If you’ve got an old car gathering dust in your driveway or a worn-out vehicle that’s more rust than ride, you might be wondering: Does the age of my car even matter when selling it to a wrecker?
The short answer? Not as much as you’d think. In fact, age can sometimes work in your favour. Let’s break it down and look at what wreckers actually care about—and why that ancient hatchback might still be worth something.
What Do Wreckers Actually Want?
When you sell a car to a wrecker, they’re not usually looking for a shiny set of wheels. They’re looking for:
- Usable parts (engine, gearbox, doors, electronics)
- Recyclable materials (steel, aluminium, catalytic converters)
- Salvage value in scrap metal
So whether your car is 5 years old or 25, its value to a wrecker lies in what can be recovered, not how many birthdays it’s had.
Older Cars = More Scrap Metal
Here’s an unexpected perk: older cars often contain more metal. Why? Because manufacturers today use more lightweight plastics and composites to improve fuel efficiency.
That means your older car, even if it doesn’t run, might be worth more in scrap weight than a newer one that’s falling apart.
Age Isn’t the Dealbreaker—Condition Is
It’s not just about how old the car is, but what condition it’s in. A 15-year-old vehicle that’s complete (even if it doesn’t start) could be more valuable than a newer one that’s been stripped for parts or involved in a major accident.
Things like:
- Missing parts
- Major fire or flood damage
- Severe rusting
…can lower the payout regardless of the car’s age.
Got a Vintage Car? Don’t Assume It’s Junk
Sometimes we get calls from folks with really old vehicles—classic models, forgotten project cars, or rare makes. If that’s you, don’t write it off too quickly. Some older cars might have parts that are in demand or hold collector interest.
Wreckers may offer more for these if the parts are hard to find or valuable to restorers.
Real Example: 1998 Toyota Hilux
We once had a customer with a 1998 Toyota Hilux that hadn’t run in years. The paint was faded, tyres were flat, and the seats were falling apart. But under the hood? The engine was still solid.
We paid him more than he expected—not because of the age, but because Hilux parts are always in high demand.
So, Should You Sell Your Old Car to a Wrecker?
If your car is too old to sell privately, constantly breaking down, or costing more to fix than it’s worth—selling it to a wrecker is a smart move. It’s quick, simple, and you get paid for something that might otherwise go to waste.
Plus, most wreckers (including us) offer:
- Free towing
- Cash paid on the spot
- Same-day service
- Environmentally responsible recycling
And no need to worry about age. We’ll take everything from 1980s classics to early 2000s runabouts.
Final Word
Car age isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s just one part of the story. What matters more is what’s left of the car, how complete it is, and whether the parts and metal are still usable.
So don’t stress if your car’s been around the block a few hundred thousand times. Give us a call or request a quick quote online—you might be surprised by what it’s still worth.
Got an old car? We’ll take it off your hands, pay you cash, and free up your space—all without fuss.
If you are in Macleod, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Bundoora Cash For Cars
13 Nickson St, Bundoora VIC 3083