How Much Can I Get for My Scrap Car in Perth? (2026 Prices & What to Expect)

If you’ve ever looked at your old, unused car sitting in the driveway and wondered, “How much can I get for my scrap car in Perth?”, you’re not alone. 

Every year, thousands of Western Australians choose to sell their vehicles for scrap, turning unwanted cars into instant cash. But unlike selling a car privately, the value of a scrap car depends on many factors — including its condition, the type of metals it contains, and the ever-changing market prices for scrap metal in Australia.

Whether you have a small hatchback, a mid-size sedan, an SUV, or a commercial vehicle, understanding how scrap car prices are determined can help you get the best possible payout. In this guide, we’ll break down Perth scrap car prices for 2026, provide examples, explain what affects the value, and share tips to maximise your return. Plus, we’ve included a handy comparison table so you can see at a glance what your car might be worth.

Typical Scrap Car Value Ranges (Perth, 2026)

Important: These are approximate ranges. The actual amount you get depends heavily on factors such as vehicle condition, weight, salvageable parts, and current scrap‑metal market prices.

Why Scrap Car Values Vary So Much in Perth

When someone asks “how much can I get for my scrap car?”, the honest answer is: It depends. Multiple factors influence the final cash offer:

• Vehicle condition & completeness — a stripped or crushed shell is worth far less than a largely intact car.
• Weight & metal content — heavier vehicles or those with more metal will fetch more due to higher scrap volume.
• Salvageable parts — functional engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, wheels, tyres, body panels or other reusable components increase value.
• Metal prices & market demand — market price for scrap metal (steel, aluminium, catalytic‑converter metals) fluctuates and directly impacts offers.
• Vehicle type / size — small hatchbacks yield less scrap weight than SUVs, vans or trucks, which tend to be heavier and have more valuable parts.
• Make, model, age, and demand for parts — popular or in-demand makes/models can attract better offers since parts are easier to resell.
• Location and towing/collection costs — vehicles in accessible areas of Perth with free or cheap towing get better net payouts versus remote or difficult‑access places.

Because these variables fluctuate — especially scrap metal prices and demand for parts — no offer can be “100% accurate” until the vehicle is inspected.

What’s the Realistic Range for 2026?

Given recent data from 2025–2026 offers across Perth scrap-yards and buyers, a realistic expectation today for scrap car value is roughly between AUD $150 and AUD $5,000 for most vehicles — with occasional outliers (higher-end or rare vehicles) fetching $5,000–$9,000+.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Small, non‑running, older cars (e.g. an old hatchback, heavy damage, no usable parts) — likely $150–$500.
• Mid-size sedans or compact cars with salvageable parts — $400–$1,000.
• SUVs, 4WDs, vans, or heavier vehicles — $800–$3,000+.
• Vans, Utes or light‑commercial vehicles — $1,000–$5,000+ depending on size and salvageable parts.
• Running or repairable cars with demand or good parts — potentially $2,000–$9,000+, but this is rare and depends heavily on condition, parts, and demand.

Because metal prices, demand, and individual vehicle condition fluctuate, these numbers are only rough estimates. Always get multiple quotes for a more accurate value.

Real-Life Examples 

To help you visualise what kind of payout you might get — here are three realistic scenarios based on typical Perth scrap‑car conditions:

Example 1: Old Hatchback — Non-Running, Heavy Rust, Minimal Parts

• Vehicle: 1998 small hatchback, non-running for 3 years, rust on body panels, no salvageable parts.
• Likely Offer: AUD $180 – $450
• Reason: Only metal scrap value, low weight, no parts demand.

Example 2: Mid‑Size Sedan — Complete but High Mileage, Some Wear

• Vehicle: 2005 sedan, >250,000 km, fails roadworthy, but engine still intact, tyres old but usable, no serious structural damage.
• Likely Offer: AUD $500 – $1,000
• Reason: Metal value + possible salvageable engine/parts, moderate weight.

Example 3: SUV / 4WD — Running but Old, Market Demand for Parts High

• Vehicle: 2010 4WD, runs but needs new tyres and some bodywork, reasonable parts intact, moderate demand for that make/model.
• Likely Offer: AUD $1,000 – $2,000 (maybe higher)
• Reason: Heavy metal content + higher parts value + demand for used 4WD parts.

These examples are hypothetical but align with typical offers found across Perth — they serve as realistic starting points, not guarantees.

Why Offers Are Never 100% Fixed

It’s important for car owners to understand that no offer is final until inspection. Here’s why:

• Many scrap‑car buyers base offers initially on rough descriptions or photos — once they inspect the vehicle and discover rust, missing parts, structural damage, or contamination (e.g. oil, fluids), the offer can drop.
• Scrap metal prices fluctuate frequently, sometimes weekly — what a scrap‑yard is willing to pay one week may change the next.
• Demand for parts changes with market trends. A make/model that’s in demand now may lose popularity — reducing part‑value significantly.
• Towing and transport costs are sometimes deducted from the payout if the location is remote or difficult to access.

