How much is my scrap car worth in Brisbane?

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How much is my scrap car worth in Brisbane?
Three damaged cars loaded on a flatbed trailer being transported on a highway
Sell Salvaged Vehicle
By
Stewart Bates
Stewart Bates
National Automotive Buyer
November 19, 2024
6
minute read

Here’s how much cash you can get for your old car!

Whether your vehicle is damaged, non-running, or simply too old, there’s still cash to be made by selling it for scrap. But how much is your scrap car actually worth in Brisbane? The answer depends on several factors, from the condition of the vehicle to the current market demand for parts and scrap metal.

The last thing we want is for car owners to feel like they’re getting cheated. In this blog, we’ll explain the key factors that influence the price of your scrap car and help you understand what to expect when getting cash for it in Brisbane.

What we’ll cover:

  • The key factors that determine your car’s scrap value.
  • Where to get the most cash for your scrap car in Brisbane.
  • How to get the best price from wreckers and salvage companies.
  • Why 1800 Salvage is the best option for selling your scrap car.

If you’re wondering what your car’s worth, keep reading to learn more about how to maximise the value of your scrap vehicle. You can also check out our guide on how to sell a car in Brisbane for additional tips and advice.

Ballpark figures for scrap car values in Brisbane

While every car is different and the final offer will depend on specific factors, here are some ballpark figures to give you an idea of what to expect:

  • Small compact cars (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20): These lightweight cars usually range from $100 to $400 in scrap value, depending on the condition and the demand for their parts.
  • Sedans and family cars (e.g., Honda Accord, Toyota Camry): Larger cars with more metal and valuable parts might bring in $300 to $800. If your sedan has working parts like the engine or transmission, you might fetch a higher price.
  • SUVs and 4WDs (e.g., Ford Territory, Toyota LandCruiser): Due to their size and weight, SUVs can typically be worth between $500 and $1,500 in scrap. More modern models, or those with high-demand parts, can even go higher.
  • Luxury vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz): While luxury cars might not fetch the same price when scrapped as they do when sold in good condition, they can still earn between $800 and $3,000, depending on the model, year, and condition.
  • Older or heavily damaged cars: Cars that are rusted out or beyond repair often land in the $100 to $300 range, though specific parts, such as the catalytic converter or transmission, can still push the value higher.

These figures are just a general guide. For a more accurate offer based on your specific vehicle, you can always reach out to us to get a quick and fair valuation.

When considering where to sell your scrap car in Brisbane, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of different buyers — whether that’s private buyers, dealerships, or car removal services. We’ve compared the best places to sell your car in Brisbane so you’ll know where to find the best deal.

What factors influence the price of your scrap car in Brisbane?

When selling a scrap car, several key factors determine its overall value. Here’s what you need to know:

Condition of the car

The condition of your vehicle plays a major role in determining its scrap value. Whether your car is completely written off, has sustained significant damage, or is simply non-running, all of these factors will impact the price you can get. Cars that are just lightly damaged or have functional components will often fetch a higher price than those that are total wrecks. Even non-running cars can still hold value if major parts are intact, making them useful for parts buyers.

Car parts value

The value of your car’s parts is one of the biggest factors that buyers consider. Certain parts like engines, transmissions, and catalytic converters are in high demand, even in scrap cars. Catalytic converters, in particular, are valuable due to the precious metals they contain, like platinum and palladium. Other components like batteries and electronic systems also hold value. The more reusable or salvageable parts your car has, the better the price you can expect for it.

Weight and metal content

Scrap car buyers assess the weight and metal content of your vehicle when calculating its value. Steel, aluminium, and other recyclable metals are the main contributors to your car's scrap value. Heavier cars with more metal, such as trucks or SUVs, will typically be worth more than smaller vehicles. The fluctuating prices of these metals on the global market can also affect how much you’re offered, so it’s important to keep an eye on current trends.

Make, model, and age of the car

Your car’s make, model, and age also play a big part in how much you’ll get. Popular or newer models tend to fetch higher offers because their parts are in greater demand for resale or recycling. On the other hand, older or more obscure cars may not have the same demand for parts, which can lower their value. If your car is a high-demand make or has parts that are still widely used, you could see a significant boost in its scrap value.

Current scrap metal prices

Global market prices for scrap metal fluctuate, which directly affects how much you can get for your scrap car. When prices for materials like steel and aluminium are high, scrap buyers are likely to offer more for your vehicle. Conversely, when these prices drop, the amount you’ll be offered could decrease. Keeping an eye on scrap metal prices can help you time your sale to get the best possible offer.

For more detailed insights, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to sell a car in Brisbane.

What we need from you for a quick car valuation

At 1800 Salvage, we make the car valuation process easy and hassle-free. All we need are a few key details from you, and we’ll take care of the rest. Here’s what we’ll ask for:

  • Car make, model, and year: This helps us determine the overall value and potential demand for your car’s parts.
  • Condition of the car: Just let us know whether it’s running, has damage, or is missing any major parts—no need for in-depth details.
  • Mileage: Knowing the distance your car has travelled gives us an idea of wear and tear, which factors into the valuation.
  • Location of the car: We offer free towing, so simply tell us where your car is, and we’ll handle the logistics of getting it to us.
  • Photos of the car: A few clear pictures of your car, especially showing any damage or important features, can help us provide the most accurate offer possible.

With just this basic information, we’ll be able to give you a competitive cash offer fast. No complicated forms, no hassle — just a simple, straightforward process to get you paid quickly.

Why 1800 Salvage is the best choice for your scrap car in Brisbane

We know that selling unwanted cars can be a hassle, but we’ve streamlined the process to make it easy and stress-free. Whether your car is no longer running or just sitting around gathering dust, we offer a simple way to sell it and get paid quickly.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose 1800 Salvage’s cash-for-cars service:

  • Instant cash offers: Get a fair, competitive quote based on your car’s condition.
  • Free car removals: We’ll tow your vehicle from anywhere in Brisbane at no cost.
  • No need for repairs: We buy cars as-is, so there’s no need to spend money fixing up your vehicle.
  • Fast and hassle-free process: We handle all the paperwork and logistics, so you don’t have to.
  • Eco-friendly practices: We recycle cars responsibly, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

If you're ready to turn your scrap car into cash, visit our cash for cars Brisbane page for a quick, no-obligation quote today!

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Whether you want to buy or sell salvage vehicles, we are here to help. Get in touch and we will get back to you soon with the information you need.

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