You have an old car. It’s outlived its usefulness, and you know it’s time to cast it off. And you also know it has to be worth something. It’s, you know, a whole car — a ton of metal and an engine with seats and wheels. But the largest question, and the one which creates the most stress: What is a fair price for it?
It’s a scenario that can seem intimidating. The fear of calling a car wrecker and getting ripped off with an offer too low to be true is very real. They are the professionals who evaluate cars on a daily basis, whereas you might do so once a decade. It all depends on what this thing is, which makes it feel like an unfair deal from the get-go.
At WA Auto Parts, we think it should be clear. Since over 15 years ago, we have been known for being open, honest and fair in Perth. We’re not only car wreckers; we are one of the top wrecjers for used auto parts in the city. Our skill is based on the real market value of each part in your car.
This guide is our effort to bridge that gap. We want you, the seller, to have control. By the time you finish this article, you’ll have a good idea of how your car’s value is determined, your list of right questions to ask and the confidence to know that the offer which you accept is fair.
Know Your Car’s Value? How We Work Out a Price at WA Auto Parts
First you have to understand how it is that we get a fair price. The quote given by a professional wrecker isn’t just something they pull out of thin air; it’s the outcome of a number crunching based on these three key elements.
Factor 1: Base Value – Your Car’s Scrap Metal Weight The rawest material of all is what makes up some change in your pocket. A car is constructed from tons of recyclable metal – mostly steel, along with valuable copper and aluminum. This metal is traded on the world’s commodity market and has a price that changes daily. It weighs more; an old Ford Falcon or Toyota LandCruiser will inevitably start at a higher potential value because there is simply more metal onboard than in the average lightweight hatchback – such as a Suzuki Swift. This is what your car is worth no matter what else comes into play.
Factor 2: The ‘Bonus’ Value – What Can Be Salvaged from it Its parts This is the most important factor, and what drives an industry leader like WA Auto Parts compared to some scrap metal yard. It’s not just a shell to smash; we perceive a full ledger of useful, reusable parts.
We specialise in providing the highest quality and most curteous service to both mechanics and residents throughout Perth. This gives us the most current data on what your car’s parts are truly worth. We value:
The Drivetrain: You can part out a whole engine or tranny from a popular car! Strong prices are paid for, say, the bulletproof diesel engine from a Japanese Toyota HiLux or the gearbox from a Korean Hyundai i30 or V8 powerplant from an Australian Holden Commodore.
The Catalytic Converter: This component is high value, containing precious metals (platinum, palladium and rhodium) that are used in emissions control and can be recycled.
Mechanical & Electrical Items: We always require serviceable alternators, starter motors, a/c compressors and radiators.
Straight Panels: A rust-free door, bonnet or bumper form a popular car can prove to be extremely hordable for someone in need of a cheap replacement part for their own vehicle.
Wheels and so on: A neat set of alloy wheels significantly adds more value than your average steel rims. A clean and not torn-up interior, uncracked dash or a working stereo system adds to the bottom line.
Factor 3: The Perth Market Factor – Make, Model and Popularity It may seem counterintuitive, but in wrecking terms, a popular car will often be worth more than an uncommon one. In Perth, there is an incredible and growing need for second hand components of popular vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla (whom always ranks in australian top 10 most sold cars), Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Triton and Hyundai Tucson. Since we are able to sell parts off those vehicles fast, we can pay you more money for your car.. A part taken from a scarce European or American import might be less sought after, represnting its scrap-metal value. Because our expertise and passion here crosses those models: Japanese, European, Australian, Korean or American – we know how to value them all accurately.
Factor #4: The Condition Of The Vehicle For sure, a whole car is worth the most. If you have taken out and sold the engine, catalytic converter or other main parts, we will adjust the quote. Likewise, a car that has been well and truly crispy-fried or with only the interior left will have bugger-all in the way of parts-value and be weighed for pricing.
