine is Cactus doesn’t mean everything is the same. The alternator, starter motor, radiator, wheels, tires, seats and even the mirrors may still be in perfect condition. These parts can be repaired and sold, providing an affordable solution for other car owners.
Precious metals: Small but valuable amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium are hidden inside the car’s catalytic converter. These precious metals are essential to the recycling process and add significant value to the overall value of your car.
When you understand this, you realize that it’s not stupid to ask for payment – it’s your right. You provide a valuable resource to the recycling business.
Before we get to the best method, let’s cover the common mistakes Melburnians make when faced with an unwanted car.
Trying to Sell it Privately: If your car is unregistered and non-running, this is a path to frustration. Listing it on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace will invite an army of tyre-kickers, low-ballers, and people who will waste your time. The hassle simply isn’t worth the potential return for a non-roadworthy vehicle.
Abandoning It: Never, ever just leave your car on a public street. This is illegal and will result in hefty fines from the local council, who will trace the vehicle back to you. They will then charge you for the towing and impound fees, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Paying a Towing Company: Calling a standard tow truck to take your car to a scrapyard is literally throwing money away. You’ll pay for the tow, and you’ll likely get nothing from the scrapyard, which might even charge you a disposal fee.
The smart money is on a service that combines all these steps and pays you for the privilege.
This is the crucial part. A quick Google search will show you dozens of companies. How do you pick a good one and avoid the cowboys? Look for these green flags:
They Offer Instant, No-Obligation Quotes: A professional company can give you a firm quote over the phone or via an online form. They’ll ask for the make, model, year, and condition of your car to give you an accurate price. Be wary of anyone who is vague or promises a ridiculously high figure without details—it’s often a bait-and-switch tactic.
Free Towing is a Non-Negotiable: The service should be called “car removal,” not “car towing.” The removal of the vehicle should be 100% free, with no hidden charges. The price they quote is the cash you get. Any mention of a “towing fee” or “admin charge” is a major red flag.
They Pay Cash on the Spot: The transaction should be simple. They inspect the car, you sign the papers, and they hand you the cash before they even hook up the tow truck. Avoid any service that promises a bank transfer “later” or wants to pay by cheque.
Check Their Reviews and Reputation: Do a quick search for their business name on Google. A long history of positive reviews from real customers is the best proof of a trustworthy service. Look for comments about punctuality, fair pricing, and professionalism.
They Are Licensed and Eco-Conscious: A legitimate business will be a licensed motor vehicle dealer (LMCT) and will follow environmentally friendly disposal practices. This means they will de-pollute the vehicle by safely draining all fluids (oil, petrol, coolant) before recycling the metal.
While a professional service will take your car “as is,” you can ensure you get the best possible price by being prepared.
Provide Accurate Information: Be honest about the car’s condition. Is it complete? Are the wheels on? Is it missing the engine? The more accurate your description, the more accurate your quote will be, avoiding any last-minute adjustments.
Have Proof of Ownership Ready: The process is much smoother if you have your driver’s license and the car’s registration papers (even if they’re expired) on hand. This proves you are the legal owner. If you can’t find the papers, a good company can still help you, but having them ready is best.
Ensure Clear Access: If your car is stuck down a narrow driveway behind three other vehicles, it makes the removal job harder. If possible, ensure the tow truck can get to it easily. While they can handle tricky situations, easy access is always appreciated.
Choosing the right partner for your car disposal in Melbourne transforms a chore into a simple and profitable experience. It’s about reclaiming your space, doing the right thing for the environment, and getting a fair cash payment for your old vehicle without any of the usual stress.
At Cars Wanted Melbourne, we’ve built our reputation on making this process as easy and rewarding as possible. We are a team of professional, licensed experts who believe in providing fair, transparent quotes and exceptional service. We handle all the paperwork, provide instant cash, and offer free removal across all Melbourne suburbs. Ready to see how much cash is sitting in your driveway? Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. Give our friendly team a call today! Call: 0415 836 537.
Q1: How much cash can I actually get for my car disposal in Melbourne?
The amount you can get varies depending on several factors. The main ones are the car’s make, model, age, and overall condition. A heavier vehicle like an old Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore, will generally fetch more due to its weight in scrap metal. If the car has salvageable parts in high demand, that will also increase the offer. Prices can range from $150-$200 for a small, incomplete shell up to several thousand dollars for a more complete or desirable model.
Q2: What kind of paperwork do I need to dispose of my car?
It’s very straightforward. You will need a valid photo ID (like your driver’s license) to prove your identity. It’s also helpful to have the vehicle’s registration certificate, even if it’s long expired, as this confirms ownership. If you cannot find the papers, we can still usually proceed, but you will need to sign a declaration stating you are the legal owner. We handle all the VicRoads paperwork, including the notice of disposal.
Q3: Does my car need to be registered or running?
Absolutely not. The vast majority of vehicles we collect are unregistered, not roadworthy, or don’t run at all. That’s what our service is for! We buy cars in any condition—accident-damaged, mechanically failed, rusted out, or simply old. Your car’s inability to run does not affect our ability to remove it or pay you for it.
Q4: How quickly can you remove my car and how long does it take?
We take pride in our fast and efficient service. In most cases, we can offer same-day or next-day car removal anywhere in Melbourne. The actual pickup process is very quick, typically taking less than 30 minutes. Our driver will complete a quick inspection, help you with the paperwork, pay you the cash, and then load the vehicle onto our truck.
Q5: My car is located in a tricky spot like a basement car park or a tight backyard. Can you still get it?
Yes, in almost all cases. Our fleet of tow trucks includes vehicles designed for different access challenges. Our drivers are highly experienced in recovering vehicles from difficult locations. When you call for a quote, just let us know about the access situation so we can send the right truck and be fully prepared for a smooth removal.
Q6: Why should I choose Cars Wanted Melbourne for my car disposal?
Cars Wanted Melbourne is a trusted, licensed, and locally-owned business dedicated to providing the best customer experience. We stand out by offering genuinely fair and competitive cash offers, guaranteeing free towing with no hidden fees, and providing on-the-spot cash payments. Our process is transparent, our team is professional, and we ensure your old vehicle is recycled in an environmentally responsible way.
