You’ve made the decision. The old car that’s been faithfully serving you has reached the end of its road, and it’s time to call a wrecker. It’s a smart move—one that clears up space, solves a problem, and puts cash in your pocket. But once the decision is made, the next logical question immediately follows: “How do I get the most money for it?”
It’s a common misconception that once a car is destined for the wrecker, its value is fixed and there’s nothing you can do to influence the price. Many people, in an effort to get a better deal, even make costly mistakes that actually decrease their payout.
Here at WA Auto Parts, with over 15 years of experience as Perth’s leading auto buyer and wrecker, we believe in transparency. We want you to get the best possible return for your vehicle. A fair deal is the foundation of our business. That’s why we’ve created this simple, no-nonsense guide of essential Do’s and Don’ts for preparing your car. Following these tips will ensure a smooth, seamless process and help you maximize your cash payout.
Part 1: The DO’s – Smart Actions That Add Value
These are the simple, effective steps you can take to make your vehicle more attractive to a wrecker and ensure the transaction is professional and efficient.
DO Keep the Car as Complete as Possible
This is, without a doubt, the most important piece of advice we can give you. When we prepare a quote, we are valuating the vehicle as a whole unit. A complete car, with all its parts intact (even if they aren’t working), is significantly more valuable to us than a vehicle that has been partially stripped. We see it as a complete resource, ready for our systematic dismantling process. A car with missing parts signals that we will have to spend more time assessing what else is gone, and it immediately lowers the value of the vehicle as a whole.
DO Make a List of Valuable Components
While you shouldn’t remove parts, you should absolutely become your car’s best advocate. Before you call us, take a few minutes to do an “asset audit.” Walk around your car and make a mental or physical list of any components that are new, recently replaced, or in excellent condition.
This list becomes your talking points when you call us for a quote. Instead of just saying, “I have a 2010 Holden Cruze,” you can say, “I have a 2010 Holden Cruze. The engine itself is still running well, and I want you to know it has four near-new tyres and I just replaced the battery three months ago.”
As specialists in Japanese, European, Australian, Korean, and American cars, trucks, SUVs, and 4WDs, we know the value of these components. Highlighting them helps us build a more accurate and often higher quote because you’re giving us a clearer picture of the assets we are purchasing.
DO Clear Out Your Personal Belongings
This might not add direct dollar value to your quote, but it’s a critical step for a smooth and positive experience. Over the years, our cars become second homes. They hold forgotten sunglasses, important documents in the glove box, kids’ toys under the seats, house keys, and garage remotes.
Before the tow truck is scheduled to arrive, do a thorough and final sweep of every nook and cranny. Check the glove box, the centre console, all the door pockets, under the seats, in the boot, and even the spare tyre well. This prevents the heartbreak of realising you’ve lost something of personal or monetary value. It also presents you as an organised and professional seller, which we always appreciate.
DO Ensure the Car is Accessible
Imagine you’re our tow truck driver. Arriving to find the vehicle is blocked in by other cars, stuck behind a locked gate, or sitting in a muddy backyard with four flat tyres presents a significant challenge. While WA Auto Parts always provides free towing, making the car as easy to access as possible ensures the process is quick and efficient for everyone.
If you can, clear a path around the vehicle. If the tyres are flat but hold air, inflating them can make a huge difference. If the car is parked on the street, make sure there’s enough room for our truck to manoeuvre. A little bit of foresight here goes a long way and removes any potential for delays or complications on pickup day.
DO Have Your Paperwork Ready
This is the final piece of the professional seller puzzle. To complete the sale, any licensed wrecker in Western Australia will need to see two things: your Proof of Ownership (your vehicle’s Certificate of Registration/Title) and your matching photo ID.
Having these documents located and ready to go when you make the call to (08) 9358 1392 signals to us that you are a serious and legitimate seller. It allows us to finalise the deal with confidence and, most importantly, it allows us to process your payment quickly and without any administrative delays.
Part 2: The DON’Ts – Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration.
DON’T Strip Parts Off the Car
This is the number one mistake people make, and it almost always costs them money. The logic seems simple: “I’ll sell the battery for $30, the stereo for $50, and the wheels for $200, and then call the wrecker.” In reality, this strategy backfires.
When we see a car with parts missing, we have to assume the worst. We don’t know what else is gone. A missing battery means we can’t test any of the car’s other electronics. We have to factor in the cost and time of replacing those parts ourselves. As a result, when we reduce our quote for a stripped car, the reduction is almost always more than the small amount you made selling the parts individually. You could lose hundreds of dollars off your quote to make an extra $50. Always sell the vehicle as a complete unit.
DON’T Waste Money on Repairs
If your car has a known mechanical issue, like an oil leak or a faulty sensor, do not spend money trying to fix it before you call us. You will not get a return on that investment. As a business that operates a one-stop used auto parts shop, we have the expertise and a huge inventory of parts to fix things far more efficiently and economically than a regular customer can. Spending $300 on a minor repair will not add $300 to our offer. Its value to us lies in its major components and raw materials, not its minor running condition.
DON’T Bother With a Car Wash or Detail
We appreciate a tidy car, but save your time and money when it comes to washing, waxing, or detailing a car destined for our yard. A shiny car doesn’t change the value of its engine, its transmission, or its weight in scrap steel. Within hours of arriving at our facility, your car will be professionally de-polluted and begin the dismantling process. Its aesthetic appeal has zero bearing on its value to us. Enjoy your weekend—there’s no need to spend it with a bucket and sponge.
DON’T Forget the Catalytic Converter
If your car still has its original catalytic converter, this is a key piece of information. Due to the precious metals they contain (platinum, palladium, rhodium), these are one of the most valuable single parts on a vehicle for recycling purposes. When you call for a quote, it’s a good idea to mention that the “cat” is still intact. Its presence is a significant factor in a good valuation, and confirming it’s there helps us give you our best possible price.
Conclusion: Smart Preparation for Maximum Return
Getting the best price for your end-of-life vehicle isn’t about luck; it’s about smart preparation. The strategy is simple: present a complete, accessible vehicle, be ready with your information, and don’t spend a single cent on last-minute “fixes” or cosmetic improvements.
By following these simple Do’s and Don’ts, you put yourself in the driver’s seat of the transaction. You ensure a fair, transparent, and profitable sale with a professional company that values your business.
Ready to put these tips into action? With over 15 years of experience, our team at WA Auto Parts is ready to give you a great price for your old car. Call us today at (08) 9358 1392 for your free, no-obligation quote