How to Sell a Car That No Longer Runs

That car on your lawn or in your driveway. You know the one. It was a trusty companion for years, navigating the Mitchell Freeway and taking you on weekend trips down to Margaret River. But now, it just sits. A silent, stationary landmark that’s become more of a neighborhood fixture than a mode of transport. The battery is flat, the engine won’t turn over, and a thin layer of dust has settled over years of memories. If you’re like many Perth residents, you’re probably wondering, "What on earth do I do with it?"

The good news is that your non-running car isn't worthless. In fact, it’s a cash asset waiting to be claimed. Selling a car that no longer runs might seem like a monumental task, but it’s easier than you think, especially when you know the local experts. This guide will walk you through turning that driveway dweller into a done deal. And if you want to skip the hassle entirely, our team at Car Removal Perth is here to help. With over 15 years of experience as junk vehicle removal experts right here in Perth, WA, we turn your problem car into instant cash.

Step 1: Assess Your Car and Gather Your Documents

Before you can sell your car, you need to play detective. What are you actually selling? You don’t need to be a mechanic, but having a basic idea of its condition will help you set realistic expectations.

Know What You're Selling: First, try to identify the main reason it’s not running. Is it a simple fix like a dead battery, or something more serious like a seized engine or a failed transmission? If you have no idea, that’s perfectly fine! The most important thing is to be honest about it. Take a walk around the car. How’s the body? Note any rust, dents, or broken windows. What about the inside? Is the interior in decent nick? Are the tyres still good?

Crucially, think about what parts might still be valuable. Modern cars are packed with components that have resale value even if the engine is gone. Things like the alternator, GPS navigation system, stereo, or even custom alloy wheels can be worth a fair bit.

Gather Your Essential Paperwork: Now for the admin. The single most important document you need is the vehicle's title or certificate of registration to prove ownership. Having this ready makes the entire process smoother. If you have maintenance records or the original bill of sale, gather those too. This information can sometimes add value, but don’t stress if you can’t find them. At Car Removal Perth, we are experts in navigating the paperwork and can often assist even if your documents aren't perfect.

Step 2: Figure Out What Your Non-Running Car is Worth

Pricing a car that doesn’t run is a bit different from selling a working vehicle. You're not selling transport; you're selling potential—either as a project for a hobbyist or as a collection of valuable parts and scrap metal.

• Online Valuation Tools: Websites like Redbook Australia can give you a starting point. Enter your car’s details but be sure to select the lowest possible condition ("Poor" or "Below Average") to get a ballpark figure.

• Check the Classifieds: Have a squib on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Search for the same make and model in similar non-running condition in the Perth area. This will give you a real-world idea of what other people are asking for.

• Consider the Scrap Value: Ultimately, the baseline value of any non-running car is its weight in scrap metal. Metal prices fluctuate, but this gives you a minimum price floor.

• The Easiest Option: Get a Professional Quote: Researching can be time-consuming. The fastest and most reliable way to determine your car’s value is to call an expert. As a specialist car removal service in Perth, we calculate the best possible price based on your car's specific parts, weight, and condition. One quick call to Car Removal Perth at 0412-119-053 gets you a firm, no-obligation cash offer right over the phone. No guesswork, just a fair price from a trusted local business.

Step 3: Choose Your Selling Strategy - The Hassle vs. The Easy Way

You have a few paths you can take to sell your car. Let's break them down.

Option 1: Selling to a Salvage Yard or Wrecker This is a common route. You call a local wrecker, they give you a price, and they come and pick it up.

• Pros: It’s relatively quick and they handle the towing.

• Cons: You might not get the best price, as their business model is to buy low. You’ll also need to call around to find the best offer.

Option 2: Selling to a Private Buyer This involves listing your car online and waiting for a buyer who wants it for parts or as a project.

• Pros: You have the potential to get a higher price, especially if your car is a desirable model for enthusiasts.

• Cons: This is by far the most time-consuming and frustrating option. Get ready for a stream of low-ball offers, endless questions, and people who say they’re coming to see it and never show up. You also have to be very clear that the buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for a tow truck.

Option 3: Parting It Out Yourself If you have the tools, time, and technical know-how, you can dismantle the car and sell the parts individually.

• Pros: This method can potentially bring in the most money.

• Cons: This is a massive commitment. It can take months to sell everything, you need a place to store a dismantled car, and you’ll still be left with a useless shell that you have to pay to get scrapped.

Option 4: The Car Removal Perth Way - Instant Cash and Zero Hassle This is where we come in. We combined the best of all worlds into one seamless service for the Perth community.

• Pros:

  • Instant, Fair Quote: Call us at 0412-119-053 and get an honest, competitive cash offer in minutes.

  • Cash on the Spot: We pay you cash for your car when we come to collect it. No waiting, no dodgy cheques.

  • FREE Car Removal: The price we quote is the money you get. We never charge for towing; our car removal service is always free across Perth.

  • We Handle Everything: From the paperwork to the heavy lifting, our professional team takes care of the entire process.

  • Any Condition: It doesn’t matter if it’s rusted, damaged, written-off, or hasn’t started in a decade. We see the value in every vehicle.

• Cons: Honestly, there aren't any. It’s the simplest, fastest, and most reliable way to sell your non-running car.

Step 4: Prepare Your Car for a Quick Sale

If you're selling privately, you’ll need to put in some effort to make your ad appealing. Clean the car inside and out and take dozens of high-quality photos from every angle, making sure to highlight both the good parts and the damage.

When you choose Car Removal Perth, the preparation is beautifully simple:

1. Remove all your personal belongings from the car. Check the glove box, under the seats, and in the boot.

2. That's it. Seriously. You don't need to wash it, fix anything, or even find the keys in some cases. We buy cars "as-is, where-is," saving you the time and effort.

Step 5: The Final Transaction - Closing the Deal Safely

The final step is the transfer of ownership and money.

With a private sale, this can be risky. You need to create a proper bill of sale stating the car is sold "as-is," ensure you receive payment securely (cash is best), and correctly sign over the title. Finally, you must notify the WA Department of Transport that you’ve sold the vehicle to release yourself from any future liability.

With Car Removal Perth, the final transaction is safe, secure, and stress-free. Our process is designed for your peace of mind:

1. We schedule a pickup time that works for you – often on the same day.

2. Our friendly, professional driver will arrive, quickly inspect the vehicle to ensure it matches the description, and finalize the simple paperwork with you.

3. We pay you the agreed-upon amount in cash, right then and there.

4. We hook up your car to our tow truck and remove it from your property for free.

It's that simple. No risk, no hassle, just a clear driveway and cash in your hand.

Conclusion: Your Driveway is Waiting

That old car sitting in your driveway doesn't have to be a source of stress or an eyesore any longer. It's a problem with a simple solution. While you could spend weeks navigating the challenges of private sales, you could also make one phone call and have the entire issue resolved in a matter of hours.

For over 15 years, Car Removal Perth has been the trusted junk vehicle removal expert for countless people across WA. We pride ourselves on offering a service that is fast, fair, and incredibly straightforward.

Ready to reclaim your space and get paid for it? Give us a call now.

For a free, no-obligation quote on your non-running car, call Car Removal Perth today at 0412-119-053 and let our experts turn your junk car into instant cash