How Much Is a Junk Car Worth in Australia: Complete Guide Specifications, Standards & Tips

That “dead” car sitting in your driveway can still be worth the money. Sometimes a lot more than people expect, because a junk car’s value in Australia isn’t just about whether it runs, but about what can be recycled, resold, and safely removed. The problem is that most owners guess their price using random online claims, accept the first offer, and only later realise they could have earned more by understanding scrap rates, parts demand, and towing realities.

In 2026, prices can swing quickly because scrap metal markets move, popular models have stronger spare-part demand, and even planning car transport changes what buyers can offer. If you don’t know what affects the quote, it’s easy to get a low offer or pay for towing when you could have had junk car removal included. This guide breaks down average 2026 estimates, what actually determines value, and where you can sell fast, especially if you’re searching junk car removal near me or junk cars removal options.

Average Junk Car Prices in Australia (2026 Estimates)

Prices vary by state, buyer type, and the metal/parts market, so it’s better to think in typical ranges rather than one fixed number. Recent Australia-focused guides commonly cite scrap-only vehicles in the low hundreds, while running or part-rich cars can push much higher depending on demand.

Scrap Cars

A true scrap car is typically non-running, with limited reusable parts, and valued mostly by weight and metal recovery. Many Australia-focused removal guides cite around $150–$500 as a common range for basic scrap jobs, especially when the vehicle is mostly “metal value” and not part value.

Some sellers can see higher numbers when the vehicle is heavier (large sedans, 4WDs, vans) or when scrap pricing is stronger. Other sources note broader ranges that can stretch upward, depending on metal content and the buyer’s processing pipeline.

If the car is incomplete (missing wheels, engine, gearbox), it usually drops because the buyer has less recoverable material and more handling effort. If it’s complete and easy to tow, offers often improve because removal is faster and cheaper.

Damaged Cars

Damaged cars are often worth more than “scrap-only” (between $200 and $10,000 vehicles) because parts are still usable even if the body is rough. In practice, buyers evaluate whether the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, alternator, and electronics can be resold or recycled profitably, then subtract towing and processing costs.

If the damage is cosmetic (panels, bumpers, lights) and the drivetrain is healthy, many buyers treat it as a “parts car” rather than a pure scrap car. That typically brings stronger quotes, especially for popular makes where spare parts move quickly.

If the car has flood or fire damage, the offer can drop because electrical systems and safety components become risky and less resellable. In those cases, the value shifts back toward weight-based recycling.

Wrecked & Accidental Cars

Wrecked or accidental cars can still be valuable even when they look “totaled,” because the salvage value often sits in parts and metal recovery rather than roadworthiness.

Owners commonly ask “who buy wrecked cars” or “who will buy my wrecked car” because dealerships may offer very little on trade-in, while wreckers can price it for dismantling.

If the vehicle is a repairable write-off, parts and panels may still be in demand, which can lift the quote. If it’s a severe write-off with major structural damage, buyers lean more heavily on scrap weight and salvageable components.

Old but Running Cars

Old but running cars often surprise people because they can be worth far more than scrap, even if they’re unwanted. Many removal guides note that running vehicles can reach into the thousands depending on condition and model demand, because the buyer can resell, export, or part out a drivable unit more efficiently.

If the car starts, moves, and has key components intact, it’s easier to collect and evaluate, which can improve offers. It can also reduce towing complexity, which keeps more value available for the payout.

For Melbourne and surrounds, many sellers aim for junk car removal for cash in Melbourne offers that include towing and payment on pickup, because it removes the “storage and hassle” factor completely.

What Determines How Much a Junk Car Is Worth?

Most junk-car quotes are built from the same formula: (scrap + reusable parts) − (transport + labour + risk). That’s why the same car can receive different offers from different buyers, because each buyer values parts differently and has different towing costs.

Vehicle Condition (Damaged, Accidental, Scrap, or Old)

Condition matters because it decides whether the buyer earns money mainly from metal, mainly from parts, or from both. A complete, damaged vehicle with an intact drivetrain can be worth more than a stripped “scrap shell,” even if both are non-running.

Accidental cars often retain valuable panels, wheels, airbags (sometimes), and interior modules, depending on impact points. Scrap cars are usually priced more strictly by weight, while old-but-running cars may be priced like “cheap resale” rather than pure scrap.

Make, Model & Year

Popular models tend to attract higher offers because spare parts are easier to resell. Newer vehicles also contain more valuable electronics, higher-value components, and sometimes higher-grade materials.

Less common models can still be worth good money if parts are scarce and demand is high, but if a model has weak demand, the offer may fall back toward scrap weight pricing.

Weight & Scrap Metal Value

Heavier vehicles often bring stronger scrap-based payouts simply because there’s more recoverable metal. That’s why large sedans, utes, vans, and 4WDs often price better than compact cars when both are pure scrap.

Scrap pricing changes are also why “today’s quote” can differ from “last month’s quote.” Several Australian sources track scrap prices per kilogram and highlight frequent updates, which directly affects what buyers can pay.

Demand for Spare Parts

Parts demand is where quotes can jump. Catalytic converters, batteries, alternators, transmissions, wheels, and some electronics can carry strong value depending on the model and availability. Some guides explicitly call out these components as drivers of higher payouts.

If your car is a common model with lots of owners still repairing them, parts demand can be strong and steady. If your car is uncommon and parts are hard to move, the quote may rely mostly on metal value.

FAQs

How much is a scrap car worth in Australia in 2026?

Most sources describe common scrap-only payouts in the low hundreds, with higher numbers possible depending on weight, metal pricing, and whether valuable components remain intact.

Why do two buyers give very different quotes for the same junk car?

Different buyers value parts differently and have different towing routes, labour costs, and processing capabilities, so the “net value” they can offer you changes even when the car is identical.

Is junk car removal worth the money compared to storing it?

Usually, yes, because storage costs and council/HOA risks can add up quickly, while removal converts the vehicle into cash and clears space immediately, especially if towing is included.

Do I need to remove plates before selling a junk car?

In many cases, yes, because plates can remain linked to your registration record until you cancel/surrender them through your state authority, so removing plates and keeping proof helps reduce future liability.

Your Junk Car Has a Real Price, Here’s How to Get It

A junk car in Australia isn’t “worthless,” and the real value comes from a clear mix of scrap metal recovery, spare parts demand, and how easy it is to pick up and process your vehicle. Once you understand what drives pricing condition, make/model, weight, parts demand, and location, you stop guessing and start negotiating with confidence.

The most reliable way to get the best result is to use today’s market reality as your baseline, then compare multiple quotes so you can see what your car is truly worth. If you want speed and simplicity, professional removals are often the easiest answer to where can i sell my junk car, because towing and paperwork support can be include.

For Melbourne and surrounds, if you want junk car removal for cash, you can call 042 0800 014 (Office Hours: Mon – Sat: 8.00am to 9.00pm) or visit Location Map: 29 First Ave, Sunshine VIC 3020.