Last Updated: September 1, 2026
When getting your car ready to be wrecked, keep as much of the vehicle intact as possible, remove your personal belongings, make sure the car is accessible for towing, and have your proof of ownership and photo ID ready. Don’t strip parts, pay for repairs, or spend money on cleaning; it rarely improves your return.
When you’ve determined that your old car has reached the end of the road, the next question typically becomes one of value. How do you get a fair return for a vehicle that no longer warrants driving? The truth is, what a car is worth depends on many things, such as the make, model, age, condition, demand for parts, and current scrap metal prices.
There is a prevailing notion that a car destined for the wreckers has a set value and there is nothing you can do about it. No, not quite. A few simple decisions made in the lead-up to pickup can affect how smoothly the sale goes and, in some cases, what you’re offered.
For over 15 years, we have been buying and breaking down cars across Perth and Western Australia at WA Auto Parts. This guide will take you through the practical do’s and don’ts of getting your car ready. This will make the process easier for everyone involved and put you in a stronger position when it comes time to sell.
What does it mean to prepare a car for wrecking?
When you prepare a car for wrecking, you get the vehicle and your paperwork in order so that a licensed wrecker can properly appraise the vehicle, tow it easily, and pay you quickly—no repairs or detailing required. The goal is to have a complete, accessible vehicle with clear ownership to make the transaction simple.
The Do’s: Simple steps that help your sale
These steps make your car more straightforward to value and the pickup easier for everyone involved.
Try to keep the car as complete as possible
This is the absolute best thing you could do. When a wrecker quotes your car, they are valuing the entire vehicle as a resource to be stripped down and recycled. A complete car with all the major components is generally worth more – and easier to value – than one that has been picked over. Missing pieces also add uncertainty about what else is missing, and that usually brings the price down.
Note the best parts of your car
You don’t steal the car, but you can still speak for it. Before you call for a quote, walk around the vehicle and make a quick mental or written note of any parts that are new or in good shape.
Mention these when you ask for an estimate. You could also, instead of saying, “I’ve got a 2010 Holden Cruze,” you could add “The engine still runs well, it has four near-new tyres and the battery was replaced a few months ago.” The more accurate the detail a wrecker has the better they can value the vehicle, and it can work in your favour.
Get all your personal belongings out
Over the years, our cars become repositories of our stuff: sunglasses, paperwork in the glovebox, kids’ toys under the seats, spare keys, garage remotes. Do a thorough going-over on the vehicle the night before your tow truck is due to arrive.
Look in glove box, centre console, door pockets, under and between seats, boot and spare tyre well. This way you won’t get frustrated about losing something of value or sentimental worth and the hand over is clean and simple.
Make sure the car is accessible
Suppose you’re the tow truck driver. A vehicle boxed in by other cars, behind a locked gate or stuck in a muddy spot on four flat tyres slows everything down. WA Auto Parts offers free towing, so the easier it is to get to your car, the faster and smoother the pickup will go.
Where you can:
- Clear a path around the vehicle.
- Inflate the tyres if they’ll hold air.
- Make sure there’s room for a truck to manoeuvre if the car is parked on the street.
A little planning ahead prevents delays on the day.
Have your paperwork ready
A licensed wrecker in Western Australia needs two things to complete the sale legally:
- Proof of ownership — your vehicle’s certificate of registration or title.
- Matching photo ID. Having these ready confirms you’re the rightful seller, allows the deal to be closed properly, and helps your payment be processed without delay.
The Don’ts: Common mistakes that can cost you
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do.
Don’t strip parts off the car
This is one of the most common and expensive mistakes. The logic seems sound. Sell the stereo, the wheels and a few other bits separately and call the wreckers for what’s left. In reality, it’s rarely worth it.
When a wrecker sees a car with parts already taken out, they have to assume the worst about what is missing. Electronics can not be tested without a battery, and there is extra time and cost in dismantling an incomplete vehicle. The reduction on the quote is usually more than you made selling parts individually. Selling the car whole is usually the better result.
Don’t pay for repairs
If your car has a mechanical fault, like an oil leak or a worn sensor, you don’t need to get it fixed before calling. Wreckers are in the parts and raw materials business, and will do repairs a lot cheaper than most retail customers. Not whether the car drives well. The wrecker is interested in the parts and materials. So spending money on a repair is unlikely to translate to the offer.
Don’t wash or detail it
A clean car is nice, but washing, waxing, or detailing a car going to the wreckers will not add to it’s value. The look of an engine, transmission or scrap steel does not matter to its value. When the vehicle arrives in the yard, it will be cleaned and processed for recycling, so there is no need to spend your weekend with a bucket and sponge.
Don’t forget the catalytic converter
When you get a quote, mention that your car is still running on its original catalytic converter. Precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are contained in catalytic converters, are valuable for recycling. Having the converter there and in good shape will help the wrecker give you a good valuation.
A quick preparation checklist
- Leave the car complete, with all major parts in place.
- Note any new or good-condition components to mention when quoting.
- Remove every personal belonging.
- Clear access for the tow truck and inflate tyres if possible.
- Have your proof of ownership and photo ID ready.
- Confirm whether the catalytic converter is still fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get more money if I keep my car whole?
Generally, yes. Wreckers value a complete vehicle as a full resource, and a car with all its parts is easier to assess. Stripping parts usually lowers the offer more than you’d make selling them separately.
Should I fix my car before selling it to a wrecker?
No. Repairs rarely pay for themselves, since wreckers can source parts and carry out work far more cheaply. The offer is based on parts and materials, not on how well the car runs.
Do I need to clean my car before it’s picked up?
No. Washing or detailing doesn’t affect the value of a car headed for wrecking. It’s more useful to remove your belongings and make sure the vehicle is accessible.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car to a wrecker in WA?
You’ll need proof of ownership, such as your certificate of registration or title, along with matching photo identification. These confirm you’re the rightful seller and allow the sale to be completed legally.
Does a catalytic converter add value?
It can. Catalytic converters contain precious metals used in recycling, so a car with its original converter still fitted may be worth more. Always mention it when getting a quote.
Will preparing my car guarantee a higher price?
No. Preparation helps the process run smoothly and lets a wrecker value your car accurately, but the final figure still depends on make, model, age, condition, parts demand, and scrap metal prices.
Is towing free when I sell my car for wrecking?
WA Auto Parts offers free towing across Perth. Making sure your car is easy to access helps the pickup go faster.
Ready to sell your unwanted car?
Whether your vehicle is unwanted, damaged, or has simply reached the end of its life, WA Auto Parts can help. With more than 15 years buying and recycling vehicles across Perth and Western Australia, we aim to make the process fair and straightforward. Call us on (08) 9358 1392 for a free quote and honest advice on your car.