What Affects Your Car’s Price in Perth? A Wrecker Explains

Updated November 2026

Short answer: in Perth, most unwanted, old or damaged cars sell for $500 to $9,000, and trucks for up to $50,000. The exact price depends on six things: the make and model, the year, the condition, which parts can be reused, how far the car is from the buyer, and current scrap metal and export prices. This guide explains each one, so you know what to expect before you call for a quote.

1. Make and Model

Popular makes such as Toyota, Ford, Holden, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Hyundai and Isuzu are usually worth more as wrecks, because their parts are in steady demand. Utes, 4WDs and vans often fetch more than small hatchbacks, as their engines, gearboxes and body parts are sought after by tradies and farmers.

2. Year and Age

Newer vehicles generally have more valuable parts. Very old cars are not worthless, though: even when the parts have little resale value, the metal still has scrap value.

3. Condition

• Running and driveable: usually the highest offers, as the car may be repaired or many parts reused.
• Damaged but complete: still valuable for parts, especially if the engine and gearbox are fine.
• Not running or long stored: lower, but still worth money for parts and metal.
• Stripped or burnt out: mostly scrap value.

4. Parts That Can Be Reused

A car is often worth more in parts than as a whole. A wrecker looks at which parts can be resold, such as the engine, gearbox, doors, panels, lights and wheels. Missing parts lower the offer. At our yard, working parts are sold as used car parts, so we can often pay more than a buyer who only scraps cars.

5. Distance and Location

Collection costs time and fuel, so distance matters. We collect for free within 100 km of Perth, and travel up to 300 km for higher-value vehicles. A car near our Armadale yard may attract a slightly better offer than the same car far outside the metro area.

6. Scrap Metal Prices and Export Demand

Wrecker prices move with the market. When steel and metal prices rise, scrap value goes up. When they fall, offers drop. Export demand matters too: when global shipping is disrupted, parts are harder to export and prices for wrecks can fall for a while. This is why the same car can be worth a different amount from one month to the next.

How to Get the Best Price

• Give accurate details: make, model, year, kilometres and any damage.
• Send a few photos so the offer is based on the real condition.
• Keep the car complete. Removing parts first usually lowers the price by more than they are worth.
• Have your ID and proof of ownership ready.
• Compare offers, and check the buyer is licensed.

Get a Free Offer

Call 0432 200 000 with your car’s details for a free, no-obligation offer. We pay on the spot in cash or by bank transfer, and removal is free. See cash for cars Perth or cash for trucks Perth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my scrap car worth in Perth?

Most scrap and unwanted cars in Perth sell for between $500 and $9,000, depending on the make, model, year, condition, reusable parts, location and current scrap metal prices.

Why do scrap car prices change?

Prices follow the market for steel and other metals and the demand for exported parts. When metal prices or export demand change, offers change too.

Is my car worth more in parts?

Often, yes. A wrecker values the parts that can be resold, such as the engine, gearbox and body panels, which can be worth more than the car's scrap metal.

Does distance affect the price?

Yes. Collection takes time and fuel. We collect for free within 100 km of Perth, and up to 300 km for higher-value vehicles.

Storm Cash for Cars is a licensed motor vehicle dealer (MD 31126) and licensed wrecker at 7 Burns Rd, Armadale WA. Open 7 days, 7am to 7pm.