Because of all these variables, sellers should treat quotes as ballpark ranges only — and always aim to get at least 2–3 quotes from different wreckers or scrap yards.

How Premier Metals Handles Scrap Cars in Perth

At Premier Metals, we understand the variables — that’s why our process is transparent:

1. Free, no‑obligation quote — you tell us your car’s make, model, age, and condition (photos help).
2. On‑site inspection (if required) — we verify metal content, parts, condition, structural integrity.
3. Fair offer based on current scrap‑metal and parts market value.
4. Free towing anywhere in Perth metro area (removing hassles and extra cost for you).
5. Instant cash payment or bank transfer upon handover.

We aim to give you the best possible payout — but also manage expectations honestly. That’s why we emphasise that every vehicle is unique and offers vary accordingly.

Tips to Maximise What You Get for Your Scrap Car

If you’re thinking of scrapping a vehicle, here are pro tips to boost your chances of a better payout:

• Provide accurate, honest information — mileage, condition, rust, missing parts. Misleading info leads to lower offers or rejections.
• Keep the car as complete as possible — sometimes even small parts (wheels, battery, catalytic converter) add value.
• Get several quotes — different buyers will value differently. Compare offers.
• Consider timing — scrap‑metal price fluctuations and demand for certain parts matter. If possible, wait for higher demand.
• Avoid pre‑stripping or removing parts yourself — some wreckers pay more for a complete vehicle which they can dismantle professionally (plus pre‑stripping may be illegal or unsafe).
• Check towing or removal fees — many Perth wreckers offer free pickup; use those to avoid costs that cut into your payout.
• Have ownership paperwork ready — proof of title/rego helps speed up process and avoids delays.

What Affects Scrap Car Value in 2026 (Market & Macro Factors)

While individual vehicle condition matters most, broader market forces also play a big role:

• Global metal prices — steel, aluminium, copper scrap demand globally affects local scrap value.
• Australian metal recycling demand — demand for recycled metal from builders, manufacturers, and industry influences what yards can pay.
• Seasonal demand and local supply — times when many cars are scrapped (e.g. after floods, accidents, fleet renewals) can depress prices; slower supply increases them.
• Regulation & compliance costs — stricter environmental or disposal regulations may increase processing costs, which can lower what scrap yards offer.
• Fuel, transport & labour costs — when towing or recycling costs rise, wreckers may reduce offers.

These macro factors are beyond any one seller’s control — but knowing about them helps set realistic expectations and decide when to sell.

Common Myths vs Reality: Scrapping Cars in Perth

Sample Case Studies (Based on 2025-2026 Market)

Case Study A — 2002 Hatchback, Non-Running

• Owner contacted 3 wreckers, described car as “old, non-running, rust on body.”
• Offers: $250, $320, $400 (difference due to scrap metal price fluctuations and buyer demand)
• Final sale: accepted $400 with free towing.

Case Study B — 2008 Sedan (engine working, but failed roadworthy)

• Provided full details + photos.
• Offer range: $950–$1,400.
• Sold for $1,250 — car had intact engine, reasonable body, demand for parts.

Case Study C — 2012 4WD (older, but parts intact)

• Given demand for used 4WD parts, buyer offered $2,200–$3,000.
• Final sale: $2,850 (heavy chassis + working gearbox + good tyres)

These reflect real-world variability — the same car type might get different offers from different wreckers depending on timing and demand.

Why Premier Metals Recommends Periodic Market Checks

Because scrap metal prices and parts demand fluctuate, a car that seems worthless today might fetch more in a few months — and vice versa. At Premier Metals we regularly monitor:

• Metal commodity prices (steel, aluminium, copper)
• Demand for parts from popular makes/models in WA
• Fuel and transport costs (which affect towing fees)
• Regulatory changes affecting recycling

If you can, we recommend:

• Getting at least one quote per quarter if you keep a junk vehicle for a while
• Watching scrap‑metal market news before selling

This helps you choose the best time to sell and ensures you get a fair payout.

FAQs

1. Is the price I see online for scrap cars guaranteed?

No — online price ranges are approximate. Final payout depends on inspection, actual metal content, condition, and current scrap‑metal and parts demand. Always treat online figures as estimates, not guarantees.

2. Will stripping parts before I sell increase the payout?

Not necessarily. Wreckers and scrap yards often pay more for a complete vehicle because they handle dismantling properly, salvage parts, and ensure safe disposal. Removing parts yourself can reduce structural value or make the car less attractive.

3. Do I need to pay for towing when selling a scrap car in Perth?

That depends. Some yards charge for towing, which reduces your net payout. Many reputable buyers — including Premier Metals — offer free towing/removal across Perth metro, which helps maximise what you receive.

4. When is the best time to scrap my car for maximum value?

The best time depends on: market demand for parts, scrap‑metal price trends, and removal costs. Generally, try to scrap when commodity metal prices are higher and demand for used parts is strong. Getting quotes from multiple buyers helps you time it right.