Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of an Old Car in Perth (2025 Edition)

Is that old car sitting in your driveway becoming more of a landmark than a mode of transport? We get it. That once-loved vehicle is now taking up space, gathering dust, and maybe even becoming a bit of an eyesore. Figuring out what to do with it can feel like a major headache, but here’s the good news: getting rid of an old car in Perth is easier than you think, and it can be surprisingly profitable.

Welcome to the definitive 2025 guide from the team at WA Car Removals. With over 15 years of experience helping Perth residents turn their unwanted vehicles into instant cash, we’ve seen it all. We’re here to walk you through every option, step-by-step, so you can make the best choice for your situation and get that car gone for good.

Part 1: The Initial Assessment - What Am I Actually Dealing With?

Before you can decide on the best path forward, you need to have an honest chat with yourself about the car in question. Its story and condition will determine its value and the best way to sell it.

• Know Your Vehicle: First, gather the basics. What is the car's make, model, year, and mileage? A 2012 Toyota Hilux has a very different value proposition than a 1998 Holden Commodore, regardless of condition.
• The Honest Condition Check: Now, be objective. Does it run? If so, does it run well? Are there major mechanical issues with the engine or transmission? Walk around the car and take note of its cosmetic condition—dents, rust, faded paint, interior damage. An honest assessment now will save you time later. Don't worry if the list of problems is long; even cars that are total write-offs have significant value.
• The 2025 Perth Market: The demand for used cars and scrap metal is constantly fluctuating. Right now in Perth, there is still a strong need for quality used parts and recycled metal, which means every car has inherent value.
• Gathering Your Documents: Do yourself a favour and locate your proof of ownership and registration papers (if applicable) now. Having these on hand will make any transaction—whether selling, trading, or scrapping—infinitely smoother.

Part 2: Exploring Your Options - The Four Main Paths

Once you know what you have, you can choose your own adventure. Each path has its own pros and cons, depending on whether your priority is maximum cash, maximum convenience, or something else entirely.

2.1 Maximizing Profit: Selling Your Car Privately

This is the traditional route for cars that are still in decent, running condition. You’re in full control of the price and the sale process.

• Pros: You have the potential to get the highest possible price for your car, as you're selling directly to the end-user with no middleman.
• Cons: This path requires the most effort. You’ll need to clean the car, take great photos, write an appealing advertisement, and post it online. Then comes the hard part: dealing with endless low-ball offers, tyre-kickers, and arranging test drives with complete strangers. It can be a slow and often frustrating process.

2.2 Quick and Convenient: Trading It In or Selling to a Dealership

If you're buying a newer car, a trade-in can seem like the simplest option.

• Pros: It’s incredibly fast and convenient. You can often settle the deal in a single afternoon and drive away in your new vehicle without the hassle of a private sale.
• Cons: Convenience comes at a cost. Dealers offer wholesale prices because they need to recondition the car and sell it for a profit. You will almost always get less money than you would from a private sale.

2.3 The End-of-Life Solution: Using a Car Removal or Wrecking Service

This is the ultimate solution for cars that are old, damaged, unregistered, or simply not worth the hassle of selling. This is our specialty at WA Car Removals, and it's the most efficient way to turn any car into instant cash.

• Pros: It's the fastest, safest, and most profitable way to dispose of a non-running or end-of-life vehicle. There are no ads to write, no negotiations to endure, and no strangers coming to your home. Best of all, towing is completely free.
• Cons: The offer is based on the car's scrap and parts value, not its market value as a roadworthy vehicle.

Here’s how we’ve perfected the process at WA Car Removals:

1. Get Your Instant Quote: Give our friendly team a call at 0422 622 617. Tell us your car's make, model, and condition. We’ll give you a fantastic, no-obligation quote right then and there. We pay up to $10,000 for any vehicle—cars, trucks, 4WDs, vans, utes—in any condition.
2. Schedule Your Free Pickup: If you like the offer, we’ll schedule a pickup time that works for you. We offer free car removals Perth-wide, often on the very same day you call.
3. Get Paid Instantly: Our professional driver will arrive at the scheduled time, handle the essential paperwork with you, and pay you your cash on the spot.
4. We Tow It Away for Free: You wave goodbye to your old car and hello to your cash. There are absolutely no hidden fees for towing or service. The price we quote is the money you get.

2.4 The Charitable Route: Donating Your Vehicle

If you’re feeling philanthropic, you can donate your car to a local Perth charity.

• Pros: You get to support a cause you care about, and you may be eligible for a tax deduction on the value of the donation.
• Cons: You won't receive any cash in hand, and the process can sometimes be slower than calling a car removal service.

Part 3: The Action Plan - Executing Your Choice

Once you've chosen your path, here’s how to proceed.

• For Private Sellers: Clean your car thoroughly, take well-lit photos, and write a detailed, honest ad. Be firm on your price but willing to negotiate. Always meet in a public place for test drives.
• For Dealerships: Get quotes from at least two different dealerships before settling on a trade-in price. Know your car's approximate value beforehand.
• For Wreckers: This is the easiest action plan. Simply call WA Car Removals at 0422 622 617. We handle everything else, from the quote to the pickup and the payment.
• For Donors: Research charities in Perth that accept car donations and contact them directly to understand their specific process and what documentation they require.

Part 4: The Final Lap - Legal and Financial Essentials in WA

This is the most important part of the process. Finalising the paperwork correctly protects you from any future fines or liability connected to your old car.

• The Paperwork Trail: In Western Australia, when you sell or dispose of a vehicle, you must complete a Notice of Disposal. This is part of the Application to Transfer Vehicle Licence (Form MR9). As the seller, you are legally required to submit this notice to the Department of Transport within 7 days. This can usually be done easily online through your DoTDirect account.
• Why It's Crucial: The Notice of Disposal officially removes your name from the vehicle. If you don't submit it, you could be held liable for any speeding fines, parking tickets, or toll charges the new owner racks up!
• When You Scrap With Us: When you choose WA Car Removals, we make this part simple. As a licensed motor vehicle dealer, we handle all the necessary disposal paperwork for you, ensuring the vehicle is legally taken off the road and your liability is officially ended.
• Handling Your Number Plates: When we collect your car for wrecking, we will remove the license plates and return them to the DoT for cancellation. This often entitles you to a refund on any remaining part of your registration, putting even more money back in your pocket.

Your Questions, Answered (Perth 2025 FAQ)

• How much cash can I really get for a scrap car? At WA Car Removals, we pay up to $10,000. The final price depends on the car’s make, model, age, weight, and completeness. A heavier vehicle like a 4WD or truck will naturally command a higher price than a small hatchback.
• My car doesn’t run at all. Will you still take it? Absolutely! We specialize in removing cars in any condition—running or not. Damaged, written-off, rusted, or mechanically dead, it doesn’t matter. It still has value to us, and our towing is always free.
• What if I've lost the registration papers? Don't stress. As long as you can provide another form of proof of ownership (like the original purchase receipt) and your photo ID, we can still proceed. Give us a call, and we can advise on your specific situation.

Your Hassle-Free Solution is One Call Away

Getting rid of an old car in Perth shouldn't be complicated. While you can spend weeks trying to sell it privately, you can have the entire process sorted in just a few hours with one phone call.

For over 15 years, WA Car Removals has been the trusted name for fast, reliable, and profitable car removal. We believe in honest quotes, top-dollar payouts, and exceptional service.

Ready to clear your driveway and fill your wallet? Call WA Car Removals today for your free, instant quote! Phone: 0422 622 617