Your Action Plan: 5 steps to getting a fair deal in Perth
So now that you know the theory, here’s your truly practical, step-by-step plan to make sure you get the best price:
Step 1: Get Ready (It Will Only Take 5 Minutes) Before you make a call, get your information ready. It shows you’re an organised and genuine seller. All you need is:
Details of Your Car: Make, Model and Year.
Proof of Ownership: In most cases, your valid driver’s licence is all that is needed. If the registration papers come with that dog, so much the better, but don’t worry if you can’t lay hands on them.
A Few Photos: Take a few photos of the car with your phone, and by that we can give you a very accurate quote.
Step 2: Obtain At Least Two to Three Quotes (The Golden Rule) This is the mostest empowering thing you can do. Never take the first offer. Ring around several professional wreckers in Perth. In making several inquiries, you will soon have a good gut instinct on your car’s actual market value. This immediately shields you from an extremely low offer and provides the peace of mind of being able to recognize a fair price.
Step 3: Ask These Key Questions Asking these types of questions will let the wrecker know that you are an informed seller, and he or she can’t pull one over on you.
Firstly, is your quote including FREE pickup from my suburb? (The correct answer is an absolute must, especially as a trustworthy business like WA Auto Parts much reply with yes).
“Are there administration or paperwork fees that are in addition to the advertised price?” (The answer should be no).
“Do you take care of the formal Notice of Disposal form at WA Department of Transport?” (This is really important for your legal cover, and should be yes).
“Is cash given when I pick up payments?”
Step 4: Don’t Lie About the Body’s Condition If the engine is blown or the gearbox broken, be honest. A reputable service will price cars with big problems all day long. We can only give you a quote that’s rock-solid if we’re upfront. Trying to bury the elephant in the room will only land you on-site with an expensive re-negotiation. Transparency is the quickest path to an easy transaction.
Step 5: Select a Professional and Licensed Junk Car Wrecking Service In Western Australia, anyone who purchases cars for wrecking is required to be a licensed motor vehicle dealer. Opting for a licensed operation such as WA Auto Parts offers you consumer protection and guarantees that the business runs under state laws. Look for a long history of positive reviews from other Perth homeowners on Google. It is earned by fair and honest dealing.
Red Flags: Recognise a Lowballer or Shady Operator in Perth
Vague Quotes: If you can’t get a price or at least a price range over the phone from a company, beware. They may be looking to lowball you in person where it’s more difficult for you to say no.
Any reference to Towing charge: Towing is absolutely free in Perth, when it comes to professional car removal service. To try to charge for towing is a big red flag.
Reluctance Regarding Paperwork: If they evade or display any uncertainty about the Department of Transport’s Notice of Disposal, end the conversation. Botched paperwork can leave you on the hook for the car, legally speaking.
High-Pressure Tactics: “This offer is valid for only the next five minutes!” A legitimate, professional business will offer you a reasonable time period to think about their offer.
Conclusion: From Uncertain Seller to Confident Deduct $100 for each of lawn care service, Christmas tree recycling service and bookkeeping.
You don’t have to be a car mechanic or a junkyard specialist to receive a fair price for your old vehicle. All you have to do is be a knowledgeable seller.
By learning about the important things that make your car worthwhile—its weight, its salvageable parts, and how popular it is—and by following a clear plan of action you can control the process. Get several quotes, ask the right questions and select a licensed professional with an excellent reputation.
At WA Auto Parts, we love customers who are informed. We are not ashamed of our process and we believe that is fair offers. We wish this to be the most comfortable, confident decision you could have. Now that you are increasingly aware of this guide, trash that old car and get the money it’s worth.
Fear of getting lowballed should not hold you back. Call WA Auto Parts now on (08) 9358 1392 or submit an online enquiry.WA AUTO PARTSLeading Wreckers Specialising In Used Car Parts & Spares In PerthWA Auto Parts is your leading used auto parts yarUsed parts in Cardiffd providing quality used parts at the best prices.