07 3205 1521Do you have an unwanted car sitting in your driveway that is rusting through its lifespan? Then you’re not alone. In Australia, thousands of vehicles reach the end of their life every year from damage, wear, and tear. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 700,000 cars were deregistered in 2023 due to being too old or uneconomical to repair.
So what to do if your car is one of these thousands of vehicles? Luckily, there are more than just a couple of things you can do with an unwanted car. In this blog, we are going to share 7 smart options to consider for an unwanted car that can earn you some money, help others, and even protect the environment.
1. Sell Your Unwanted Car for Cash
The best option is to sell your unwanted car and get some decent amount for it, without worrying about compliance issues. Even if your vehicle isn’t running, it still holds value in its parts and metal. There are services like Cash for Cars Brisbane that can get you quick quotes, free removal, and instant cash payments up to $9,999.
Keep in mind that the value of your car is based on its condition, make, and model. Even if your car’s body is rusted, the parts can hold some value too. So you can sell the working parts individually and sell the metal body of your car to the wreckers.
2. Trade It In for a New Vehicle
If your unwanted car is still drivable, then you can consider trading it in to buy a new one. There are many dealerships across Australia that accept trade-ins. By availing the trade-in offer, you can save some money on the price of your new car.
Pro Tip: Before accepting a trade-in offer, check your car’s market value in the online marketplaces for used cars to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.
3. Donate Your Unwanted Car to Charity
Want to do some good with your old vehicle? You can donate your unwanted car to a charity that accepts vehicle donations. If your car is charity-worthy, then many charity hosting organisations across Australia would be interested in buying your vehicle.
These orgaisations would still sell your car further and use the worth of the value to fund vital community programs.
Benefits of donating:
- Support a charitable cause
- Receive a potential tax deduction
- Hassle-free pick-up and paperwork
4. Recycle Your Car Responsibly
If your vehicle is beyond repair, recycling your unwanted car is one of the most environmentally responsible choices. Car recycling helps reduce landfill waste and allows up to 85–90% of vehicle materials.
According to the Auto Recyclers Association of Australia (ARAA), car materials like steel, aluminium, and plastic can be reused more than once. Here are some other benefits that can convince you to recycle your unwanted car:
- Reduces environmental impact
- Promotes sustainable metal recovery
- Ensures fluids and hazardous materials are safely disposed of
5. Scrap Your Car for Cash
When your vehicle is too damaged or too old to sell, you can scrap your car for cash through licensed wreckers or scrap yards. There are numerous wrecking services across Australia that can offer you free towing services and same-day payments.
Why Should You Scrap Your Vehicle?
- Free car removal anywhere in Brisbane
- Instant cash offer
- Professional dismantling and recycling process
Many owners have sentimental value to their car and don’t wish to get rid of it. For further knowledge, you can go through our blog on the Psychology of Car Ownership and get to know why vehicle abundance is increasing.
6. Repurpose or Reuse Parts
If you enjoy DIY projects or mechanical work, consider repurposing parts from your old car. Many Australians turn old vehicles into creative projects, such as garden art to backyard seating or even storage sheds.
Moreover, you can sell usable parts in your car that are not in use anymore. These parts can include batteries, wheels, or electronics separately at online marketplaces.
7. Dispose of It Legally Through a Council Program
If your car has no resale or scrap value, check your local council’s old car disposal options. Many councils across Australia run junk car removal programs to keep neighbourhoods clean. For instance, Brisbane City Council offers guidelines for safely removing abandoned or derelict vehicles.
You can dispose of your car in the following cases:
- The car is rusted beyond repair
- You’re unable to transport it yourself
- You want to avoid illegal dumping fines
Final Thoughts
Your unwanted car does not have to be a burden. You can either choose to sell, donate, recycle, or scrap it; there are plenty of ways to get rid of an old car responsibly and profitably. The idea is to make a choice that fits your goals, financial, environmental, or charitable. Either way, you can get rid of unwanted cars for good.
