7 Smart Options for Cars Not Worth Fixing in Western Australia

Owning an old or damaged vehicle that’s no longer roadworthy can be frustrating — especially when repair costs exceed the car’s actual value. Whether it's a broken engine, body damage, or mechanical failure, many Western Australians face the same question: What should I do with a car that’s not worth fixing? Thankfully, you have several smart and hassle-free options. From Car wreckers Perth to government buyback schemes, this guide covers the best routes to take when it's time to say goodbye to your vehicle.

Sell It to a Local Car Wrecker

One of the easiest and fastest ways to deal with a car that’s beyond repair is to sell it to a licensed car wrecker.

Car wreckers:

• Accept vehicles in any condition (damaged, undrivable, written-off)

• Offer instant cash based on parts and scrap metal value

• Provide free towing and paperwork handling

• Follow eco-friendly auto recycling processes

You don’t have to fix or clean the car. Just give them a call, get a quote, and have it picked up from your property — often on the same day.

Trade It in for Scrap Metal

If your car is a complete write-off and has little to no usable parts, it may still be worth something as scrap metal.

Scrap metal buyers in WA will:

• Pay for the vehicle by weight

• Accept cars even without registration or keys

• Offer on-the-spot payment

• Provide removal services

This is a great option if your car has no resale value but is still taking up space. It’s quick, simple, and environmentally responsible.

Sell Car Parts Individually

If you’re mechanically inclined (or know someone who is), consider stripping the car for parts before scrapping it. Popular car parts that can fetch good money include:

• Batteries

• Wheels and tyres

• Alternators

• Radiators

• Headlights and mirrors

• Car audio systems

You can list them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay. After selling the valuable components, you can scrap the car’s shell for additional cash.

Donate It to Charity

Several WA-based charities accept car donations — even non-running ones. These organisations either:

• Fix the car and use it

• Sell it at auction

• Scrap it and use the proceeds for their cause

Benefits of donating:

• You help a good cause

• You might receive a tax-deductible receipt

• The charity often handles pick-up and paperwork

Some popular charity programs in Australia include Kids Under Cover, GiveNow, or GIVIT.

Use It for a Trade-In (Even If It Doesn’t Run)

Believe it or not, some dealerships accept non-running cars as trade-ins, especially if you’re buying a new or certified used vehicle.

Even if your old car is worth only a few hundred dollars, it could still reduce the cost of your new purchase. Just make sure to:

• Be upfront about the condition

• Get quotes from multiple dealers

• Ask if the trade-in includes removal

This is ideal if you’re planning to replace your car and want a hassle-free swap.

Contact a Vehicle Disposal Service

In WA, there are authorised vehicle disposal services that handle the legal and environmental aspects of disposing of a car that’s not repairable.

They’ll:

• Dismantle the car responsibly

• De-register the vehicle with the relevant transport authority

• Provide official disposal certificates

This is particularly helpful for unregistered or abandoned vehicles. It ensures that you’re no longer legally responsible for the car.

Convert It into a DIY Project or Art

If you’re the creative or adventurous type, you can repurpose your old car into something functional or fun:

• Convert it into a garden feature or planter

• Turn it into a simulator or play structure

• Use parts for art installations or upcycling projects

While this might not make you cash, it’s a unique way to breathe new life into a car that’s otherwise ready for the scrap heap.

Final Thoughts

Just because your car isn’t worth fixing doesn’t mean it’s worthless. From earning cash with car wreckers  to donating it to a worthy cause, you have more options than you think. The key is choosing the right path based on your goals — whether that’s instant cash, environmental responsibility, or helping the community.

If you’re in Western Australia and stuck with a broken-down vehicle, consider one of these smart solutions. You’ll not only free up valuable space — but you’ll also do it the easy, responsible, and often profitable way.